Pronounce It Perfectly in French

Pnonounce
Pe
lr
ntrcrly
in FnENcir
.h"
PnonouNcE lr
Penf
crly
in FnENCk
by Christopher Kendris, Ph.D.
Dipl6m6, Institut de Phon6tique
Universit6 de Paris (en Sorbonne)
Formerly Assista nt Professor

DePartment of French
State University of New York at Albany
NA
rEfiil.it-lNiK
BARRON'S EDUCATIONAL SERIES, INC.
For my wife Yolanda, my two sons.Alex and

Ted, my daughter-in-law Tina, and my four
grandsons Bryaln, Daniel, Matthew and Andrew
Conre rurs
with love
Inc'
O Copyright 1994 by Barron's Educational Series'
Introduction
vi
Abbreviations Used in This Book

The French Alphabet
ix
ix
Plnr Ore: Thr Yowrls

Unit
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3
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5
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International Standard Book No' 04120-16556

Library of Congress Catalog Card No'
9
10
1l
9*4387
Kendris, ChristoPher
Pronounce it perfectly in French / by Christopher Kendris'
p. cm. - (Pronounce it perfecdy in -) ^^ ^
ISBN 0120S03&6 (book & tape
ISBN GS1ZOIO5F6 (book)'
bY
foreip
speakers, 2. French
language-Textbooks for foreign speater--Englisb-
II. Series.
PC2137.K46 l99t
448.3'421-{c20
STATES@AilfnICA
4567 sffi98765432r
PRINTED IN I.]NNED
I. Title.
93.44387
CIP
o
J
B
l8
76
80
91
93
101.
III
174
rurd hrotrriol
La Liaison
L'Enchainement, l'6lision, e muet
123
The Consonants:
Plnr Thner: \Vond Prrrenrs
Library of Congress Cataloging-ia-Publication Data
l. Fiench language-Pronunciation
The Three Semi-vowels

The Four Nasal Vowels
Plnr Two: Tke Corsoranrs

6
The Consonants: I
7
The Consonants: II
Barron's Educationai Series, Inc'
package)
The Vowels a, e,i, o, u, I

The Vowels with Accent Marks
The Most Common Single, Double,
and Triple Vowels in Combinations
and Clusters in a Word
L'Intonation
Apperdix
Pronunciation Guide
Vocabulary
1n
130
136
r39
t4t
t42
lntroduction
This book and the tlvo cassettes that come with it are organized and presented simply and clearly for persons who want
to improle their pronunciation of French. The program can
be used in middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities either independently, in class, or in a language lab-
It can also be used by students under a teacher's.

supervision in grade 5 and up in elementary schools so they
oratory,
can have an early start
in lood French pronunciation.
Travelers, business people, persons in government sewice, in
the military, and others who want to learn to pronounce

French properly and make themselves understood will also
find this program valuable for self-instruction.
It would be ideal to use the book and cassettes at the same
time. However, this program has been designed so that you
can use the book and cassettes separately. You do not need to
rely on the book while listening to the tape when driving

your car or using your Walkman while jogging, walking, or
exercising. You will profit from either the book or cassettes,
or both at the same time.
If you follow the book and the two cassettes from beginning
to end, spending approximately twenty minutes a day, you will
improve your French pronunciation so much that you will
be amazed and delighted! The key is to practice, practice,
practice.
musical qualities. It
has melody
The French language has

when spoken properly because ofthe abundant use ofpure
vowels, semi-vowels, and nasal v-oweis pronounced in words in
al'ariety of ways. The language is never spoken in a monotone
because it lends itself naturally to rh;'thm, intonation (a rise
and fall of the voice), liaisons, enchainements (linkingwhich is not the same thing as a liaison), elision, and other
qualities that many languages do not have. They are all
on the tapes, and if you let yourself go, doing your best to imitate the pronunciation on the tapes-even if you must exag_
gerate to perfect your imitation-you will be happy with the
results you achieve.
I would suggest that you start at the beginning of the book

with the basics and notjump around here and there (unless
it's for review or reinforcement) because there is a gradual
progression in the program from simple sounds to the more
challenging ones. The book begins with the pronunciation of
the letters ofthe French alphabet because, after all, they are
used in the words you pronounce and you must be acquainted
with them so you can see how their sounds change when
used in words. After that, the vowels are introduced. you will
learn how to pronounce them when they have no accent
marks in different positions within a word, and how they
change in pronunciation when they do have accent marks.
You will have plenty of practice in pronouncing simple words
and commonly used phrases.
The units in this book are arranged sptematically from the

