The English alphabet is based on the Latin alphabet and consists of 26 letters. Of these, 6 vowels: A, E, I, O, U, Y.
20 consonants: B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, V, W, X, Z
The letter "Y" can represent both a vowel and a consonant. In combination with a vowel, the pronunciation is very close to Russian [y] and denotes the sounds [ j ] or [ y ]
yellow, yes, you, yard, young, yoga, yogurt
day, they, boy, toy, buy, eye
Forming syllables and being paired with a consonant, the letter "Y" conveys the vowel sound [ i ]
baby, mystery, system, funny
and sound [ ai ] in words
my, cry, analyze, cycle, sky, reply
In the alphabet, each letter has its own sound name, i.e. alphabetical reading.
Transcription marks are used to convey sounds in writing. Each sign corresponds to only one sound inherent in it. Transcription signs are written in square brackets: for example, the letter A is its alphabetic name (sound) - [ ei ].
In the alphabet, letters are read unambiguously, one letter - one sound.
The letters Z and R are read differently in the British and American versions.
The British version of Z - (zed), the American version of Z - (zi).
British version R - (a), American version R - (ar).
Knowledge English alphabet also necessary because of the discrepancy between the pronunciation of words and their spelling. Therefore, you may often be asked to spell a word - Can you spell that, please?
English alphabet with pronunciation and transcription
| Letter | Transcription | Pronunciation* | The sounds it conveys | |
| A a | hey | , [æ] | ||
| Bb | bi | [b] | ||
| c c | si | [s] - before e, i, y [k] - in other cases |
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| D d | di | [d] | ||
| e e | and | , [e] | ||
| F f | ef | [f] | ||
| G g | ji | , [g] | ||
| H h | h | [h] | ||
| I i | ah | , [i] | ||
| Jj | jay | |||
| Kk | Kay | [k] | ||
| l l | [l] | |||
| M m | Em | [m] | ||
| N n | en | [n] | ||
| O o | OU | , [ɔ] | ||
| Pp | pi | [p] | ||
| Q q | cue | |||
| R r | ar | [r] | ||
| S s | es | [s], [z] | ||
| T t | ti | [t] | ||
| U u | Yu | , [ʌ], [u] | ||
| Vv | in and | [v] | ||
| W w | ["dʌbl ju:] | double u | [w] | |
| X x | the ex | , | ||
| Y y | wye | [j] | ||
| Zz | () | zi (zed) | [z] | |
* In the column " Pronunciation"given in Russian letters is the approximate sound of the names of the letters. And in the column" Transcription" given a more accurate pronunciation using phonetic transcription.
I offer you an article that explains the pronunciation English sounds and reading the transcription by selecting the words of the Russian language, where one or another sound corresponds to the pronunciation of the English sound. All information is given in the form of tables, which makes it easier to understand.
Pronunciation of vowels.
Table "Vowels" pronunciation and transcription reading.
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[uh] these, tin |
The tip of the tongue is at the lower teeth, the lips are slightly stretched, the lower jaw should not be lowered |
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The lips are somewhat stretched, the lower jaw is lowered, the tip of the tongue touches the lower teeth |
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The mouth is open almost as for the Russian sound [a], but the tongue is pushed back and down and lies flat, the tip of the tongue is pulled away from the lower teeth |
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[-] neutral vowel, unstressed sound - final unstressed [a] - room, paper |
All efforts should be focused on the stressed vowel |
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The tip of the tongue is at the base of the lower teeth |
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The tip of the tongue touches the lower teeth, the lips are somewhat stretched |
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[-] slightly similar to yo |
The tongue is raised, the lips are tense and slightly stretched, the distance between the jaws is small |
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[o] football |
You should proceed from the position of the organs of speech when pronouncing the sound [a:], then slightly round the lips |
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It is necessary to proceed from the position of the organs of speech when pronouncing the sound [a:], then slightly round the lips and slightly push them forward |
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pre-shock [a] what, gardens |
The tongue is somewhat pushed back, the lips are slightly stretched, the distance between the jaws is quite large |
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The lips almost do not move forward, but they are noticeably rounded, the tongue is pulled back |
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[y:] - long y |
Lips strongly rounded but much less you moved forward |
Pronunciation of consonants.
