What is the general rule for the glottal "T" ?

[amigo]

What is the general rule for making or not making the glottal "T" in words like "mountain","Hilton" and "maintenance"?

Thank

[Tdol]

In connected speech, sounds get dropped when it's easier to do so and doesn't affect comprehension. In some regional dialects, like Cockney, it is more marked. I think it's just ease rather following rules.

[Central Mexico]

Are you looking for a definition of which "t's" are glottal? If so, the general rule for determining a glottal t is:

Glottal t:

Medial "t" after a stressed syllable, preceded by a vowel or a vowel plus "r" and followed by "syllabic n" is pronounced as "glottal t".

As this sound is similar to "flapped t" it will also be denoted by [đ]. However, there are some characteristic differences in pronunciation between [dṇ] and [đṇ].

[đṇ] satin [ˈsæđṇ], mountain [ˈmawnđṇ], cotton [ˈkɑđṇ], button [ˈbəđṇ], certain [ˈsərđṇ], important [ɪmˈpɔrđṇt]

Syllabic n:

"n" or vowel plus "n" in an unstressed syllable and preceded by "t" or "d" is pronounced as "syllabic n".

[ṇ] satin [ˈsæđṇ], mountain [ˈmawnđṇ], cotton [ˈkɑđṇ], button [ˈbəđṇ], certain [ˈsərđṇ], important [ɪmˈpɔrđṇt], bu
rden [ˈbərdṇ], sudden [ˈsədṇ]

[Tdol]

Which accent are you decribing here?

[amigo]

I'm sorry. I should've mentioned American accent.

[Tdol]

In British English, the glottal, where used, involves removing the sound:

A glass of wa'er, etc.

As far as I know of American pronunciation, I'd follow the Mr Mexico's guidlines.

[Steven D]

Originally Posted by amigo

What is the general rule for making or not making the glottal "T" in words like "mountain","Hilton" and "maintenance"?

Thank

Sometimes the "t" is left out of "mountain". If someone is speaking quickly, there's a good chance the "t" will be left out.


I say the "t" in "Hilton".

The "t" might be left out in "maintenance" when people speak quickly. It probably is.

I don't think it's a good idea to say there are any rules to follow here. I think it's better to make observations and consider what guidelines exist.

I'm speaking for North American accent/pronunciation.

[amigo]

Tdol,Central Mexico and X Mode:

I'll pay attention to how native speakers say it.

Thank you!!! You guys are great!

[Steven D]

Originally Posted by amigo

Tdol,Central Mexico and X Mode:

I'll pay attention to how native speakers say it.

Thank you!!! You guys are great!

You're welcome.

Thank you for recognizing our greatness. I, for one, am always working towards becoming greater each day.

Here's a site for ya. Youc'n listen t'native speakersofEnglish fromallover the world here. Check it out.

http://www.elllo.org/index.htm
http://www.elllo.org/graphics/faqs.htm

http://www.elllo.org/graphics/download.htm

Here's another one that might be good. I have yet to take a better look at it.

http://www.antimoon.com/other/shaggydog.htm