Speechwork: Consonants /dʒ/ and /ʒ/ - JSS2 English language Lesson Note

Consonant Sound /dʒ/

1. Description:

   - The /dʒ/ sound is a voiced postalveolar affricate.

  - It is produced by combining a /d/ sound with a /ʒ/ sound.

2. Articulation:

   - Place the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, just behind the upper front teeth (alveolar ridge).

 

Start with a /d/ sound, then quickly transition into a /ʒ/ sound by allowing air to pass through a narrow gap while vibrating your vocal cords.

 Examples:

   - Jump: /dʒʌmp/

   - Judge: /dʒʌdʒ/

   - Juice: /dʒuːs/

   - Bridge: /brɪdʒ/

Practice Words:

  - Giant: /ˈdʒaɪənt/

  - Gem: /dʒɛm/

  - Jar: /dʒɑːr/

  - Jeans: /dʒiːnz/

 

Common Mistakes: Confusing /dʒ/ with /ʒ/ or /ʃ/. Ensure the /d/ sound is clearly heard before the /ʒ/ sound.

 

Consonant Sound /ʒ/

Description:

   - The /ʒ/ sound is a voiced postalveolar fricative.

   - It is produced by creating a narrow constriction with the tongue and the roof of the mouth, allowing air to pass through while vibrating the vocal cords.

Articulation:

   - Place the tongue close to the roof of the mouth, just behind the alveolar ridge.

   - Allow the air to pass through the narrow gap, causing a friction sound while vocal cords vibrate.  Examples:

   - Measure: /ˈmɛʒər/

   - Vision: /ˈvɪʒən/

   - Genre: /ˈʒɑːnrə/ or /ˈʒɒnrə/

   - Usual: /ˈjuːʒuəl/

Practice Words:

   - **Leisure**: /ˈliːʒər/ or /ˈlɛʒər/

   - **Conclusion**: /kənˈkluːʒən/

   - **Treasure**: /ˈtrɛʒər/

   - **Asia**: /ˈeɪʒə/

Common Mistakes:Confusing /ʒ/ with /ʃ/. The /ʒ/ sound is voiced, whereas the /ʃ/ sound is voiceless.

 

Exercises to Distinguish /dʒ/ and /ʒ/

Minimal Pairs Practice

Minimal pairs are pairs of words that differ by only one sound. Practising with minimal pairs can help distinguish between /dʒ/ and /ʒ/.

 

1. Minimal Pairs:

   - Jam /dʒæm/ vs. Gym /dʒɪm/

   - Just /dʒʌst/ vs. Juice /dʒuːs/

   - Measure /ˈmɛʒər/ vs. Major /ˈmeɪdʒər/

   - Genre /ˈʒɑːnrə/ vs. Jar /dʒɑːr/

 

Sentence Practice

Sentences:

  - /dʒ/ :

     - "The judge jumped over the bridge."

     - "She enjoyed a jar of jam."

  - /ʒ/ :

     - "They measured the treasure."

     - "Her vision of the genre was unique."

 

Mastering the consonant sounds /dʒ/ and /ʒ/ is essential for clear and effective communication in English. By understanding the articulation and practicing with minimal pairs, sentences, and listening exercises, students can improve their pronunciation and distinguish between these two similar sounds. Regular practice and attention to detail will lead to noticeable improvement in speech clarity.