Chapter One
第一章
Consonant Cluster
輔音群
A consonant cluster is a group of two, three or even four consonants pronounced together. Consonant cluster can be very difficult for many speakers. There are no vowel sounds to separate the consonants in the cluster. When pronouncing cluster sounds, be careful not to insert a vowel between cluster sounds. Otherwise, you would create a completely different word than intended. Now, let's look at a few of the most difficult consonant clusters.
輔音群是由兩或三個,甚至四個輔音組成的一起發(fā)音的輔音組合。輔音群的發(fā)音對不少人來說不是一件容易的事。在輔音群中,輔音與輔音之間沒有元音分隔,發(fā)音時,注意不要在輔音之間加入元音,否則,念出來的就會是一個意思不一樣的單詞了?,F(xiàn)在,我們一起來看看幾個最難的輔音群。
QU
The k-w sound is usually spelled q-u. Review the consonant sound w to help you with this cluster. Begin by rounding your mouth and curling your lips out. Your mouth should look a little like the opening of a trumpet. Now arch the back of your tongue up to the roof of your mouth. Close off the air. Then push your tongue off and down by forcing air over it.
k-w音的拼寫通常是q-u。復(fù)習(xí)一下w的發(fā)音可以幫助你掌握這個輔音群的發(fā)音。開始時,雙唇呈圓形,就像是小號一樣。再抬起舌的后部并頂住軟腭,截住氣流,然后讓氣流把舌頭往下壓,并從舌床上經(jīng)過。
qualms, quiet, quit, quest, quilt, quiz, quail, queen, quirk, quad, quick, quite, quake, quality, quarrel, quarry, quart
Alice was queen for a day.
It's not quite quiet enough yet.
Don't quake in your boots.
Go in there and quit!
Let's have a quick lunch on the quad.
SPL
For s-p-l, begin with the l: [lit]. Now build backwards and add p: [plit]. Then hold the s: [split]. Be sure to place the vowel sound after the cluster: [], not [], or []. []. Now try these words.
先從字母l開始:[lit]。然后,我們倒著來,加字母p:[plit]。再作好發(fā)字母s的口形準備:[split]。注意要把元音置于輔音群后面,應(yīng)該是[], 不是[], 也不是 [],而是[].
[] [] [] split
[] [] [] splash
[] [] [] splay
[] [] [] splinter
splendid, splint, spleen, splice, splurge, splat, splotch
It was a splendid day to splash in the pool.
Let's splurge on a good movie.
My son wore a splint to school.
There's a splotch of ink on your dress.
Splat went the boy with his feet all splayed out.
I'll split the bill with you.
Let's splurge on a double ice cream cone.
Can you help me take out this splinter?
SPR
For s-p-r, begin with the r: [red]. Now add p: []. Then hold the s: [].
先從字母r開始:[red],然后加字母p:[]。再作好發(fā)字母s的口形準備:[]。
[] [] [] spread
[] [] [] spree
[] [] [] spring
spray, sprint, sprocket, spruce, sprite, sprig, spry, sprain, sprinkle
Spring has sprung today.
Spread the toast with fresh butter.
Don't sprint across my yard.
What a spry old man!
Spray off after your sprint.
Spruce up for a night on the town.
How did you sprain your ankle?
The bike chain needs some new sprockets.
We're ready for that shopping spree.
Try putting a few sprigs of fern in the bouquet.
SL
For s-l, begin with the slow [s] sound, then bring your tongue up to the bump behind your upper teeth. This sounds like []. Remember, say [] not [].
我們先以緩慢的[s]音開始,然后,再將舌往上提升到上齒齦位置,發(fā)[]音。記住,正確的音是[],而不是[]。
slid, sling, slip, slum, slime, slew, sleeve, slot, slow, slick, slack, sleep, slade, slide, slate
How can you sleep in such a sloppy room?
Be careful not to slip and slide.
I like the one with the slits in the sleeves.
Slow down for the oil slick.
It's fun to play slip and slide.
