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Connected Speech & Linking Sounds

What is connected speech?
Connected speech is when spoken language is not pronounced as it is written down on a page.
For example, sometimes when native speakers very quickly, they add, remove and even change sounds. This is connected speech and this is what makes spoken English difficult to understand for students who are learning English.
Linking sounds means when sounds are joined or linked together.
Is connected speech important?
If you want to speak English like a native speaker, then connected speech is very important.
When native speakers speak English, they often use connected speech and what they say sounds very different from the way it is written.
What are some common examples of connected speech?
Example 1 - What are you doing? (Woddayuhdowing?)
Example 2 - Give it to him. (Givit towim.)
Example 3 - What's happening? (What'sappening?)
Example 4 - Do you want to go? (Djyuh wanna go?)
Example 5 - What is it about? (Woddizidabout.)
How can I improve my connected speech?
The best way to improve your connected speech is to listen to native speakers and copy them. You can listen to native speakers while watching TV, YouTube, the news and much more.
It’s very important to keep practicing your connected speech so it will become natural for you.
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