There are 20 consonants in English.
Table "Consonants" pronunciation and transcription reading.
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English sound. Transcription. |
Russian sound close in pronunciation |
Features of the pronunciation of the English sound |
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voiced [b] solid, as in the word bow |
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voiced [d] solid, as in the word smoke |
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deaf [f] hard, as in the word factor |
Pronounced more energetically than the Russian sound [f] |
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[j] as in the word horseman |
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deaf [x] as in the word hockey |
Similar to the sound we hear when we breathe on frozen hands to warm them, exhale with added voice |
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[th] as in the words York, major |
Stretch the tongue along the palate, lips into a smile and when pronouncing the sound [j], as in the word May, return the tongue to its original position without touching the palate |
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deaf [to] hard, as in the word com |
More energetic, inhalation before vowels, moving the back of the tongue to the throat, blocking the air flow, we pronounce a dull sound |
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voiced [l] elk |
The tip of the tongue rests on the alveoli |
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voiced [m] solid, as in the word soap |
Labial, close your lips and say ringing sound[m], exhaling through the nose |
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voiced [n] hard, as in the word nose |
The tip of the tongue rests on the alveoli |
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deaf [n] hard, as in the word finger |
Presence of aspiration |
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[kv] as in the word apartment |
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[r] as in the word horn |
The tip of the tongue rises to the front of the palate, as when pronouncing [g], the tongue is motionless |
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deaf [with] hard, as in the word catfish |
Tip of the tongue at the alveoli |
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voiced [h] solid, as in the word umbrella |
Tip of the tongue at the alveoli |
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deaf [t] hard, as in the word tone |
The tip of the tongue rests on the alveoli |
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voiced [in] solid, as in the word ox |
Pronounced more energetically than the Russian sound [in] |
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[-] Williams, goof |
Pronounced with only one lips, slightly rounded and advanced forward |
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[w] softened, as in the word tire |
The tip and front of the tongue are closer to the alveoli, the middle part is raised to the hard palate, the teeth are brought together |
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The back of the tongue closes with the soft palate, pronounced "on the nose" with an open mouth |
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The tip and front of the tongue are closer to the alveoli, the middle part is raised to the hard palate, the teeth are brought together |
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When the tip of the tongue is between the teeth, Russian is pronounced [s] |
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When the tip of the tongue is between the teeth, Russian is pronounced [з] |
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[g] as in the word jelly |
The tip and front of the tongue are closer to the alveoli, the middle part is raised to the hard palate, the teeth are brought together |
I hope these tables of pronunciation and transcription of sounds in English were useful to you.
”, transcription is used by everyone, sometimes even unconsciously. First, let's refresh our memory, what does the phrase "English transcription" mean?
Transcription of English language is a sequence of phonetic symbols that helps us understand how to read a particular sound, word. Often students are faced with transcription at the beginning of language learningwhen it is still difficult enough to read even quite simple words and then just ignore it. However, it won't be like this forever.
As soon as a student begins to skillfully use complex grammatical constructions, and develops a good vocabulary for free communication, then there is a desire to speak beautifully, like a native speaker, that is, to improve his pronunciation of English words. This is where we remember the good old transcription.
In order not to have to remember the well-forgotten old, we suggest returning to repetition from time to time. Of course, ideally, transcription should be done together with the teacher, because writing does not convey all the subtleties of pronunciation, but if you are reading this article now, the foundation for beautiful pronunciation and correct reading has already been laid, and you will definitely achieve your desired goal.
Transcription of vowels
There are two types of vowels - single sounds and diphthongs.
[ ʌ ] - [a] - short;
[a:]- [a] - deep;
[i]- [ and ] - short;
[i:]- [and] - long;
[o]- [o] - short;
[o:]- [o] - deep;
[u]- [y] - short;
[u:]- [y] - long;
[e]- as in the word "plaid";
[ ɜ: ] - as in the word "honey".
English diphthongs
A diphthong is a sound that consists of two sounds. Most often, a diphthong can be divided into two sounds, however, this cannot be conveyed in writing. Often, diphthongs are indicated not by a combination of several characters, but by their own sign.
