French phonology describes how the sounds of French are organized and pronounced. This lesson introduces the main consonant features of Standard French and explains why spelling alone does not always predict pronunciation.
French consonants include stops such as /p, t, k/, fricatives such as /s, z, ʒ/, nasals such as /m, n/, and approximants such as /j, ɥ, w/. In Standard French, /n, t, d/ are commonly articulated with the tongue blade at the teeth or alveolar ridge. The sounds /s, z/ are also dentalized: the tongue blade approaches the back of the upper front teeth while the tongue tip rests behind the lower front teeth.
All flashcards
What is liaison?
Liaison is the pronunciation of a normally silent final consonant before a vowel-initial word, as in *deux ans* [dø.zɑ̃].
What is the usual Standard French realization of /r/?
It is usually the voiced uvular fricative [ʁ], though other realizations also occur.
What is a latent consonant?
A word-final consonant that is normally silent but can be pronounced in particular contexts, such as liaison.
What is schwa?
Schwa /ə/ is a mid-central vowel when pronounced; it may be deleted in some contexts.
What is glide formation?
A process in which a high vowel such as /i/, /u/, or /y/ becomes [j], [w], or [ɥ] before another vowel.
Quiz questions
What is the broad tendency known as the loi de position in French mid vowels?Answer: Close-mid vowels tend to occur in open syllables, and open-mid vowels in closed syllables.
In a widely used account of French stress, where does ordinary stress fall?Answer: On the final full syllable of a stress group or phonological phrase.
What happens during enchaînement in French connected speech?Answer: A pronounced word-final consonant becomes the onset of the following vowel-initial syllable.
How are French nasal vowels produced?Answer: With airflow through the nose, without requiring a pronounced /n/ after an oral vowel.
Which pitch pattern commonly marks a French information question?Answer: A rapid pitch drop from a high pitch on the first word.
Based on the Wikipedia article French phonology, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.