Inserting Sounds in English
When we connect words in sentences, the endings of the words in the sentence sometimes change to create a smooth, natural flow. Here is an example of an insertion or the addition of a letter to create a fluid sound in English.
Certain conditions in a sentence must exist for an insertion to be present. Think of two words that are side-by-side. The first word ends in a vowel like the word “YOU” The second word begins with a vowel like “ARE.” Saying two vowels like this in running speech is difficult so we naturally add a /w/ between the two words. If this were spelled out, it would look like: “You(w)are” This is an example of a ‘w’ insertion.
Sometimes we insert a /y/ in between two words. Take the following sentence:
I am going to the office.
“I am” has the right vowel conditions, so a /y/ is inserted between the two words:
Iyam
There are actually two places that the /y/ is inserted in this sentence. I will let you find the second one on your own.
Did you know that there are rules for determining when to place a /y/ and when to place a /w/? We’ll cover that detail another time. Or you can hear about it in my webinar series called Be Rhythmic and Fluid: Get Connected. This high level of detail in speech may seem small and insignificant, but for nonnative speakers, it benefits rhythm and the natural sound of English.
Would you like to learn how to do this in running speech? Sign-up today for the class, “Be Rhythmic and Fluid: Get Connected.”
