Pronunciation

In addition to indicating whether a sound is voiced or whispered, the sounds chart also has a column labelled “Pronounced”. This indicates whether the sound is to be said rapidly, or whether it is to be held.

If a sound can be held, it is indicated as three symbols for the sound (example: mmm or sss). These symbols indicate that you should be able to hold the sound for at least two seconds without distorting it. Please note that you are not supposed to say the sound multiple times (m-m-m) but rather, you are to take a deep breath and say it at one time, holding the sound for at least two seconds.

The sounds that cannot be held are shown in the “Pronounced” column as single letters – “d”, “c”, “t”.  These sounds must be said very quickly. For instance, say the word “MAD” slowly and loudly. The last sound you say is the appropriate pronunciation for the “d” sound. It is a voiced sound (feel your throat). Please note that it does not have any sound following it, and must therefore not be pronounced as “duh” or “dih”, and it must be said very quickly.

When you refer to the sounds chart, you will get an indication of how the symbols are to be pronounced with the column labelled “As in”. Please ensure that you are saying the correct pronunciation, particularly with vowels. It is also important to note that the “As in” column is only for your reference – in order to demonstrate and clarify what you are to say to your child. You must never say “aaa as in and” to your child.