Other Sounds to Consider

The consonant system in English does not differ from other languages as much as the vowel system, however, there are sounds that are totally new for some of our ELLs. Spanish, for example, lacks the following phonemes: /v/, /ð/, /z/, /ʃ/, /ʒ/, /θ/. These sounds can cause difficulty for Spanish speakers when acquiring the new consonant system.

In addition to new sounds, another source of difficulty for ELLs are English consonant clusters, which are not common in other languages. Combinations such as without vowel support can be tricky. Another confusing concept for ELLs concerning consonants is the occurrence of a syllable core where one consonant becomes obscured to the point of vocalic disappearance. An example of this is in the word “important” where the /n/ becomes the syllabic core of the /t/.

Click on the booklets below to view The Potential Impact of Syntax and Phonology Transfer from Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese. These booklets are available in hard copy and can be obtained through the Multicultural & ESOL department. Take some time to flip through each. You will be asked to revisit pages 3-4, the section on phonology in this week’s assignment.