Silent Syllables in English Pronunciation

Introduction

• Presenter: Emma from mmmEnglish
• Focus: Natural English pronunciation and common everyday words
• Goal: Improve speaking fluency and pronunciation of individual words

Understanding Syllables

• A syllable is a unit of pronunciation that includes a vowel sound and sometimes surrounding consonants.
• Examples:
  • Cat: 1 syllable
  • Healthy: 2 syllables
  • Enormous: 3 syllables

Silent Syllables

• Silent syllables often occur in common words where native speakers reduce syllables for ease of pronunciation.
• Examples of Silent Syllables:
  • Natural: 3 syllables in writing, but often pronounced as 2 syllables in speaking.
  • Naturally: Typically pronounced as 3 syllables, but can often be heard as 3 when spoken by natives.
• Not every native speaker pronounces every syllable, but the reduction is common for fluency.

Common Words and Their Pronunciations

• Every: Not just two syllables; use the reduced form.
• Everyone, Everywhere, Everything: Similar reduction to 2 syllables.
• Business: Pronounced as 2 syllables, contrary to appearance.
• Interest: Similarly reduced to 2 syllables.
• Chocolate: 2 syllables; last syllable is short.
• Aspirin: 2 syllables despite appearing as if it could be more.
• Wednesday: Pronounced as 2 syllables, with a silent D.
• Comfortable: Commonly reduced to 3 syllables.
• Vegetable: Often pronounced with 3 syllables, but can be reduced.
• Different: Typically pronounced with 2 syllables.
• Temperature: Reduced to 3 syllables.
• Politically: 4 syllables but often pronounced with 3 in casual conversation.
• Practically: Commonly reduced to 3 syllables.

Practicing Sentences

• Practice sentences for fluency:
  • "On Wednesday, I'm cooking roast chicken with vegetables."
  • "Can you bring your chocolate cake for dessert?"
  • "I'm interested in every business and I'm comfortable speaking to everyone."
  • "I practically melted; the temperature was so high!"
  • "I wish we visited at a different time of year."

Variations in Pronunciation

• Some words have two accepted pronunciations, depending on context or region.
• Family: Can be pronounced with an optional schwa sound.
• Listening: Can be pronounced with 2 or 3 syllables; native speakers often prefer 2.
• Travelling: May include a schwa, but can be pronounced with 2 syllables.
• Literally: Variations exist between American and British English.
• Actually: Both 4 and 3 syllables are common; 3 is often easier.
• Memory: Can be pronounced with an extra schwa.
• Camera: Usually pronounced with 2 syllables.
• Restaurant: Pronounced with 2 syllables in English, unlike other languages.
• Average: Most common is 2 syllables.
• Miserable: Typically pronounced as 3 syllables.
• Conference: Commonly pronounced with 2 syllables.
• Several: Can have the extra schwa sound.
• Separate: Pronunciation varies slightly between verb and adjective forms.
• Catholic: Can be pronounced with or without the schwa.

Conclusion

• Pronunciation with or without the silent syllables is acceptable; being understood is key.
• Aim for efficiency and natural flow in speech.
• Encouragement to practice by recording oneself and comparing pronunciations.