Vocabulary (Review)

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Lesson Transcript

This is the ø sound. And this is the o sound. By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to tell them apart, PLUS you'll be practicing them and on your way to perfect pronunciation!
I'm Doria, and this is French Pronunciation Through Minimal Pairs.
First is ø. This is the ø sound in deux, feu, eux, and other words.
o is the o sound in beau, chaud, mot, and other words.
ø and o are both pronounced with rounded lips.
To make the ø sound: the tongue position is similar to the /e/ sound, so make the /e/ sound first, keep the tongue forward, and try to make your lips rounded.
ø
[3 sec pause]
ø (enunciated)
[3 sec pause]
ø
ø
[3 sec pause]
ø (enunciated)
[3 sec pause]
ø
In Lesson 4, we have learned how to make the o sound: part the lips and round them tightly.
The tongue is in the back of the mouth.
o
[3 sec pause]
o (enunciated)
[3 sec pause]
o
o
[3 sec pause]
o (enunciated)
[3 sec pause]
o
Both vowels are pronounced with rounded lips.
The difference between these two sounds is about the tongue position.
The tongue in /ø/ is more in front, and /o/ is more at the back of the mouth.
When you say the vowel /ø/, like in deux,
your lips are rounded,
and your tongue is in the front part of your mouth,
like in /e/
For the vowel /o/, like in dos,
your lips are rounded,
but your tongue pulls towards the back of your mouth.
So, Listen to the difference and repeat after me.
ø o.
[3 sec pause]
ø o (enunciated).
[3 sec pause]
ø o.
ø o.
[3 sec pause]
ø o (enunciated).
[3 sec pause]
ø o.
So try to focus on the tongue position when you pronounce these two sounds.
Listen and repeat or speak along with me.
Ready?
deux/dos
(space for repetition)
deux/dos
peu/pot
(space for repetition)
peu/pot
Let's review. Respond to the prompts by speaking aloud. Then, repeat after me, focusing on pronunciation.
Do you remember the sound that has the front vowel?
(3)
(2)
(1)
ø
(1)
ø
And the sound that has the back vowel?
(3)
(2)
(1)
o
(1)
o
Let's practice.
Compare the sounds in these two words. Which word has the front vowel, and which has the back vowel?
deux/dos
(1)
deux/dos
(1)
Deux has the front vowel, and dos has the back vowel.
Let's try another.
(3 sec pause)
peu/pot
(1)
peu/pot
(1)
Peu has the front vowel, and pot has the back vowel.
Let's try one more.
cheveux/chevaux
(1)
cheveux/chevaux
(1)
Cheveux has the front vowel, and chevaux has the back vowel.
Now, listen to the following sentences. Which words have the front vowel, and which words have the back vowel?
(1 sec pause)
Il a deux livres dans son sac à dos.
deux, dos
(3 sec pause)
Il y a un peu d'eau dans le pot.
(3 sec pause)
peu, pot
(3 sec pause)
Read the following sentence out loud, focusing on the different sounds.
Elle attache ses cheveux quand elle s'occupe de ses chevaux.
(3 sec pause)
cheveux, chevaux
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