Word Linking in English: linking vowels
Listen below
Rule 1: When the first word ends with the sound ‘i’, and the second word starts with a vowel sound, the words often link with the sound /j/, as the tongue is in a high front position close to /j/ at the end of the first word. The different accents of English use this to a greater or lesser extent. (listen below)
we_are, we_often, I_imagine, I_ ate, boy_always, joy_everywhere, day_in, day_out, three_evenings, see_ everything, looking_out, way_out.
Rule 2: When the first word ends with the sound ‘u’, & the second word starts with a vowel sound, the words link with the sound /w/, as the lips are already rounded and the tongue is in a raised back position close to that of /w/ at the end of the first word. The different accents of English use this to a greater or lesser extent. (listen below)
you_are, blue_anorak, go_in, go_ out, now_eat, plough_again, two_evenings, too_inconsiderate, low_ altitude, allow_everything.