[əu]- [ OU ];
[au]- [ay];
[ei]- [ hey ];
[oi]- [ oh ];
[ai]- [ay].
Vowel pronunciation rules in English
- Sound " a"has four varieties:
[ ʌ ] - short sound, as in the words "duck", "cut";
[ æ ] - soft sound. It has no analogue in Russian. It is read as in the word in the word "cat";
[a:]- a long sound that is read, as in the word "car";
[ ɔ ] - a short sound that sounds like both "o" and "a" at the same time. In British pronunciation, it's more of an 'o', as in 'hot' or 'not'.
- Sound " e" can be read in three ways:
[e]- for example, as in the word "let";
[ ə: ] - this sound is a bit like the Russian letter "ё", only it is read a little softer. For example, "bird", "fur";
[ ə ] - one of the most common sounds in English transcription. In sound, this sound is similar to the Russian sound "e". It is only in unstressed syllables and is almost inaudible or indistinguishable, for example, ["letə], "letter" - a letter.
- Sound " i» can be long and short:
[I]- a short sound, for example, as in the word "film";
[i:]- a long sound, for example, as in "sheep".
- Sound " about” also has 2 options - long and short:
[ ɔ ] - a short sound, as in the word "bond";
[ ɔ: ] - a long sound, as in the word "more".
- Sound " u" can also be pronounced in two ways. It can be long or short:
[u]- a short sound, as in the word "put";
[u:]- a long sound, as in the word "blue".
Transcription of consonants
In the transcription of consonants, everything is quite simple. Basically they sound like Russian. It is enough to take a thoughtful look at the above letter combinations a couple of times, and they will remain in your memory.
Consonants
[b]- [b];
[d]- [d];
[f]- [f];
[ 3 ] - [ and ];
[dʒ]- [j];
[g]- [ G ];
[h]- [ X ];
[k]- [ to ];
[l]- [l];
[m]- [m];
[n]- [n];
[p]- [ P ];
[s]- [ With ];
[t]- [ t ];
[v]- [ in ];
[z]- [h];
[t∫]- [h];
[ ∫ ] - [w];
[r]- soft [p], as in the word Russian;
[ about ]- a sign of softness, as in the Russian letter "ё" (Christmas tree).
English consonants that are not in Russian and their pronunciation:
[ θ ] - soft letter "c", the tongue is between the front teeth of the upper and lower jaw;
[ æ ] - like "e", only more sharply;
[ ð ] - like "θ", only with the addition of a voice, like a soft letter "z";
[ ŋ ] - nasal, in the French manner, sound [ n ];
[ ə ] - neutral sound;
[w]-like "in" and "y" together, soft pronunciation.
Features of English transcription
In order to make it easier to navigate in reading words, it is important to know the main features of transcription:
- Feature 1. Transcription is always in square brackets
- Feature 2. In order not to get confused where to stress in a word, it is worth considering that it is always placed before the stressed syllable. ["neim] is a transcription of the word name.
- Feature 3. It is important to understand that transcription is not the English letters and sounds that make up the word. Transcription is the sound of words.
- Feature 4. In English, transcription consists of vowels, diphthongs and consonants.
- Feature 5. To show that a sound is long, a colon is used in transcription.
Of course, knowing only character sets, it is quite difficult to read everything correctly, because there are many exceptions. In order to read correctly, it is necessary to understand that there are closed syllables and open ones. open syllable ends with a vowel (game, sunshine), closed- into a consonant (ball, dog). Some sounds of the English language can be pronounced differently, depending on the type of syllable.
Conclusion
It is worth remembering that in any business the main thing is practice (by the way, you can start practicing English remotely right now). Transcription of sounds in English will be easy for you if you work hard at it. Reading the rules once is not enough. It is important to return to them, work through and repeat regularly until they are worked out to automatism. In the end, transcription will allow you to put the correct pronunciation of sounds in English.
Memorizing English with transcription and correct pronunciation English letters and words will be great for dictionaries. You can use both English online dictionaries and the good old printed editions. The main thing is not to give up!
Inspiration to you and success in your studies. May the knowledge be with you!
