Consonant-consonant linking

• Assimilation


  When consonants change slightly to make pronunciation easier
• Levels of assimilation


  • Complete
  • Partial
  • Intermediate
• Complete assimilation


  • The consonant completely changes to match the neighboring consonant
• Complete assimilation


  • is she becomes [ɪʃʃɪ]
• Partial assimilation


  • The consonant changes somewhat but keeps its main sound
• Partial assimilation


  • twice - the [w] is partially devoiced but still recognizable
• Intermediate assimilation


  • The consonant changes to a different sound, but not completely to the neighboring consonant's sound
• Intermediate assimilation


  • gooseberry - [s] changes to [z], not to [b]
• Directions of assimilation


  • Regressive (Anticipatory)
  • Progressive
  • Reciprocal
• Regressive (Anticipatory) assimilation


  • The consonant changes because of the following sound
• Regressive assimilation


  • ten bikes - [n] changes to [m] before [b]
• Common regressive assimilation changes

  • [s] + [j] = [ʃ]: horseshoe
  • [z] + [j] = [Ʒ]: hosier
  • [t] + [p] = [p]: hot pie
  • [d] + [b] = [b]: good boy
• Regressive assimilation


  • Place of articulation changes but voiced or voiceless quality stays the same
• Progressive assimilation


  • The consonant changes because of the preceding sound
• Progressive assimilation


  • print - [r] becomes partially devoiced due to [p]
  • news - [u:] becomes more front due to [j]
• Reciprocal assimilation


  • Both consonants influence each other
• Reciprocal assimilation


  • [t] + [j] = [ʧ]: statue
  • [d] + [j] = [dʒ]: education
  • [s] + [j] = [ʃ]: issue
  • [z] + [j] = [Ʒ]: Does your