Monday, September 15, 2008

Sounds and Symbols Part Two

Another week of Sounds and Symbols has passed. This week we learned glottal stops, glided versus pure vowels, and one day devoted to learning tone. It seemed more like music class to us! What fun. Dennis says I'm a "keener"- I'd have to agree, I've always been a little nerdy like that.

Do you know what a glottal stop is? Say, "uh-oh". There they are, three of them, tucked away in that childish phrase. We discovered that it is very difficult for us to say an English word that begins with a vowel without doing a glottal stop first. Apple. Open. Elephant. You probably are glottal stopping those words all over the place without even knowing it. Which is all fine and dandy until you are learning another language where one glottal stop is the difference between, "Hello" and "Hello, ugly face." :)

6 comments:

Jean said...

Probably it will take some time to get them all correct.

Anonymous said...

I am very impressed with your language studies. It seems that the Lord has given you both keen ears to hear subtle distinctions. Do they ever teach or encourage you to teach your kids how to make certain sounds?

Kate said...

Uh-oh! The elephant ate the apple in the open barn door! I love your sounds posts! It makes me think about the words I say every day but never contemplate. Henceforth, I shall contemplate! :)

Anonymous said...

well if you ever do call someone ugly face, I suppose you can always blame the Moorcroft side of you :) Just kidding, you'll do great!
B

Anonymous said...

My My Bee
You should watch your heritage !! and be careful!!

Anonymous said...

My My Bee
You should watch your heritage !! and be careful!!