Hello there!
This is the "Sounds American" channel.
In this video, we're going to talk about the American consonant sound /b/,
as in the word "boy."
You can also hear this sound in words like
"bill" - "cab" - "baby" or "hobby."
We'll be using a special phonetic symbol - /b/ - for this sound.
The /b/ is one of six consonants in the stop sounds category.
Let's start with reviewing the key points about the /b/ from the Stop Sounds Overview video.
The /b/ is made by stopping the air with your lips.
The /b/ is a voiced sound.
It has a voiceless counterpart, the consonant sound /p/.
As with all stops, aspiration is essential for the pronunciation of the /b/ sound.
The /b/ is made with a slight puff of air at the beginning of words and stressed syllables.
At the end of words,
the /b/ follows the final stop rule and is not aspirated.
For example,
Now let's find out how to pronounce the /b/ sound.
To make the /b/ sound correctly,
it's important to focus on stopping the air with your lips.
Let's take a closer look at how to do that:
Press your lips together to first stop the air in your mouth.
Next, part your lips and release the air with a puff.
Remember, the /b/ is a voiced sound, so you need to add your voice.
Let's try making it:
Let's get started with our practice with the /b/ sound at the beginning of words.
Remember to add your voice and make a small puff of air when pronouncing the /b/ sound.
This is how the practice works.
You'll see a word on the screen and hear its pronunciation.
Like this.
You'll have a few seconds to pronounce the word.
♪
Try to practice as many words as possible,
this is the most important part of the whole lesson.
Let's begin!
Great job!
The words in the next group will have the /b/ sound at the end.
Remember, you shouldn't make a puff of air when the /b/ is in this position.
Let's continue practicing.
Let's begin!
Excellent!
Now, let's practice pronouncing words with more than one /b/ sound.
Here's an additional challenge:
you need to determine, which one is aspirated and which one is not.
You're done!
Congratulations!
You know what?
The Sounds American team knows how hard you're working,
especially those who watch our videos to the very end.
But know this: you're now one step closer to speaking with an American accent.
Thanks for watching!
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Come back soon to our Sounds American channel!