In this lesson, we will learn the pronunciation and spelling of the /k/ sound in English when it is spelt with the letter ‘k’. This lesson is Part Three of Four on the /k/ sound.
Let’s refresh how to make a /k/ sound…
Articulating the /k/ Sound
- /k/ and /g/ are articulated in the same place.
- /k/ is an unvoiced consonant: you hear the sound of air being released.
- /k/ is a stop consonant: the flow of air is temporarily blocked before it is released.
- /k/ is a velar consonant, which means the sound is made by making contact with the soft palate (the roof of the mouth towards the back).
Now let’s warm up the /k/ sound…
k = /kə kə kə/
kit kat = /ˈkɪt.kæt ˈkɪt.kæt ˈkɪt.kæt /
tick-tock = /ˌtɪk ˈtɒk ˌtɪk ˈtɒk ˌtɪk ˈtɒk/
Practice /k/ Spelt ‘k’: Some Examples from the Lesson Recording:
kick: kick the bucket
kin: kith and kin are all invited
knickknack: granny’s knickknacks
outlook: the outlook is bleak
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