Hi there!
I need to clasify plural words (ending in -s) into three categories, depending on the way the final -s is pronounced:
/s/
/z/
/iz/
I can make the difference (very clearly) when it is pronounced /iz/ as in “chances”, but I´m completely unable to identify the difference between /s/ and /z/ so… is there any rule?? How can I differenciate them without hearing them?
Thanks for your help in advance.
Hi,
I have found these guidelines for you and will read the examples out:
Pronunciation of Final /-s/ and /-es/
The /s/ at the end of a word preceded by a voiced sound is pronounced /z/.
The /s/ at the end of a word preceded by a voiceless sound is pronounced /s/.
Voiced Sounds
a, e, i, o, u b d g j l m
n r v w x y *z
Voiceless Sounds
c f h k p
q *s t *ch *sh
*see below
Try these words. Determine if the /s/ at the end of these words sounds like /z/ or /s/.
*Additionally, when the /-es/ comes after the /s/, /z/, and the following combinations, /sh/, /ch/, /ss/, /ge/, and /dge/, the pronunciation of the last syllable is /əz/. Try these examples:
Myra M. Medina, Miami Dade College