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  #1  
Old 21-Feb-2005, 20:08
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Default the pronunciation difference between t and d

dear teachers,

how to pronunce t in the end of words such as bat and but?
how to pronunce d in the end of words such as bad and bud?
what's the difference? is it the tongue position that makes the difference?
thanks for your help..
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  #2  
Old 22-Feb-2005, 01:35
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Default Re: the pronunciation difference between t and d

When I say them, my tongue is further forwards for the -d sound. Also, the -d sound is voiced (the throat vibrates).
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Old 22-Feb-2005, 04:36
may
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Default Re: the pronunciation difference between t and d

thanks, but i still don't understand...
can you please explain again in detail about the tongue position to make the sound of t ending (teh) and d ending (deh)

I've tried by stopping the airflow and then lowering the tip tongue sharply to release the airflow with sudden pressure, but i don't know how to make t ending and d ending different

thanks again...
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Old 22-Feb-2005, 12:14
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Default Re: the pronunciation difference between t and d

I see no difference in the tongue position. /t/ and /d/ are made in the same way, except that /t/ is unvoiced and /d/ is voiced. Don't involve the first part of the word or become preoccupied with your tongue-- just focus on saying the terminal sound with and without vibrating your vocal cords.
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Old 23-Feb-2005, 18:20
may
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Default Re: the pronunciation difference between t and d

thanks for the tips...
I am just not confident with my pronunciation on voiced and unvoiced ending since my native language doesn't care much about voiced and unvoiced ending consonants. I guess I need to practice more....
thanks again...
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Old 24-Feb-2005, 08:25
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Default Re: the pronunciation difference between t and d

Quote:
Originally Posted by may
thanks for the tips...
I am just not confident with my pronunciation on voiced and unvoiced ending since my native language doesn't care much about voiced and unvoiced ending consonants. I guess I need to practice more....
thanks again...
In addition, final "t" in English is partially aspirated. That is, there's a bit of air that follows the "t". If you don't release the air, "t" will be unaspirated, and that sounds a lot like [d], which is probably why you can't feel a difference.

Try, [t], [t], slowly. Let the air flow through; release the air after [t].
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