Liaison Linguistics - French Pronunciation
The pronunciation of liaisons is based on various linguistic and stylistic factors.
Lexicology
In order for a liaison to be possible, it must end in a latent consonant. A latent consonant is simply a final consonant that is normally silent (as in petit), but that can liaise with the word that follows it (petit ami). Not all consonants are latent; for example, the t at the end of et is a silent rather than latent consonant, and is thus never liaised.
Phonetics
Liaisons can only occur between a word that ends in a latent consonant and one that begins with a vowel or mute h. When a non-latent (i.e., normally pronounced) consonant is followed by a vowel or mute h, the transfer of the consonant to the word that follows it is called enchaînement.Syntax
Liaisons occur between syntactically-related words. That is, they occur within nominal, verbal, and prepositional groups, but not between these groups. The following chart has a few examples, but is certainly nowhere near comprehensive (see liaison lesson for more detailed information).
| Liaison | No liaison | ||
| Adjective, number, or article + noun (nominal group) | Adjective or number + another kind of word | ||
| beaux enfants | [bo za(n) fa(n)] | Ils sont beaux à minuit | [bo a] |
| un homme | [uh(n) nuhm] | Les livres sont bons ici | [bo(n) ee see] |
| les amis | [lay za mee] | Donnez-en deux à Paul. | [deu a] |
| Pronoun + conjugated verb (verbal group) | Pronoun + another kind of word | ||
| Vous avez | [vu zavay] | Mettez-les ici | [lay ee see] |
| Ont-ils | [o(n) teel] | Ceux avec qui je parle... | [seu a vek] |
In addition, the pronunciation of some liaisons helps to contrast similar phrases.
| Ils sont vs Ils ont | être vs avoir (auxiliary verbs) | Grammatical contrast |
| Ils sautent vs Ils ôtent | different verbs | Semantic contrast |
| Ils s'amusent vs Ils amusent | pronominal vs active voice | Voice contrast |
Style
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Learn more about... |
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* Liaisons * Enchaînement |
Note, however, that no matter how low a register you wish to speak in, you cannot avoid pronouncing required liaisons. Likewise, no matter how refined the register, forbidden liaisons cannot be pronounced. In either case, the only ones that you have a choice about are optional liaisons.
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