What is Catenation?
Catenation is a common feature of spoken English, particularly in connected speech where words are linked together in a natural way. It can sometimes make spoken English sound faster or more fluid, but it can also make it more difficult to understand for non-native speakers or those who are not accustomed to hearing this feature of the language.
Consonant-to-vowel catenation refers to the linking of a final consonant sound in one word with the following vowel sound in the next word. This occurs when the final consonant sound of a word is pronounced without a pause or break, and then immediately followed by the vowel sound of the next word, creating a smooth and continuous sound.
For example, in the phrase "red apple," the final "d" sound in "red" links with the initial "a" sound in "apple," creating the sound of "reddapple" in connected speech.
Consonant-to-vowel catenation is a common feature of spoken English, especially in fast, casual conversation. It helps to create a smoother, more natural flow of speech and is a normal part of English pronunciation. However, it can make understanding spoken English more challenging for non-native speakers, as it can alter the pronunciation of individual words and make them sound different from their written form.
케이텐네이션은 자연스러운 방식으로 단어가 연결되는 연결된 말에서 특히 구어 영어의 공통적인 특징입니다. 때로는 구어 영어가 빠르거나 순조롭게 들리게 할 수 있지만, 이러한 언어의 특징에 익숙하지 않은 비영어권 사용자나 이에 익숙하지 않은 사람들에게는 이해하기 어려울 수도 있습니다.
자음-모음 케이텐네이션은 한 단어의 마지막 자음 소리와 다음 단어의 모음 소리를 연결하는 것을 말합니다. 이것은 한 단어의 마지막 자음 소리가 일시적으로 끊어지지 않고 발음된 후 바로 다음 단어의 모음 소리가 나오면서 부드럽고 연속적인 소리를 만드는 것입니다.
예를 들어, "red apple"이라는 구절에서 "red"의 마지막 "d" 소리가 "apple"의 첫 번째 "a" 소리와 연결되어 연결된 말에서 "reddapple" 소리를 만듭니다.
자음-모음 케이텐네이션은 특히 빠르고 캐주얼한 대화에서 구어 영어의 공통적인 특징입니다. 이것은 말의 부드러운, 자연스러운 흐름을 만드는 데 도움이 되며 영어 발음의 정상적인 부분입니다. 그러나 이러한 특징은 개별 단어의 발음을 변경하고 그들의 쓰기 형태와 다르게 들리게 할 수 있기 때문에 비영어권 사용자가 구어 영어를 이해하기 어려울 수 있습니다.
Here are some examples of common instances of consonant-to-vowel catenation:
"have a" - The final "v" sound in "have" is linked to the initial "a" sound in "a" to create "hav-a".
"big apple" - The final "g" sound in "big" is linked to the initial "a" sound in "apple" to create "big-a-pple".
"red umbrella" - The final "d" sound in "red" is linked to the initial "u" sound in "umbrella" to create "re-du-mbrella".
"green ink" - The final "n" sound in "green" is linked to the initial "i" sound in "ink" to create "gree-nink".
"hot oven" - The final "t" sound in "hot" is linked to the initial "o" sound in "oven" to create "ho-to-ven".
"sad eyes" - The final "d" sound in "sad" is linked to the initial "i" sound in "eyes" to create "sa-dies".
"black ink" - The final "k" sound in "black" is linked to the initial "i" sound in "ink" to create "bla-kin-k".
"good idea" - The final "d" sound in "good" is linked to the initial "i" sound in "idea" to create "goo-di-dea".
These are just a few examples of consonant-to-vowel catenation in spoken English. There are many other instances where this feature of English pronunciation can be heard in everyday conversation.
Here are some example sentences that have several words ending in a consonant and the next word starting with a vowel:
He asked his friend to lend him-a pen-and paper.
My favorite song-is by a band called The Rolling Stones.
I love-eating popcorn while watching movies.
The doctor prescribed him-a new medication for his cough.
The wedding was held-in-a small chapel-on-a hill.
The company is known for-its-innovative products-and services.
We have to take-a bus-and then-a train to get to the airport.
She put-on-a red shirt-and black pants.
He enjoys playing guitar-and singing-in his free time.
Here are some more. Where are the links?
"I have a big appetite and want some delicious apple pie for dessert."
"She held onto the red umbrella tightly during the windy storm."
"The green ink spilled all over my new notebook, leaving a mess."
"Last night, I dreamed of traveling to places and meeting interesting people."
"Hot oatmeal with fresh blueberries is a great breakfast idea on a cold morning."
"Sad eyes often reveal hidden emotions that people try to hide."
"Black ink is the most common color used in writing and printing."
"Good actors can convey a range of emotions and make the audience feel deeply."
"The white apple on the table was so juicy and delicious, I ate it all in one bite."
"The little girl in the pink dress was dancing and twirling in the sunny meadow."
In each of these phrases, a final consonant sound in the first word links with the following vowel sound in the next word to create a smooth and continuous sound when spoken in connected speech.
Some longer statements
Yi Sun-sin, a Korean-admiral, was renowned for his valor-and strategic brilliance, leading victorious naval battles-against Japan-in the 16th century.
Empress Myeongseong, a symbol-of resistance, fought for Korea's-independence during the late 19th century, enduring persecution-and-assassination.
King Sejong, a visionary ruler, promoted literacy through the invention-of Hangul, a phonetic writing system still-used today in Korea.
An Jung-geun, a patriot-and-activist, assassinated the Japanese statesman-Ito Hirobumi, sacrificing his-own life for Korea's freedom.
Queen Seondeok, a wise and influential leader, governed the ancient kingdom of Silla, fostering cultural and economic advancements.
Heo Hwang-ok, a legendary queen, is believed to have arrived in Korea from India, bringing knowledge and cultural exchanges to the country.
Yi Hwang, a prominent Confucian scholar, contributed greatly to Korean philosophy and ethics, leaving a lasting impact on future generations.
King Gwanggaeto the Great, an illustrious ruler, expanded the Goguryeo kingdom's territories, establishing a powerful empire in ancient Korea.
Seo Hui, a talented statesman, served as a prime minister during the Goryeo dynasty, implementing administrative reforms and promoting stability.
Hong Gildong, a legendary hero, led a popular rebellion against corrupt officials, standing up for the oppressed and fighting for justice in Korean folklore.
Kim Yu-sin, a revered general, played a pivotal role in the unification of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, demonstrating exceptional military prowess.
Shin Saimdang, a multifaceted artist, excelled in painting and calligraphy, leaving an artistic legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Sejong the Great, a wise monarch, prioritized the welfare of his people, implementing agricultural reforms and promoting scientific advancements.
Jang Yeong-sil, an ingenious inventor, revolutionized Korean technology with his creations, including the water clock and celestial globe.
Kim Dae-jung, a charismatic statesman, championed democracy and advocated for peace, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.
Yi Bang-won, a controversial figure, played a central role in establishing the Joseon dynasty, but his ruthless methods earned him both admiration and criticism.