most simple and basic sounds of vowels and consonants to the
most common single, double, and triple vowels in combina_
tions and clusters with or without consonants within a word
or at the end of a word. One French word in particular that

has alwap intrigued me is oeufs (eggs), which produces only
one vowel sound when pronounced.
Subsequently, you are guided in the pronunciation of
words in groups, phrases, clauses, and sentences. Take a few
minutes and turn to the Contents to become familiar with it.
Fan the pages of the book and see for yourself that you will
have plenty of practice listening and speaking when you use
the two cassettes.
explained and illustrated in this book and on the cassette

tapes. If you listen carefully to the authentic French spoken
vl
vil
When I give English rvords as examples that contain sounds

similar to French, be aware that they are onl,v approximate
because the English language does not contain many of the
French sounds. For example, when pronouncing a round,
closed o in French, it should not contain a ar sound tacked on
to it as it does in English. We say, for example, Oh, so go!
with a zu sound. In French you must avoid such a zu sound by
not bringing your lips together. Another frequently used
French sound is the vowel u, as in tu, du, lu, pu, plus, and
many others. This sound does not exist in English either' It is
close to the zsound in the English words cuteNtd/albutwithout the zl sound. This, too, is explained and illustrated when
you come to the pronunciation of the French u. Listen carefully to these French sounds and many others on your tape
and try to imitate them. Occasionally, drawings are included
in the book to illustrate the proper position of the lips and
tongue to help you produce the sounds as accurately as possible.
There are many different kinds of French pronunciation in

the regions of France and in other French-speaking countries,
just as there are different ways of pronouncing English in different parts of the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and
other countries of the world. There are also different levels of
pronunciation in France within regions; for example, there is
tatanguc po@laire (popular language often pronounced carelessly, as we sometimes pronounce English carelesslv and incorrectly) and la langue soignie, which is carefirl, accePtable
pronunciation. The pronunciation cfFrcrrdr remmended in
this book and on the casseue 4es b correcr' aorylile French'
have omitted anvthing abour Freoch Pronunciation
in this book that you think is imporranU Plcde write to the
publisher so it mry be inchrded in a fuure editi<m.
And now, learn hq to prucre Frtnth correctfy.
If I
Abbreviatiohs Used in This Book

m.
masculine
i*p. imperfect
f.
feminine
subj. subjunctive
s.
singular
part. participle
pl.
piural
fam. familiar
person
P.
pol. polite
lst,
2nd, first, second,
3rd
sub.
The French Alphabet

lntroducing the Sounds
Let's begin by pronouncing the letters of the French alpha_
bet. It is important to know the letters and how to pronounce
them because, after all, they are used in words you are learn_
ing to pronounce. You need to know the sounds of the letters
when someone spells a French word for you or if you have to
spell a word; for example, when you give your name to a
hotel clerk over the telephone to reserve a room. The 26 let:
ters are the same as in the English alphabet. When referring
to a French letter, each one is masculine; for example: rm
tmt/ones, anet.
Cfdno;tcr Xerdris'
il
so
Listen to the first 13 letters, A to M, and repeat each one

during the pauses.
Now listen to the remaining l3 letters, N to Z, and repeat
each one during the pauses.
Now listen to the speaker pronounce the French words
used to designate the letters W,y, Z. W is double v. y is i
grec. The word grec means Greek; in other words, t}le y is
called a Greek i. Z is zed, or zbde.
Rewind, listen and repeat as many times as you need to
practice for mastery of sounds of the letters of the French
alphabet.
And enjoy!
subject
rhird
Ph.D.
tx
Pnnr One
Tke Vowels
Unir Onr
.Vowels
Thr
A, E, t, o, U, y
The letters of the French alphabet that represent vowel
sounds are a, e, i, o, u, y. The letter y is actually a variation of
the sound represented by the vowel i but is considered the
sixth vowel in the French language. In the Middle Ages and
the sixteenth century, ami and amie (friend) were written

and amiye. French kings signed their proclamations and
documents as Le Roy (the king) rather than Le Roi. (By the
way, did you know that the name Leroy means the king?)
Calligraphers in the Middle Ages considered it elegant to
write the vowel i as y in a fancy flourish when it was the last letter of a word.
as amy
The Vowela
The French letter a is pronounced somewhat like the o in
the English word bllipop.It is pronounced toward the front of
the mouth. The tip of the tongue touches the lower frsnt
teeth. The mouth is open. (See Figure l.)
,fltiliJ;.
Now listen carefully to all the examples, repeat the French
words after the speaker, then listen for the confirmation.
lo
Pnonource
lr Prnfrcrly
in Fnenck
Ulir,One: Thr Vowrts n, r, i, o, u, y
Extnnts
Erunpus
Vowele
The
The French letter e is pronouncEd somewhat like the ou

sound in the English word coul.d..
Extnnts
::i:i
In the following sentence the vowel i is used six times:

