Basic Rules of Elision and Assimilation in English | Introduction to Linguistics

Elision and assimilation are two important phonological processes in English that affect how words are pronounced in connected speech. Understanding these processes can help improve both listening comprehension and spoken fluency.

Elision

Elision is the omission of certain sounds in a word, particularly in rapid speech. This process helps make speech flow more smoothly and efficiently.

Common Types of Elision:

1. Elision of /t/ and /d/:

• These sounds are often dropped when they appear between two consonants.

• Example: "next day" can be pronounced as "nex day" (eliding the /t/).

• Example: "old man" can be pronounced as "ol man" (eliding the /d/).

2. Elision of unstressed vowels (Schwa /ə/):

• The schwa sound is often elided in unstressed syllables.

• Example: "camera" can be pronounced as "camra".

• Example: "chocolate" can be pronounced as "choclate".

3. Elision in contractions:

• Common in informal speech where auxiliary verbs and not are contracted.

• Example: "I have" becomes "I've".

• Example: "He is" becomes "He's".

• Example: "Do not" becomes "Don't".

Rules for Elision:

• Typically occurs in fast, casual speech.

• Helps to ease the transition between sounds.

• More common in informal contexts but can occur in formal speech as well.

Assimilation

Assimilation is the process where a sound changes to become more like a neighboring sound. This makes speech more fluid and natural.

Common Types of Assimilation:

1. Voicing Assimilation:

• A consonant changes its voicing to match the voicing of a neighboring consonant.

• Example: "have to" can be pronounced as "haf to" (voiceless /t/ influences the /v/ to become voiceless /f/).

• Example: "used to" can be pronounced as "ust to".

2. Place Assimilation:

• A consonant changes its place of articulation to match a neighboring consonant.

• Example: "input" can be pronounced as "imput" (the /n/ changes to /m/ before the bilabial /p/).

• Example: "ten girls" can be pronounced as "teng girls" (the /n/ changes to /ŋ/ before the velar /g/).

3. Manner Assimilation:

• A consonant changes its manner of articulation to match a neighboring consonant.

• Example: "that side" can be pronounced as "thasside" (the /t/ changes to a fricative /s/ to match the /s/ in "side").

Rules for Assimilation:

• It can occur in both formal and informal speech, but is more common in rapid, connected speech.

• Often happens to make transitions between sounds smoother and faster.

• Can occur within words or across word boundaries.

Tips for Practicing Elision and Assimilation

1. Listen and Imitate: Listen to native speakers and try to mimic their pronunciation, paying attention to where they elide or assimilate sounds.

2. Practice with Sentences: Use example sentences to practice, first slowly and then increasing your speed.

3. Recording Yourself: Record your speech and compare it to native speakers to notice where you can apply elision and assimilation.

4. Minimal Pairs and Contextual Practice: Use minimal pairs (words that differ by one phoneme) and contextual phrases to practice.

Conclusion

Elision and assimilation are key processes in natural English speech. By understanding and practicing these phonological processes, you can enhance your pronunciation, making your speech more fluid and natural. Use this guide to identify and apply elision and assimilation rules in your daily practice.