Mastering French Liaisons: A Practical Exercise

Hello everyone and welcome to our exploration of an important aspect of the French language: liaison.

Definition of the Liaison

The liaison is a phonetic phenomenon characteristic of the French language, where the last consonant of a word is not pronounced unless the following word begins with a vowel or a silent h. It creates a sound link that facilitates the fluidity of speech.

Here, the liaison makes the final 's' of 'les' pronounced as a 'z' in front of the word 'amis' which begins with a vowel. We then hear les amis.

Without the liaison, the clear separation between words could make your French choppy and less natural. The liaison is thus a key element to improve your pronunciation and

The Seven Sounds of the Liaison

There are seven main sounds associated with the liaison in French. These sounds are: /z/, /r/, /n/, /t/, /p/, /g/, and /v/. Each has specific rules for use, making the practice of the liaison both interesting and delicate to master.

Here are examples for each liaison sound, to better understand their application:

- /z/ : Used after a word ending in "s" or "x" when followed by a word starting with a vowel or a silent "h". Example : les amis.
- /r/ : Less frequent, this sound can appear in certain formal liaisons. Example : le premier étage.
- /n/ : After a final "n", especially with the article "un" or certain adverbs. Example : j'ai bien aimé.
- /t/ : Occurs after a final "t" (sometimes a "d"). Example : c'est important.
- /p/ : Quite rare, can occur in very specific cases. Example : "j'ai trop aimé", although this usage is uncommon.
- /g/ : Very rare, but possible in fixed expressions or in certain language registers. Example : "un long oubli" in certain literary or poetic contexts.
- /v/ : Appears after an "f" transformed into "v" in the liaison. Example : j'ai neuf ans.

Mandatory and Forbidden Liaisons

Some liaisons are mandatory, others are forbidden, and some remain optional. Understanding these distinctions is essential for correct pronunciation and to avoid common mistakes.

Mandatory liaisons are those that must always be made to ensure the fluidity and clarity of the sentence. They generally occur:

- Between the pronominal subject and the verb. Example : ils ont.
- Between the article and the noun that follows. Example : les enfants.
- Between the adjective placed in front of the noun it qualifies if the latter begins with a vowel or a silent h. Example : un petit arbre.
- After a short adverb like: very, too much, well, more, less... Or a short preposition like: in, from, without, at, under. For example: j'ai bien aimé.
- After an inverted verb. Example : prends-en une.
- In certain fixed expressions. Example : Comment allez-vous ?.

Forbidden liaisons, on the other hand, are those that should never be made because they can change the meaning of the sentence or are simply contrary to the rules of the language. They often include:

- After a nominal subject ending in a vowel. Example : Julien est gentil, where the liaison with "est" is incorrect.
- Between a verb and its direct object. Example : je prends un stylo, where theliaison is to be avoided.
- After a long adverb. Example : c'est vraiment intéressant, where the liaison is not made.
- In front of a "h" aspiré. Example : Les héros.
- Between a noun and an adjective that follows it. Example : un bâtiment ancien.

Optional liaisons, on the other hand, can be used depending on the context, the level of formality, or personal preference. For example, it's possible to add a liaison after the verbs être or avoir: c'est une belle ville.

Liaison Exercise

Read the following sentences carefully, identify where liaisons should occur, then check by listening.

Les enfants jouent dans le jardin.
Nous avons un grand appartement.
C'est un excellent exemple.
Vous êtes invités à la fête.
Les oiseaux chantent ensemble.
Des arbres anciens bordent la rue.
Ils ont acheté une belle maison.
Il est parti sans écouter mes arguments
Les amis et un voisin sont entrés.

Conclusion

The liaison in French is more than just a simple pronunciation rule; it's a bridge that connects words, giving speech its characteristic fluidity and melody.

We encourage you to practice these liaison rules regularly in your daily communication. Attentive listening to native speakers and conscious repetition will help you integrate these phonetic nuances into your own use of French.

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Each lesson is designed to guide you step by step towards complete mastery of French, with a particular focus on practical aspects.

Thank you for following us in this exploration of the liaison. Continue to learn, to practice, and to marvel at the richness of the French language!