Mimi a mis ses amis d Miami.
Mirni
The
*iiiiiiii::ii::::l:LF.fji#[r'e:::{rittn.sJ:riiiiiii::iii:liiili::1::::iiiiil:i:i:ii:i:i:i:iiiiilii.ir,..ir:i:il;;.:..:i:i:,ii
lii:iiiffi::tll+:iiiiifi"'i;:tni,,'
i'fif
.:.:1i:i:ii::::i:l::::::::::iir..:::::il:i*il.i:i'i:i:i:.r.ii.i.r:iiiiiiiii:i:iiirii:,.
;;.'1.tu...i*...*,.r'nir*ra{-fj:i#rse{.fitrnff#f....sfl$B{fdtii:i.i:'r.:.,..i:i.irri...;,.rrii
i::.:.:.:ffiitlttt*irct*.fo,rcu1.rrursar.r{tnu,ln,*;litilii::iil.:.li.:t..........i........,i
d.ropped,
off herfriends in Miarni.
Vowelo
The French letter o is sometimes pronounced like the o in

the English word rose. Do not bring your lips together when
you pronounce o because you will produce a slight ar sound,
which is not desirable.
Exnnnes
The
Voweli
The French letter i is pronounced like ae in the English

word see. The lips and tongue must be in proper position.
Stretch the lips from side to side. The upper and lower front
teeth are not touching but are very close to each other. Press
the tip of the tongue hard against the lower fiont teeth. The
back of the tongue does not touch the roof of the mouth.
(See Figures 2 and 3.)
h
Figure 2. The vowel i.
(side view)
f
a*,i
L=
Fgrrc
And sometimes the French letter o is pronounced some_

thing like the a in the English word up with the jaw slightly
dropped.
--:1.
3- The vowel i.
(frorrt view)
Pnonoutct
lr
Utir One: Thr Vowls
Penfecrly in Fntrch
Exlnnrs
The Vowel
The
Pronounce the French letter u something like the sound of

u in the English word cute.Bwg be carefrrl! When you pronounce
the French u, do not bring your lips together because it will

come out with a slight ar sound as in the English word yort' To produce the French u sound, form your lips as you would to pro'
nounce the sound of o. With your lips in that position, pronounce
the sound of the French i as in the English word su'Tlte sounds
ofi and o were introduced earlier' (See Figure 4')
A, E, i, o, u,
Vowely
The French letter y is pronounced like the French vowel i

sound you learned earlier.
Erunnrs
It
At times, the vowel y is also a semi-vowel or semi-consonant.

is sometimes pronounced as the y in the English word
1as.
In French, that sound is known as le yod (which happens to

be the tenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet), as pronounced
in the words below. In the word pied, for example, the vowel
i followed by the vowel e produces the yod sound.
Extnnts
Figure 4.
The vowel u.
Utir Two
The Vowels wirh
Accenr Manks
lntroducing the Sounds e, e' 4
i,
C,
Urir Two: Tlre Vowel.s wirfi Accenr
Manks
Exennrs
I n::; ni::;l
I'
tT '- t'- g1**''-'*-.*r.r::::::i:
i:: ::::::::::i:::::::: :.:::::::::j: :::::::::::j:.:.::i.:::::::: ::::::::::
'E'i::..'i'.....',:i,i;::':::li:,:i:,,,,:,,., ,,ec.,f4,",,',,,,,,ii..
.'i.'##..i-'.i'1'.:.,ii,...:..tt'.'.,tii*fr;*t-l=l=,ii,,,i,,,,,,i.,i.i..'iiiii:i,,,.'.ii:,:,:,:,i''iii,:ii
The Accented Voweld