Big and friendly family EnglishDom
Transcription (International Phonetic Alphabet) is used to represent the sounds of a language with special characters.
It is interesting: A wide variety of sounds are found in foreign languages: all kinds of clicks, grunts and sniffles, and for each such sound in international phonetic alphabet there is a symbol.
For transcribing sounds characters of the Latin and Greek alphabets are used, to designate some sounds, italic writing of Latin letters is used, and sometimes their spelling is reversed.
Transcription of English sounds
In total, there are 44 sounds in the English language, of which 20 are vowels and 24 are consonants.
Vowels. There are 20 vowels in English:
7 - short vowels (short vowels)
5 - long vowels (long vowels)
8 - diphthongs / double vowels (diphthongs)
Consonant sounds (consonants). There are 24 consonants in English:
8 - deaf consonants (voiceless consonants)
8 - voiced consonants (voiced consonants)
8 - other consonants (other consonants)
Below you will see very useful speaking tables of English sounds. On the left you will listen to the sound performed by the BBC announcer, and by clicking on the transcription symbol on the right you can listen to examples (three words) for each sound of the English language.
Pronunciation of English sounds. (Briefly.)
The pearl of this material is the table of pronunciation of English sounds, which is located below: If you click on the transcription sign, you can watch a two-minute video of a wonderful teacher of English for foreigners Alex Bellem where she explains and shows how to pronounce one or another English sound, and also talks about the differences in pronunciation with similar sounds. These videos were first published on the bbc website.
Pronunciation of English sounds with examples. (Full detailed description)
Click on the transcription symbol, watch the video where the BBC announcer tells and shows how to pronounce this English sound correctly.
The sounds are organized into the following different groups:
(The sounds are divided into the following groups)
As you know, all languages differ from each other not only vocabulary, but also sets of letters and sounds. For one language group, such differences may be insignificant or absent altogether, but in the case of a comparison of English and Russian languages, the difference is very noticeable. The Russian alphabet consists of 33 letters, and English, in turn, only 26. Based on this, we should expect that some of the letters and sounds familiar to us will be transmitted with peculiarities.
There are no letters in English writing that can independently convey our th, c, h, sh, u, s. And although they are almost never used by the British and Americans, they are necessary for the transmission of borrowed words, as well as for the adaptation of Slavic names, surnames, city names, and so on. To replace problematic letters, letter combinations are used.
Letter Sh.
First of all, it is transmitted by the letter combination SH. Most illustrative examples- the words EngliSH, SHine, fiSH, SHe and so on. This is how the Slavic names DaSHa, MaSHa, NataSHa and others will be transmitted. Sometimes the sound Ш is transmitted to English words other combinations. For example, commiSSion, revoluTion, dimenSion.
Letter Ch.
This problematic letter and this sound is also conveyed by a double letter combination, namely CH, which at the end of words is converted to TCH. Examples in native English words: catCH, CHalk, CHoose and so on. In borrowed words: CHeburashka, CHeboksary, PeCHkin…
Letter Sh.
This inherent Slavic languages the letter, and in particular the sound corresponding to it, causes many difficulties for the English, and is transmitted in writing with 4 SHCH characters. This is due to the similarity of the sound Щ in sound with the sound combination ШЧ. Usage examples: SHCHedrin, SHCHerbakova…
Letter C.
Unlike Ch and Sh, which are sometimes found in English words, it will not be possible to find examples of using the sound Ц, because this Slavic sound is transmitted for reasons of phonetic similarity by a combination of letters TS, less often you can find the use of TZ or TC. Translation examples: VysoTSky, TSvetaeva, TroubeTZkoy.
letter Y.
In accordance with current writing standards, this sound and this letter are transmitted using the symbol Y. It is worth noting that the letter Y is also transmitted in the same way, which sometimes causes confusion, which was not there while using the sound Y English letter J. Anyway, according to modern standards when translating, the entry will be as follows: Yogurt, TolstoY, AivazovskY.
Letter Y.
This is one of the most difficult sounds in our speech; it is difficult to pronounce it not in the middle of a word even for native Russian speakers. In English, Y is also used to replace it, while it is clear from the context which sound is meant. Examples: DobrYnin, KrYlov, DavYdova.
