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Lesson Transcript

In this lesson, we'll learn the following sounds used in English: f, v, and θ, ð. By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to tell them apart, plus you'll be practicing them and on your way to perfect pronunciation!
I'm Alisha, and this is English Pronunciation Through Minimal Pairs.
First is f. This is the f sound in "few," "often," life," and other words.
Next is v. This is the v sound in "voice," "ever," "give," and other words.
Next is θ. This is the th sound in "three," "nothing," "death," and other words.
The last is ð. This is the th sound in "there," "mother," "smooth," and other words.
All the sounds are fricatives. Which means a sound produced by creating a narrow opening with the mouth and blowing air through it.
To make the f sound: rest the front of the upper teeth on the lower lip. The lower lip may curl slightly. Blow air through the teeth and release the lower lip outward at the same time.
f
[3 sec pause]
f (enunciated)
[3 sec pause]
f
f
[3 sec pause]
f (enunciated)
[3 sec pause]
f
To make the v sound: rest the front of the upper teeth on the lower lip. The lower lip may curl slightly. Release the sound from the throat and release the lower lip outward at the same time.
v
[3 sec pause]
v (enunciated)
[3 sec pause]
v
v
[3 sec pause]
v (enunciated)
[3 sec pause]
v
To make the θ sound: part the lips and teeth. Place the tip of the tongue between the upper and lower teeth and blow air through the teeth.
θ
[3 sec pause]
θ (enunciated)
[3 sec pause]
θ
θ
[3 sec pause]
θ (enunciated)
[3 sec pause]
θ
To make the ð sound: part the lips and teeth. Place the tip of the tongue between the upper and lower teeth, and release the sound from the throat.
ð
[3 sec pause]
ð (enunciated)
[3 sec pause]
ð
ð
[3 sec pause]
ð (enunciated)
[3 sec pause]
ð
These pairs of sounds are quite similar. The difference is in the place of articulation and voicing. F and v are labiodental sounds, and θ and ð are dental sounds. F and θ are voiceless sounds, and v and ð are voiced sounds.
Listen to the difference and repeat after me.
f, v, θ, ð
[3 sec pause]
f, v, θ, ð (enunciated)
[3 sec pause]
f, v, θ, ð
f, v, θ, ð
[3 sec pause]
f, v, θ, ð (enunciated)
[3 sec pause]
f, v, θ, ð
Listen and repeat or speak along with me.
Ready?
fairy/very
(space for repetition)
fairy/very
first/thirst
(space for repetition)
first/thirst
fat/that
(space for repetition)
fat/that
sooth/soothe
(space for repetition)
sooth/soothe
Let's review. Respond to the prompts by speaking aloud. Then, repeat after me, focusing on pronunciation.
(Do you remember the voiceless sounds?
(3)
(2)
(1)
f, θ
(1)
f, θ
And the voiced sounds?
(3)
(2)
(1)
v, ð
(1)
v, ð
Let's practice.
Compare the sounds in these two words. Which word has the voiceless sound, and which has the voiced sound?
fairy/very
(1)
fairy/very
(1)
"Fairy" has the voiceless f sound, and "very" has the voiced v sound.
Let's try one more. Which word has the labiodental sound, and which has the dental sound?
first/thirst
(1)
first/thirst
(1)
"First" has the labiodental f sound, and "thirst" has the dental θ sound.
Let's try another. Which word has the voiceless labiodental sound, and which has the voiced dental sound?
fat/that
(1)
fat/that
(1)
"Fat" has the voiceless labiodental f sound, and "that" has the voiced dental ð sound.
Let's try one more. Which word has the voiceless sound, and which has the voiced sound?
sooth/soothe
(1)
sooth/soothe
(1)
"Sooth" has the voiceless θ sound, and "soothe" has the voiced ð sound.
Now listen to this sentence. Which words have the voiceless f sound, and which have the voiced v sound?
(1 sec pause)
The green leaf fell as I decided to leave.
Now, try to read the sentence out loud, focusing on the different sounds.
The green leaf fell as I decided to leave.
Let's try one more.
He shuffled into the kitchen to get the shovel.
(pause)
Now, try to read the sentence out loud, focusing on the different sounds.
He shuffled into the kitchen to get the shovel.
(3 sec pause)
Let's try one more. Which words have the voiceless θ sound, and which have the voiced ð sound?
(1 sec pause)
Thank you, mother, for all that you do!
Now, try to read the sentence out loud, focusing on the different sounds.
Thank you, mother, for all that you do!
(3 sec pause)
Let's try another.
(1 sec pause)
Their father took three baths today.
Now, try to read the sentence out loud, focusing on the different sounds.
Their father took three baths today.
Here's a special resource just for you…
If you want to master these minimal pairs even faster…
Download our English Minimal Pairs Explained Companion eBook for FREE
This bonus eBook contains even more examples that are not in this video.
Just click the link in the comments section.

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