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l | ![]() | The French 'l' is similar to the 'l' in English "with Lee". The tongue tip usually touches the back of the upper teeth. It is also a so-called "clear" l: in other words, you don't raise the back of your tongue as you pronounce the French 'l', as occurs in some cases in English. | |
a | ![]() | The French 'a' vowel is pronounced with the tongue far forward in the mouth and the mouth quite wide open, but not quite as open as for a typical English 'a' vowel. | |
k | ![]() | A French 'k' sound (often written "qu" or, as in English, "c") is generally pronounced in a similar way to the English 'k' sound of "skin", "scan" etc. In other words, it is not usually followed by a "strong burst of air" (aspiration) as in the 'k' sound of English "kit", "can" etc. If you are a native English speaker, repeat the word "cool" then "school" while holding your hand in front of your mouth. In the word "cool", you'll feel a stronger burst of air than in "school". In French, you always pronounce the 'k' sound as in English "school", without the strong burst of air. | |
õ | ![]() | The French 'nasalized o' is pronounced with the lips in a similar to position to the 'close o'. However, the vowel is nasalized: air escapes through the nose as well as the mouth. | |
f | ![]() | The French 'f' sound is pronounced in a similar way to English 'f'. | |
i | ![]() | The French 'i' vowel is pronounced with the tongue almost as far forward and close to the roof of the mouth as it will go and with the lips spread. Aim to "tense" your lips for a moment as you pronounce it. | |
z | ![]() | The French 'z' sound is pronounced in a similar way to English 'z', by bringing the front part of the tongue very close to the ridge behind the teeth, causing friction as the air escapes, and with the vocal cords vibrating. A very subtle difference is that many English speakers use the very tip of the tongue, whereas in French it is common to use the part of the tongue just behind the tip (called the "blade" of the tongue). | |
ʁ | ![]() | The French 'r' is generally what is technically called a "uvular fricative". In simple language, that means you bring the back of your tongue close enough to the back of the mouth that it causes friction (the "raspy" sound that you hear) with the escaping air. | |
i | ![]() | The French 'i' vowel is pronounced with the tongue almost as far forward and close to the roof of the mouth as it will go and with the lips spread. Aim to "tense" your lips for a moment as you pronounce it. |