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MODIFICATIONS OF VOWELS IN CONNECTED SPEECH
Jizzakh branch of the National University of
Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek
The faculty of Psychology, department of Foreign languages
Phylology and foreign languages
Teshaboyeva Nafisa Zubaydulla qizi
Student of group 302-21: Rustamova Zohida Zafar qizi
Abstract:
This article investigates vowel modifications in connected speech, a
phenomenon where vowels undergo alterations to facilitate natural language flow. These
modifications—vowel reduction, coarticulation, assimilation, and elision—emerge due
to varying conditions such as speech rate, stress patterns, and surrounding phonetic
context. This paper examines these processes, presenting examples from English and
cross-linguistic perspectives, and discusses implications for language teaching and
phonetic research. The findings highlight the importance of vowel modifications in
achieving fluent, comprehensible speech and propose practical applications for language
learners and linguists.
Keywords:
Connected Speech, Vowel Reduction, Coarticulation, Assimilation,
Elision, Phonetic Analysis, Second Language Acquisition, English Pronunciation.
Introduction
Connected speech refers to the natural flow of language where words blend together in
continuous discourse. In this process, vowels often undergo phonetic modifications that
facilitate articulation and accelerate communication. These modifications are integral to
the fluency and naturalness of spoken language. This article explores the main aspects
of vowel modification in connected speech, focusing on processes like vowel reduction,
assimilation, coarticulation, and elision, which collectively shape pronunciation patterns
in languages, particularly English. By analyzing these phenomena and their implications
for language teaching, this paper provides insights valuable to instructors, phonologists,
and researchers focused on teaching the nuances of natural language flow (Teshaboyeva,
2023; Teshaboyeva & Akramov, 2023).
Literature Review
A robust div of research explores how vowels in unstressed positions often
reduce or centralize, as observed in English, where full vowels tend to become schwa
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[ə]. Ladefoged (2006) and Wells (1982) discuss how vowel reduction in English
contributes to its unique rhythm and how this phenomenon varies across languages.
Additional studies by Browman and Goldstein (1989) and Nolan (1992) analyze
coarticulation and assimilation, noting that vowel qualities are dynamically influenced
by surrounding sounds in connected speech. Cross-linguistic research reveals that
languages like Russian show extensive vowel reduction, while languages like Spanish
are less prone to this change. This variation indicates that vowel modification is shaped
by both linguistic and cultural factors (Teshaboyeva & Yakubova, 2023; Gaybullayeva,
2022).
Methodology
Data from the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA) and other spoken
language corpora provided examples of vowel modifications in connected speech.
Phonetic analysis was conducted using PRAAT software to measure formant
frequencies and vowel qualities, focusing on variables such as syllable stress, tempo,
and phonetic environment. Transcriptions and acoustic data were analyzed to explore
vowel modifications, enhancing understanding of how vowels adapt in fluent speech
contexts (Teshaboyeva & Mamayoqubova, 2020; Teshaboyeva, 2023).
Vowel Reduction in Connected Speech
Vowel reduction is one of the most common modifications, occurring when
vowels in unstressed syllables shift toward a more neutral schwa sound [ə]. This is
frequent in English, especially in fast or informal speech. For example, "and" in "bread
and butter" is often pronounced as /ən/, where the vowel is reduced to maintain speech
rhythm without fully articulating each vowel. This process depends on factors like word
prominence and tempo, making vowel reduction an essential element in the fluidity of
connected speech (Ladefoged, 2006; Teshaboyeva & Akramov, 2023).
Coarticulation and Vowel Assimilation
Coarticulation involves the influence of neighboring sounds on vowels,
facilitating smoother transitions between sounds. English diphthongs, for instance, may
vary slightly depending on adjacent sounds, demonstrating the adaptability of vowel
qualities in connected speech. Similarly, assimilation allows vowels to adopt the
qualities of surrounding sounds, streamlining articulation. In phrases like "can you," the
vowel may centralize to /kən ju:/ in rapid speech, illustrating how coarticulation and
assimilation make connected speech more fluid and natural (Browman & Goldstein,
1989; Teshaboyeva & Rayimberdiyev, 2023).
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Elision and Deletion
Elision, or vowel deletion, frequently occurs in English when unstressed vowels
are omitted, especially between consonants in rapid speech. For example, "family" often
becomes /ˈfæmli/ in colloquial speech. Elision accelerates communication, impacting
rhythm and syllabic structure. By eliminating less prominent vowels, speakers achieve
a smoother speech flow, emphasizing elision’s role in natural language discourse and
demonstrating its phonological and practical significance in communication
(Teshaboyeva, 2023; Ladefoged, 2006).
