What is assimilation?
Assimilation is a natural process in spoken English where one sound changes to become more like a nearby sound. This usually happens in fast or casual speech and helps make pronunciation smoother and more natural.
Why does assimilation happen?
When speaking quickly, our mouth moves smoothly from one sound to another. Sometimes, a sound changes to match or blend with the sounds around it. This makes speech more fluid and reduces effort in pronunciation.
Common types of assimilation
Progressive assimilation: A sound influences the next sound.
Example: dogs → /dɒgz/ (The /s/ sound changes to /z/ because of the voiced /g/ before it.)
Regressive assimilation: A sound is influenced by the sound that comes after it.
Example: input → /ˈɪmpʊt/ (The /n/ sound changes to /m/ before the /p/ sound.)
Reciprocal assimilation: Two sounds influence each other and change.
Example: don’t you → /dəʊntʃu/ (The /t/ and /j/ sounds merge into /tʃ/.)
Practical examples
Here are some common examples of assimilation in everyday speech:
That boy → /ðæp bɔɪ/ (The /t/ sound changes to /p/ before the /b/ sound.)
Good girl → /ɡʊɡ ɡɜːl/ (The /d/ sound changes to /ɡ/ before the /g/ sound.)
Green park → /ɡriːm pɑːk/ (The /n/ sound changes to /m/ before the /p/ sound.)
How to practice assimilation
Listen to native speakers: Pay attention to how words change in fast speech.
Repeat after recordings: Mimic native pronunciation in phrases and sentences.
Record yourself: Compare your pronunciation with native speakers.
Use minimal pairs: Practice with word pairs that show assimilation.
Shadow reading: Read along with audio recordings, matching pronunciation closely.
Assimilation is a key part of natural spoken English. By understanding and practicing it, you can improve your listening skills and sound more fluent. Keep listening, practicing, and speaking to master this important feature of English pronunciation!
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