Exercise 2.2
Based on: Collins, den Hollander, Mees & Rodd, (2011)
Below, you will find a list of so-called ‘worry words’, which all contain the ‘strut sound’ you are working on. Use the trick you learned in the video to produce an open, unrounded vowel sound while saying the words below. Practise a few times first, then record yourself and listen back for improvement.
1. sun 7. one
2. cut 8. won
3. dull 9. brother
4. front 10. blood
5. month 11. love
6. fun 12. worry
Exercise 2.3
Based on: Collins, den Hollander, Mees & Rodd, (2011)
When focusing on making the ‘strut sound’, you should also pay attention that you don’t produce what we call the ‘lot vowel’ in words that have a ‘strut vowel’ in them.
Listen to recording 2b, then say the word pairs below, paying attention to the differences between both vowels. You should not confuse one for the other. If you need help distinguishing between these sounds, visit the IPA section of the website and click on the /ʌ/ and /ɒ/ symbols in the chart
1. gun – gone 5. lover – hover
2. one – want 6. dove – cough
3. does – was 7. London – Australia
4. Monday – holiday 8. monkey – wasp
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Exercise 2.4
Now that you have learned what some of the regular pitfalls are for Dutch learners of English when it comes to producing the sound /ÊŒ/, it is time to practise producing that sound in short sentences. First, practise pronouncing the sentences below, then record yourself, and listen back for improvements. Also, pay attention to the ‘strut’ and ‘lot’ distinction you have learned.
1. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
2. I come from a country with lots of young people.
3. They flew to London on a Monday last month.
4. Enough tough battles have caused the shedding of lots of blood.
5. My mother can help me like no other.
6. Duncan is trying to brush up his Dutch.
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Recording 2b