The accent grave on the vowel-i does not change the sound
of a. It is pronounced exactly the.same as a in la, ma, sa' ta
which you learned previously. The rnain reallrlinwhy d (at, to)
bears the accent mark is to distinguish its meaning, when
written, from the verb form a (nasl, rt-hictr is the third person
singular, present indicative of *re verb ryoir (to h@e)'
The accent grave is also used on the rcrd h (thae) to distinguish its meaning, when written, from the feminine singular definite article la Qlu).Tbey ate both pronounced the
same.
The accent grave is also used in the -*ord gi in the adverbial expression gir et lir (here an"d riazl to di*inguish its written
meaning from ga (that), which is a shonened form of the
word cela (that).
There is another French $/o1d thzt contains the accent
grave on the vowel a. It is d6ji (ahudtL as in the expression
::;..Sg$:.let.4g|'$i'..iii.ii.,.,..'ffrqlll'nei=n'tha,#om,,ffi'.;i,,.,,.....1,:,,.,:..,,
The Accented VowelE

The accent circonflexe on the vowel i changes the sound
of a. It is pronounced ah,towardthe back of the mouth. The
tip of the tongue touches the lower front teeth. The mouth is
open a little wider than when pronouncing ir or la above.
(See Figure 5.)
d-6jn-vu ( already sem).
These are the only four words in the French language

where the accent grave is used on the rcrd 3 L CL lirr and
d6jn. And, of course, on these compormd rcrds:vloilir (there
you see), as in voili rln taxi Ii$G! {tlwc's a taxi otta there!);
hold (hey
thzre; stop!);
degi et dpri ffro]
bc
a,rdfwn
Now listen carefully to all the examples' rcpear the French

words after the speaker, then listen for the confirmation'
Figure 5.
The accented vowel 6.
tlwre)'
Exnnnes
10
Pnonounce
lr
Unir Two: Ths Vowsts wirft Accetr Manks
PenfecrLy in Fnench
In some words the accent circonflexe is'rrritten over a

s rvas rvritten
vowel to indicate that, in the past, the letter
11
Exnnnts
right after that vowel.

Exnnprgs
The Accented Vowel6

of e' It
The accent aigu on the vor*'el 6 changes the sound
careful!
be
dal'
*'ord
English
in the
is pronouncea oy,
ful sound as in
^
When you pronounce a1 do not add that little l
Itis pronounced
yrs. Tt 6 sound is ctosei, chpped, and shorL
"
lorver teeth are
and
upper
The
mouth'
toward the front of the
lolver front
the
touches
tongue
the
slightly apart. The tip of
(See
Figures
smiling'
if
as
tittle,
a
teetfr. fne hps are stretched
6 and 7.)
( ,.-----,,
l{z'---\ |/
OE\
The Accented Vowel d

The accent grave on the vowel i changes the sound of e. It
as in the English word egg.. It is an open vowel
sound pronounced toward the fiont of the mouth. The upper
and lower teeth are slightly apart. The tip of the rongue
lightly touches the lower front teeth. The lips are slightly
stretched, as if smiling. (See Figures 8 and 9.)
is
pronounced
Figure 8. The accented

vowel d. (front view)
vowel d. (side view)

vowel 6. (side view)

vor*el 6' (front view)
Exnnpus
:.:......:..ii.ir:iiiiii'i.i:i.ti.'.'.,..''...,,.'1.1:.....i'.'.:.:..:.'.....,....'..:.:..:.'.:..,1:.:.;...,...',,
1*:lli:i:i.i:i.:ii..ijliii....i.i.i.iii:i::.;ll.,...:.'.1:.'.:.:1...i1:.'.:.:.i.:.+;.;;l;;.;l...ll
iiiiLiiu,i
,ii
it
i'i .'i'..i....... . . i . . .'......,:.:'i.:.:..........,...i.:'.,: :.:.:...:.,.,.,:
:::
ili::.:i..:',.l.....
i:..i,iilill.l
:i
r,i,,il,ill:,iir,l:rlli::ii.
:.
...
:,
iiii.
irl.'i
i#t+.,.'.''..iii.r....i..ii.ii..,i:...'i.....i..i...........'.ji........'.'..i:...'.,..
12
Pnonouncr
lr Prnfecrly itr Fnench
Urir Two: The Vowels wirfi Accrnr
The Accented Vowel 6
nunciation
as
in the English rvord e4the
13
Extuptts
the sound
The accent circonflexe on the vowel 6 changes
of e. It is pronounced
Manks
sarne
pro-
.......titio6ft..,.,,,'r:...i.i:(narrNe:bf..a.Ff+fichj:i*Utomffiilel
,, ,.,,,,,,,,,.
as b above'
Practice for Mastery

The speaker will now review the accented vowels introduced in Unit Two.
Note: The examples used all appeared earlier in this unit
with their English translations. This time, however, they are
not listed.Just listen and repeat each word or group of words
after the speaker.
Now, rewind the tape and play the review again. This time,
do the following exercises

over a
In some words the accent circonllexe is written
written
was
s
letter
the
past'
the
in
vowel to indicate that,
right after that vowel.
so you can
fix in your mind the
vowels with accent marks and the sounds they represent.

