Speech Work: Consonant Contrast /ð/ and /d/, and /θ/ and /t/. - JSS2 English language Lesson Note

Speech Work: Consonant Contrast /ð/ and /d/, and /θ/ and /t/.

Understanding the contrast between different consonants is crucial in mastering English pronunciation. Here, we'll focus on the contrasts between /ð/ and /d/, and /θ/ and /t/.

1. /ð/ and /d/: These are both voiced sounds where the position of the tongue is very important. The /ð/ sound is pronounced with the tongue staying between the teeth, like a voiced version of the sound /θ/⁶. With /d/, the tongue taps behind the top front teeth, similar to /t/ but with the use of the voice⁶. For example, in Nigeria, 'mother' is pronounced as 'moda', so the 'th' in 'mother' is /ð/, whereas 'thank' is pronounced as 'tank', hence the 'th' in 'thank' is /θ/.

2. /θ/ and /t/: The /θ/ sound is produced by sticking your tongue out between your teeth. This might feel impolite in some cultures, but it's necessary for proper English pronunciation¹. The /t/ sound, on the other hand, is produced with the tongue tapping behind the top front teeth.

Remember, the main difference between these sounds is that one is voiced and the other is voiceless. Voiced is when the vocal chords vibrate and voiceless is when they don’t¹. You can feel the difference between /θ/ and /ð/ by holding your hand lightly on your throat as you produce them.

Practicing these sounds in context can help improve your pronunciation. For example, try saying these sentences:

- "This is the third myth that they have thought of together."
- "There’s a path to the bath where filthy father bathes in warmth."
- "Mother soothed my thumb."¹

Remember, practice makes perfect! Keep practicing these sounds to improve your English pronunciation.