the sound of the "t"

[jctgf]

hi,

meanwhile the Canadian "t" sounds like a "r" ("better") or a "d" ("positive"), the British one sounds more as a real "t".

is it easy for a Canadian to understand the British "t"?

assuming that my Canadian "t" is bad and unnatural, should I always opt for the British "t", even when talking to Canadians?

thanks,
JC

 

[lrousos]

Hi,
Your Canadian 't' is just fine. British English also has different 't' sounds depending on the position in the word and sounds around it. In Great Britain there also are many, many regional differences in pronunciation. In all languages and dialects, there are regional differences in pronunciation that are perfectly natural and acceptable.

People who speak standard Canadian English and standard British English can easily understand each other. You can use British pronunciation if you prefer to. It's not a problem. I teach my students (in the U.S.) about the different ways to pronounce the 't' sound mainly to help their listening skills.

Good luck!

Linda

 

[Buddhaheart]

The Canadian "t" sounds like an "r" as in "better"? No way. More like a “/d/ (a flap), yes and there’re reasons for that. Just remember this is the NAm rhotacized dialect. “Is it easy for a Canadian to understand the British ‘t’?” Absolutely (Speaking for myself, that’s). Should you always opt for the British "t", even when talking to Canadians? That depends on you.