With a pencil, complete the following words by writing the
vowel and its accent mark. Pronounce the word aloud as you
fill in each line. The answers are given in the box on page 14.
Exraase
1.
9
3.
4.

(iliaais)are placed
In some words, tlvo dots calledle trm
sepapronounced
be
must
it
that
on the vowel to show
as in
pronounced
b
E
The
iu
of
in
front
rately from the vowel
adjarwo
of
second
orcr
is
placed
It
the English word eg.
!l
t$/o seParate
cent vlwels, creating two seParate srtlables'
pronunciations.
i.
5.
6.
Q_
et
____.ge ;
d6j
-vu ; voil
hol
ch_teau; h_te ; p_te
b-b_; caf_ ; all ; hAt_ ;_t_

m_re ; p_re ; fr_re ; tr_s ; 6l_ve
b_te ; f_te ; for_t; pr_t
No-l;Isra_l
Rewind and check your answers before looking at the

answers
in the box on page
14.
14
Pnoroulce
lr
PrnfecrlY
it
Fnrtch
Urir Two' Ths Vowrls wirft Accrtr
Manks
't5
-t
from the vowel in flont of it. The i is pronounced

ee as in
the English word, see. It is placed ov", the second
of tlvo
Answms
adjacent vowels, creating two separate syllables,

two separate
pronunciations.
Exennrs
E 6, A'
Listen carefully to all the examples, rePeat the French

The Accented
Voweli
The accent circonflexe on the vor$el i does not change the

sound of i. It is pronounced exact\'the saYne as i in l\fimi a mis
ses amis el Miami that you learned earlier under the vowel i'
Exnants

When the accent circonflexe is placed on the vowel
6, it
changes the sound of o. This u....rt mark
tells you to pro_
nounce the 6 well-rounded, like the o in the
English word, wer.
U"t careful! When you pronounce English do not bring
4
?:
y'our lips together because you will produ-ce
a slight za soundl
which is not desirable in French.
Extnptrs
The accent circonflexe is also r:sed orcr a vowel to indicate

that, in the past, the letter s ltas rrritten right after that I'owel.
Exnunts
The Accented Vowel
In some words, r**o dots called le fi,(il. (dicrais)are placed

on the vowel i to show that it musr be pronounced separately
In some words, the accent circonflexe

in the past, the letter
v-owel to show that,
after that vowel.
is written over the

s was written
right
16
Pnoloutce
lt
Unir Two; The Yowets wirh Accenr Mlnks
Pt
17
Note: The exdmples used are not listed below, but may
in this unit.Just listen and repeat each word
be found earlier
after the speaker.

Now, rewind the tape and replay the review of fifteen words
numbered 1 to 15. This time, with a pencil, circle what you

hear in each of the numbered groups below. This is a quiz on
sound differentiation.

not change the
The accent circonflexe on ttre von-el fr does
as u in du' tu'
same
the
sound of u. It is pronounced exactlv
It is used priu'
rot'el
su, which you learned earlier und'er tJre
spelled
rvords
nto
,nu.ity to distinguish the meaning benteen
identicallY.
Extuptts
Exenctsr
fit
fut
12. ile
ilot
ig"
13. h6ro
h6roisme
lu
14. ddme
dipl6me
15. dfi
de
1. la
lu
6. de
2. me
ma
7. hdte hat6
3.
sa
se
8. 6g6
4. te
tu
9.
5. port porte
10.
le
du
pr6t prGte
11,

answers
Axswrns

the accerrt grave
There is only one French word thar conains
onthevowelu.Itiswrittenasirtodisdnguishismeaning,
accent mark'
when written, from another rvord Hithout that
word too'
English
the
They are both pronounced like oo in
Practice for MasterY

