Linking is a fundamental aspect of American English pronunciation that is essential to achieving fluency and naturalness in speech. It involves connecting words together in a sentence in specific sound patterns, which creates a continuous flow of speech without unnatural pauses or breaks.
One of the main benefits of linking is that it makes your speech easier to understand. When words are linked together, the listener can follow your train of thought more easily, and the message you are trying to convey becomes clearer. This is particularly important when speaking in a professional setting or when communicating complex ideas, as clarity and comprehension are crucial for effective communication.
Furthermore, linking helps to reflect the natural speech patterns of American English, which is essential for non-native speakers who are trying to improve their pronunciation. By mastering the art of linking, non-native speakers can significantly enhance the naturalness and fluency of their speech, which in turn can improve their confidence and make it easier for them to communicate with native speakers.
However, linking can be challenging for non-native speakers to both hear and produce, as it requires recognition and production of sounds different from their native language. This can lead to common linking mistakes such as increasing the speed or volume of speech or creating chunks of words that are too long, leading to breathlessness.
Mastering the art of linking is an essential part of achieving fluency and naturalness in American English pronunciation. By linking words together effectively, you can enhance your communication skills and convey your message with clarity and confidence, ultimately leading to more successful interactions and better outcomes in both personal and professional contexts.
Take a look below for some general rules to follow when linking:
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