yod dropping
In GenAm the /j/ is lost after alveolars /t, d, n, ls, z/ but not after labials or velars
tune: GenAm /tuːn/ RP /tʃuːn/
linking in connected speech
As English is a stress-timed language, their speaker use linking in connected speech. This means that they link words between a final consonant and a inital vowel. Besides that speakers also use a linking /r/-sound or an intrusive /w/, /r/, /j/ to make their talking more smooth. Due to linking a couple of weak forms are created in some words
the /t̬/ sound / the flap rule
The sound t̬ is called an alveolar flap. In GenAm the sound /t/ is tapped and voiced when it stands intervocationally before an unstressed vowel or between /r/ and an unstressed vowel. The sound /t̬/ is therefore indistinguishable from the sound /d/.
Example: latter -> /ˈlæt̬.ɚ/ GenAm
vowel length
There are at leat three, potentially five degrees of perceived vowel length. This vowel length is conditioned by following phonemic enviroments of the coda
long: /bi:/ (bee) long vowel, open syllable
short: /bɪt/ (bit) short vowel, closed by unvoiced obstruent.
rhotic accent
In rhotic accent the sound of the historical English rhotic consonant /r/ is preserved in all pronounciation context. In non rhotic accents, speakers no longer pronounce /r/ in postvocalic environments
Butter: RP /ˈbʌt.ər/ GenAm /ˈbʌt̬.ɚ/
mistakes due to interference
inventory
distribution
realization
There is a difference in inventory, German does not have these sounds /ð/, /θ/, /w/, /æ/. Typically these unfamiliar sounds are replaced by familiar ones that are or seem to be closest to them. Als Germans dont have the dark “l”. Dark L occurs at the end of words or link in this case before a consonant. Germans only use the light L. In English this light L only occurs before vowels or a glide /j/
Distribution
Another mistake can be made in distribution. Germans tend to have a final obstruent devoicing. In this case they might devoice the /d/ sound at the end of words and say /t/ instead. They also devoice the /z/ sound and say /s/ instead.
Realization
In this case could also be a difference in realization. In English the sound /r/ is postalveolar. However, in German the same sound can be also uvular.
What are other differences between German and English?
As German is a syllable-timed and not a stressed-timed language, German speakers do not link words. They rather leave a gap between words or do a glottal stop. And because of that, they also dont have weak forms. They rather pronounce all the words in strong form.
the differences between a GenAm and an RP pronunciation
The distribution of the yod
rhotic and non rhotic /r/
alveolar flap / the /t̬/ sound
Which Stress Pattern exist?
Stress-imposing derivational suffix
compounds vs syntactic groups
Dissyllabic Homographs of Latinate groups
Stress shift
polysyllabic words (ending: -ation, -ity, -ic) have two stressed syllables (primary and secondary). Primary stress occurs to the suffix preceding syllable. The secondary stress has to occure before the primary stress, on the first or secondary syllable.
Compounds vs syntactic groups
compunds are cases of two nouns and are treated like two single lexical items. Compounds are characterized by late stress, that is, on the stressed syllable of the first item.
Syntactic groups consists of an adjective and a noun. They are characterized by late stress, that is, on the stressed syllable of the noun component.
Dissyllabic Homographs of Latinate Origin
noun-verb alternate (example: reject)
As a noun it is the prefix that carries the stress
As a verb it is the root that carries the stress
late stress can be shifted backwards to early position triggered by certain conditions. Goal is a more balanced stress patter.
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