The speaker will now reviet'66
lernainin$ vowels with

accent marks that concludes this unit-
in the box below.
Unir Thnee
The Mosr CoMMoN Sinqle,
Double, and TniPle Vowels
.ffi
,o*'
Urir Thnre, Yowst Combirnriots atd Clusrens
.ry
in Combitariols nnd
Clusrens il n rtond
The Clusters
19
dil, aille, aittent
Pronounce a as in the French word la. The vowel i before

ll is pronounced like y as in the English word yas. But do
not pronounce e or ent.
I or
Ennprcs
lntroducing the Sounds Featuring

the Vowel a
Listen carefully to all the examples, rePeat the French
words after the speaker' then listen for the confirmation'
The Combination
The Cluster
aile
Pronounce ai like ein the English word egg'. pronounce the

l, but not the e. It sounds like the French word elle.
ai
Pronounce ai like ay in the English n'ord ra1'
Extnnt
Extuptts
The Cluster
aine
Pronounce aine like enin the English word. tm.
The Cluster
aient
Pronounce aient like ein the Engtish uord
Exnnnrs
g'
Exnnnts
The Cluster
aire
This cluster sounds like the English word. air.
20
Pnotoutce
lr
Uirir Thnee: Vowsl Combiruarions aNd Clusrens
Ptnfecrty in Fntnch
The Cluster atnme
Exttwptts
;nniversaire
tte) Aiaionnaire
. ordinaire
extraordinaire
The Combinations ais,
Pronounce a as in the French r,vord la. The m is pronounced but not the e. It sounds like the omin the English
anniversary
(11)
dictionary
ordinary
extraordinary
name
T'om.
Extmnts
ait, ait, aix
These combinadons are all pt'onut:::'
word
21
rc liire z in the English
a.qg.
The Cluster aoe?f
Exuvtptts
,, iiangis.
Jg vals
,, ,ji,paiteii
'
'
,ll parlait::
ette
English word
l'm goir:g
] was ta!k':e
,l waulci aix
in the English word

so
i'it ubus ptait

(b),p;ix
he was ialk,::E
'she wo.r,c i;;<
toot.
The Combination as
lf 5eerns
please
Pronounce a but not
s.
peace
Exannrs
The aix in certain place tt;-t:--t.

English prehx ex, as in exlnt:t'..".
--::ced like the

',.......
lf,ii.i.,,.,,,i,ii..lii
fl:e,):ir:{i:l6$
Exnnptrs
t,bAtfas
:iii:i:iri:i:.:,l:rP'E5:.:l
eiiinc
] ne salS
,,,
rt4,6r'i1t' *alking)
p*s
not tto neuaib a,vetb)
trt,t,'l'dalhoi,'khaw
l Degas,,,,," ",'(Fibnth,'anist):
d$ar
,..:.:.].l.j.]1:Eld
'lilait',,,'1""''
'
'iil.l).i..em,b
{l.a}.i..Pa$iii
..i.i.',',',i....:j'
: ,,,,
.,,,,,,,
'' ,:,, ' ".
;A*jiL'i#ei);: '..
:ydu:haie,u,,,
tUi.idi
tu.,'....'....
i.i.iii:i.i.i.i...i
too.
It
is
it sounds like ool in the
,mlk
,
parleiiit
il Parait
oo
also correct to pronounce the
French
,
, je par'teiais
(lel,iail, , , "
:
Pronounce this cluster like
but
: rnais
22
lr
Pnonounce
Penfecrty
il
ltd
Unir Tkneri Vowel Gombitariols
Fnench
Pronounce the s in the following word:
Clusrrns
Exrnctst
r.
ffi]:::::::::i]]]:::::::::::i...:].:.1]]::::]:::::i:::i::::]:::::::::]]:]::|:i::::::::::::::li]:]|:|::::::::::i]::i|l|:ii]ii
j.
j'ri
2. mais
3.
mais
j'irai
j'irais
The Combinations au, aatd, aut, aux
4. je parlerai
je parlerais
These combinations are all pronounced like oin the English

word oan. But, be carefirl! \4rhen pronouncing the vowel o, do
5.e
au
not bring your lips together
bnaur
rou rtill produce a
6.
zu
sound, which is not desirable in FrenchB,
Exnnnrc
,.l:.....i..'.:.i;*ui.'.'.
I i.
..
.,.,
... . . i.
i.i i '.ii'lri. i.
23
le cheval
les chevaux
lesjournaux
lejournal
I'aile
le lait

