Listening and speaking: Contrast: /s/, /t∫/ and /∫/ (Diphthongs and Monophthongs in Contrast) - JSS3 English language Lesson Note
Listening and Speaking - Contrast: /s/, /tʃ/, and /ʃ/
Introduction to Consonant Sounds
In English, consonant sounds can be challenging to distinguish. Three such sounds are /s/, /tʃ/, and /ʃ/. These sounds differ in their place and manner of articulation.
Sound Characteristics
1. /s/:
Place of Articulation: Alveolar
Manner of Articulation: Fricative
Description: This sound is produced by forcing air through a narrow channel formed by placing the tongue close to the alveolar ridge (just behind the upper front teeth).
Example Words: Sun, Mouse, Face
2. /tʃ/:
Place of Articulation: Post-alveolar
Manner of Articulation: Affricate
Description: This sound starts as a stop (like /t/) and releases as a fricative (like /ʃ/). It is made by stopping the airflow completely and then releasing it slowly.
Example Words: Chair, Watch, Catch
3. /ʃ/:
Place of Articulation: Post-alveolar
Manner of Articulation: Fricative
Description: This sound is produced by directing air through a narrow channel formed by placing the tongue close to the post-alveolar region.
Example Words: Shoe, Fish, Wash
Practice with Examples
/s/
- Sea
- Mouse
- Sing
/tʃ/
- Cheese
- Watch
- Church
/ʃ/
- She
- Wash
- Dish
Listening and Speaking Practice
Minimal Pairs: These are pairs of words that differ by only one sound, which helps in distinguishing between the sounds.
- /s/ vs /tʃ/:
- See /s/ vs. Chee /tʃ/
- Sip /s/ vs. Chip /tʃ/
- /s/ vs /ʃ/:
- Sip /s/ vs. Ship /ʃ/
- Sue /s/ vs. Shoe /ʃ/
- /tʃ/ vs /ʃ/:
- Cheap /tʃ/ vs. Sheep /ʃ/
- Cheer /tʃ/ vs. Shear /ʃ/
Sentence Practice: Practice sentences to differentiate sounds.
- The sun is shining.
- She bought a new shirt.
- The child is cheerful.
Diphthongs and Monophthongs in Contrast
Diphthongs
A diphthong is a complex vowel sound that begins with one vowel sound and glides into another within the same syllable. Examples include:
- /ei/ as in "day"
- /ai/ as in "my"
- /ɔɪ/ as in "boy"
- /əʊ/ as in "go"
- /aʊ/ as in "now"
Monophthongs
Monophthongs are single, pure vowel sounds. Examples include:
- /i:/ as in "see"
- /ɪ/ as in "sit"
- /u:/ as in "blue"
- /ʊ/ as in "put"
- /ɒ/ as in "pot"
- /ɔ:/ as in "law"
- /æ/ as in "cat"
- /ʌ/ as in "cup"
- /ə/ as in "sofa"
Practice with Diphthongs and Monophthongs
1. Minimal Pairs with Diphthongs and Monophthongs
- /i:/ vs /ɪ/:
- Sheep /i:/ vs. Ship /ɪ/
- Beat /i:/ vs. Bit /ɪ/
- /eɪ/ vs /æ/:
- Mate /eɪ/ vs. Mat /æ/
- Cane /eɪ/ vs. Can /æ/
- /ɔ:/ vs /ɒ/:
- Caught /ɔ:/ vs. Cot /ɒ/
- Law /ɔ:/ vs. Lot /ɒ/
2. Sentence Practice: Practice sentences to contrast diphthongs and monophthongs.
- "He bought a coat and cot."
- "The sheep is on the ship."
- "She wears a cap and cape."
By understanding and practising these contrasts, students will improve their pronunciation, listening skills, and overall grasp of English phonetics.