Jack slew the giant.
Don't slack off now.
Put the money in the slot.
This slum is really slimy.
Try for a clean slate.
SQU
Start with the w: []. Now build backwards and add the k sound: []. And finally hold the s: []. Repeat these words.
從w開始:[]。再倒著來,加k音:[]。最后,再作好發(fā)字母s的口形準備:[]。跟我讀。
[] [] [] squish
[] [] [] squash
[] [] [] squirt
squirm, squirrel, squander, squalor
How can you live in such squalor?
Billy squirted Bob with a squirt gun.
Squirrels never squander acorns.
Stop your squirming!
When Sam squashed the bug it squished beneath his shoe.
THR
T-h-r is the most difficult beginning consonant cluster for almost everyone. For t-h, rest the tip of your tongue between your teeth and push the air over your tongue and between your teeth: []. For r, pull your tongue back and keep it flat between your teeth: [r]. The t-h in this cluster never has sound, only air, so don't press your upper teeth onto your tongue. They should rest on top, very gently, barely touching the tongue. There should be a narrow passage between your tongue and teeth. Now, slowly pull your tongue back into a gentle r position.
幾乎所有人都認為輔音群組t-h-r的發(fā)音是最難的。發(fā)t-h音時,把舌尖放在上下齒之間,口腔內(nèi)氣流從舌床經(jīng)過,沖出齒間,發(fā)出[]。發(fā)r音時,把舌頭收回并在口腔內(nèi)放平,發(fā)出[r]。這個輔音群里的t-h是不發(fā)聲的,只有氣流的呼出,因此,不要用上齒壓住舌。上齒應(yīng)輕輕地放于舌上,只是輕觸到舌床,在舌頭和牙齒之間應(yīng)有一個很小的氣流通道。好了,慢慢地把舌從齒間收回到發(fā)r音的位置。
Let's try this sound by beginning with r: []. Then add t-h: [].
讓我們來試試,從r 開始:[],然后加t-h音:[]。
[] [] thrust
[] [] thrall
[] [] three
thrill, throat, throw, threat, thrifty, thrash, through, throb, thrive, throttle, thread, thrice
He threw three strikeouts in the game.
My heart was throbbing after that thrilling ride at the fair.
This throttle seems to be stuck.
The sword thrust clean through.
What permits bacteria to thrive in the throat?
The people are enthralled with the throne.
FL
For f-l gently rest your teeth on the inside of your lower lip. Don't put too much pressure on the f sound. As you blow, permit a pillow of air to gently flow between your teeth and lower lip. Now bring your tongue tip up to rest behind your teeth to form the l.
發(fā)f-l音時,把上齒輕輕地放在下唇內(nèi)側(cè),在發(fā)f音時,不要太用力。在發(fā)音時,讓氣流從上齒和下唇之間通過,然后,把舌尖提起,放在上齒后面,發(fā)l 音。
Let's start with the l first: []. Now add f: []. Now try it.
我們先從字母l開始:[],再加字母f:[]。現(xiàn)在試試看。
[] [] flew
[] [] fling
[] [] flog
flask, floor, flat, flag, flock, fling, flack, flan, flair, flash, flap, flinch, flub, flail
The flag flew proudly on the Fourth.
Fling away your fears and go.
Flapping and flailing around won't get you anywhere.
The prisoner didn't flinch at this flogging.
Fred found a flask on the floor.
-RCH
birch arch march perch parch church search lurch
The marchers were parched.
What kind of bird is perched on that birch tree?
So many churches have beautiful arches.
-RP
harp, sharp, carp, Earp, burp, AARP, warp
Can you play the harp?
Make a sharp left over there.
Please excuse yourself when you burp.
How old must you be to joint AARP?
-NTH and -LFTH
month, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, seventeenth, eighteenth, nineteenth
My daughter's in the twelfth grade.
We live on the fourteenth floor.
This is my ninth cookie.
I have lived here for nine months.
The sixteenth birthday is one of the best.
You are the tenth person to call.