Elision (Omission)
A vowel is entirely omitted, especially in unstressed syllables, to make
speech more fluid.
Example:
o
"every"
→ /ˈɛvri/ instead of /ˈɛvəri/
o
"family"
→ /ˈfæmli/ instead of /ˈfæməli/
Reduction
Vowels in unstressed syllables are often reduced to a weaker, more central
sound like the schwa /ə/.
Example:
o
"to"
→ /tə/ in
"I want to go"
o
"of"
→ /əv/ in
"a cup of tea"
Insertion (Epenthesis)
In some cases, a vowel may be inserted between two consonants to ease
articulation, though this is less common in English.
Example:
o
In some dialects,
"film"
might be pronounced as /ˈfɪləm/.
Assimilation
While primarily affecting consonants, assimilation can also influence
vowels when adjacent sounds cause them to change slightly.
Example:
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o
The vowel in
"can"
may shift slightly depending on the following sound,
e.g.,
"can go"
vs.
"can bake."
Lengthening and Shortening
Vowel duration can change depending on the surrounding sounds,
especially due to stress or word boundaries.
Example:
o
In
"he sees,"
the vowel in
"sees"
may be lengthened before a voiced /z/.
Diphthong Smoothing
In faster speech, diphthongs can become monophthongs (one-part vowels),
simplifying their articulation.
Example:
o
"tired"
→ /taɪəd/ might become /ta:d/ in rapid speech.
Linking and Intrusion
Linking vowels may arise at word boundaries to maintain fluency:
o
Linking:
Inserting a glide between vowels, e.g.,
"law and order"
→ /lɔːr
ənd ɔːdə/.
o
Intrusion:
Adding a sound like /r/, /j/, or /w/ where it does not exist, e.g.,
"I
saw it"
→ /aɪ sɔːr ɪt/.
Glottalization
A vowel may be slightly modified or interrupted by a glottal stop, especially
in some dialects.
Example:
o
"bottle"
in Cockney English might influence vowel quality through glottal
insertion: /ˈbɒʔl/.
These modifications are central to natural, conversational speech and are
influenced by factors such as speed, dialect, and emphasis. Understanding them is
crucial for both language learners and linguists studying phonetic and phonological
processes.
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Implications for Language Teaching
Vowel modifications in connected speech hold valuable implications for language
teaching, especially in enhancing English language learners' listening comprehension
and pronunciation. Processes like vowel reduction, coarticulation, and elision present
challenges for non-native speakers, necessitating specific pronunciation practice.
Techniques like shadowing, where learners mimic native speakers’ pronunciation
patterns, and intonation practice exercises can help learners familiarize themselves with
connected speech, promoting a more natural-sounding pronunciation. By integrating
these phonetic modifications into lessons, educators can help students gain a better
understanding of English phonology and prepare for authentic communication scenarios
(Teshaboyeva & Yakubova, 2023; Gaybullayeva, 2022).
Discussion
Vowel modifications in connected speech significantly impact both intelligibility and
naturalness, presenting challenges for native and non-native listeners. For language
learners, these changes can obscure comprehension since isolated pronunciations differ
from connected speech. This underscores the importance of integrating connected
speech features in language teaching, which can improve fluency and enhance the
practical understanding of spoken English. For linguists, vowel modification studies
offer insights into the phonetic structures underlying fluent speech. Further research
could examine vowel modifications across dialects or specific learner groups to deepen
our understanding of how these adaptations support spoken language fluency
(Teshaboyeva, 2023; Teshaboyeva & Mamayoqubova, 2020).
Conclusion
This article has examined the principal vowel modifications in connected speech,
emphasizing the phonetic adaptations that contribute to fluent and natural
communication. Processes such as vowel reduction, coarticulation, assimilation, and
elision demonstrate how vowels adjust based on linguistic context and stress patterns,
facilitating ease of articulation. For language learners, familiarity with these
modifications is crucial for achieving clear, authentic pronunciation. By incorporating
connected speech features into pronunciation instruction, educators can help learners
navigate the complexities of natural language flow, supporting more fluent and
comprehensible speech. Ultimately, understanding vowel modifications not only
enriches phonological knowledge but also informs effective language teaching strategies
that promote real-world communication.
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