in the box below.
''
answers
i,,,,,,(le),:taf::4u,,:tait,,',,,,,,.,,
,
ffiuu,:
:,,,,,::::i,,:,
.
rr,r
::.Cbstdff
:::
:,
::
i:'
::,,
''lll,,.,.,,'
::::,,:,:::,:::::,'h*ffi::::::::::::: :: : :::'
::,:::
..,.,.:
::::
:,::
:,:
.::.'.:,:::,.:i1::niti
...., 1..,.;i1 1f..
:::::
:::::r:,..';.
e.rrtCh**:.
::
..
..
: :''..',
:.
:.
.,lll:
.'ti]'...'....',..,*Ux:..:,::.:,,.......'...... .....
i.,
:,iiii,,iiell..tneJ*-iiiii: :ir:
;'
l......(ld+)..iqu.inr8T.,,,,,,,,,
i]''.ff...nrx*
Answrns
.:
::
ry
itillWy
a
olF
atffill" stikl}t*
fprs
Practice in eontext
Now, Iisten to a shor-t dialogue in which several combinations
xi+*"ffi
or clusters containing the vowel a are used. During the pauses,

repeat each passage after the speaker.
Practice for Masterlr
Maman:Je vais au cin6ma.Je
rentrerai tard.
The speaker will nor,r' rn'ierr dl frc dnnmirns and clusters featuring the vowel eNote: These examfles, nfrich r ma hd tgom' appeared
rud or group
earlier in this unit- Just lisen md rr+a d
ofwords after the speaferNow, rewind the tape andilflryfultr'dclhtwords
or groups of words nr.rmbecd I bEtTfuh'niiiniF. xfut apencil,
circle what you hear in each of &c mmmm[rurtrl] gruTx below.
This is aquiz on sounddiffermimim"
Mom: I'm going to the
I'll
Papa: Et le travail que tu fais?
moaies.
be bach late.
Dad,:
And what about the umk
you re doing?
Maman:Je le finirai plus tard.
Mom:
Papa:
-Dad,: I'd, go to the moaies too but
mais
J'irais au cin6ma aussi
je travaille
dans la cuisine.
J'ai le rosbif aux champignons

et les ailes de poulet dans le four.
,]
I
I
I'llfinish it later.
rn wmking in thz kitchen. I hnte tht

roast beef with rnushrooms and the
chiefun uings in the ouen.
24
Pnoroulcr
lr Prnftcrly
Unir Thnrr: Vowrl Combiurions atd Clusrens
in Fnench
Maman: Oh, j'adore les ailes
Motn: Oh,
loae ehichcn
uings!
de poulet!
Dad:Ihnmt, Iknozo.
Papa:Je sais,je sais.

Maman: Amuse-toi dans la cui-
sine, ch6ri. A plus tard!
Morn: Haue Jun in the hi,tchzn,

d,arling! See you later!

the Vowel e (l)
Listen carefully to all the Jxamples, repeat the French
The Combina.tion
ect
Pronounce e like ein the English word ag. Pronounce c like

k and pronounce the t.
Exnnnrs
tbfrett::::
:.Correft.....-
O,tfectE,li'.=@
-]-lneof
fgct'r=
indirec{
infect
intellect
,f
: ::,,:r
='. ,,,
"',,intOf fgit',.,.:',
These two combinations are both pronounced like o in

the English word. ater. But, be carefirl! When pronouncing the
vowel o, do not bring your lips together because you should
avoid the ru sound in French.
:::=
li
;.:::::::,,::=:',
indirect
stinking, filthy
intellect
selbct 1...==ri..te-l'ct u-.:.,r ,--===,
The Combinations eau, ea.rx
25
.i:
Do not pronounce ct in these words:
Exnmms
==
;-'
'tt'
,...=.t=..
===
The Combinations 6e, 6es

