10 Keys to Tackle French Pronunciation

Introduction

• Presenter: Jean-Baptiste, a French teacher
• Channel: Expat Lying (for learning French to settle in France)
• Topic: How to tackle French pronunciation step by step

Key Points

Key 1: French Vowels

• French has six basic vowels: A, E, I, O, U, Y
• Vowels A, I, U have consistent pronunciations; details to be covered in future videos

Key 2: Accents on Vowels

• Four accents in French: accent aigu, accent grave, accent circonflex, tréma
• Accents change pronunciation only of E
• Examples:
  • “à” (at/to) vs. “a” (to have)

Key 3: Vowel Clusters

• When vowels follow each other, they form clusters and change pronunciation
• Examples:
  • “AI/EI” pronounced as é
  • “AU/EAU” pronounced as o
  • “OU” pronounced as u
  • “OI” pronounced as wa

Key 4: Nasal Vowels

• Vowel + N or M is pronounced nasally
• Nasal sounds have distinct airflow through the nose
• Method: Place finger under nose to feel air (examples: “an”, “en”, “in”)

Key 5: Silent Letter E

• Letter E is often silent, especially in the middle or at the end of words
• Examples: “boulangerie” (bakery), “petite” (small, for a woman)

Key 6: Consonants in French

• 19 consonants and 2 semi-consonants in French
• Regularly pronounced consonants: B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, V, W, X, Y, Z
• Special rules for: C, G, S, T, X, Y (details in future videos)

Key 7: Silent Letters and Liaison

• Silent Letters: Most consonants and letter E at the end of words
• Liaison: Final consonant pronounced if the next word starts with a vowel
  • Example: “Ils ont” vs. “Ils sont”
• Rule of thumb, but there are exceptions

Key 8: Consonant Clusters

• Special pronunciation rules for consonant clusters
  • Example: “PH” pronounced as F (“pharmacie”)
  • Example: “ILL” pronounced as y (“fille”)

Key 9: Pronunciation of Sentences

• French sentences are pronounced as a continuous flow, almost as one word
  • Example: “Les élèves sont au travail.”

Key 10: Verbs Pronunciations

• Verbs follow special pronunciation rules
• Detailed explanations to be covered in future videos

Conclusion

• Understanding these keys is just the beginning
• Next videos to provide detailed French pronunciation guidance
• Farewell: Salutations and good luck with French!