These two combinations are pronounced ay as in the
English word da1. But, be careful! Do not pronounce the
slight } sound when you pronounce ay. And do not pronounce the final s.
Exnnnrs
{la) fi] F.,
fla) fe
{l) id6c
ttelii.F4L,
{les)
di Ci
(le) cbnte dC fdbs
(teil idees
(les) lyies
ftiry',:lr rt 'r:
#.",.
f?r:?a:Ii=...c$.4
djrf hE
.,..,--1
ta{
rd=
1if:
trigfi:=dtoa*
26
Pnotounct
lr Prnftcrly
:muriu.:iU*trrgt:tagi:aui:itiner.llui
gtr.e;a..at..il,*ina ,'.,,.
ioni::;rlceC th=e er:iei:i
Unir Tknse: Vowrl Combitariols ald Clusrsns
in Fnench
,'|Mar\went,to ;,,,,
.,,tn:e rnoviesil
',i,,'
ue,!ii',;ai d,' ] a
,,i
in
t:
i:i:::i(li};i::PrGillci::li:ii:l;:::;
]:::qiAI
j:r:boutil:le:.i.
(sJ:.i.d
q.
iillstii..ii..
,.iicarnpc;ililds
tliesrl:.:.ef$[!ft
The Combination
Pronounce ei like
ti:l::::::::::::::::i:::s4:arsEitf
ei
e
in the English word
27
$i.'.,',',.,
;:;
egg.
Fief f e,i.Cdf,n,a:if
.16,
Exnmnts
The
Cf
usters elle, elles
In these two clusters, pronounce the first e like e in

the English word 6all plus the / sound. Do not pronounce
the final s.
Exnmms
The Clusters eil, eils, eille, eilles

Pronounce them all like e in the English word egg plus
slight 1, sound as in the English word yas. Do not pronounce
the final s.
i
Exnnnts

I
The speaker will now review all the combinations and clusters featuring the vowel e.
28
Pnorourcg
lr Penfrcrly itr Fnrnck
Urir Thner: Vowrt Combirlriors and Clusrens
Note: These examples, which are not listed below, appeared
Practice irt Gontext
in this unit. Just listen and repeat each word or groups of
Now, listen to a dialogue in which several combinations and

clusters containing the vowel e are used. During the pauses,
repeat each phrase or sentence after the speaker.
words after the speaker.

Now, revrind the tape and leplay the review of six words or
groups of words numbered I to 6.'.This time, with a pencil, circle whatyou hear in each of the numbered groups below. This
is a quiz on sound differentiation.
Exnast
l'eau
elles
le couteau
le gAteau
les bateaux
l'orteil
les corbeilles
.'. les orteils

4. la
5.
peine
le marteau
6. le
lyc6e
Anabelle: EIle est alle
la
Anabellz: Shc wmt to chapel.
Madeleine: Et Mireille?
Oi
Madcleine: And, Mireille? l\here
est-elle?
la veine
pleine
les marteaux
le couteau
les lyc6es
les eaux
is she?
Anabelle: Mireille est all6e
Anabelle: Mireille uent to
Marseille.
Marseilk.
Madeleine: Elle est
i Mar-
Mad,eleine: She's
Anabelle: Et nous?
Oi
Anabelle: And. what about tn?

V\hne are we going?
allons-
nous?
Madeleine: A]lons boire unc
Answrns
lieAUr'i
In the following words, if ct is pronounced, circle rcs. If
it
NO
3.
YES
NO
I rleqrect
infect
Introducing the Sounds Featuring

the Vowel e (ll)
Listen carefully to all the examples, repeat the French
Exractst
YES
eat somc cakzs!
.*....#..ery'
is not, circle tto.
1. cor.rect
ofuater and
quelques giteaux!
-f.4i11.r
:,r"i:::.n*
F,.,gati i&u
Madcbine: Let's go drink a bottle
bouteille d'eau et manger
:::j::::::::l:::i:::iii::::]::l::::l.::::i
in Marseille?
Watluch!
seille? Quelle veine!

in the box below.
YES
NO
YES
NO
I
rt
I
Auswrns
Madeleine: Were is beautiful

Giselle?
chapelle.
answers
aspect
Mad,elcine : Hello, Anabellz
Anabelle: Hello, Mad,eleine!
Madeleine: Ori est la belle
les eaux
Madeleine: Bonjour, Anabelle!

Anabelle: Boqiour, Madeleine!
Giselle?
l.
29
t!
!
i'
,t
The Cluster emme

Pronounce the hrst e like
sound.
in the English word
egg
+ tn
30
Pnorource
!r Penfecrly in Fnrnch
Extnnts
Urir Thnre' Vowel Combirlrions rrd Clusrqns
31
Extnpus
Pronounce emme like am in the English word family in

this word:
. ... fle)..fcmm
i,i.i,'.#rma,l:..,.,.,.''..
,.'. .'..'.,.
The Cluster enne
At other times ent
is a nasal vowel. See
Unit Five.
Pronounce the first e like ein the English tvord ,rrl + n sound.
The Combination
Exnnnts
er
a verb is pronounced like ay in the

English word day. But, be carefull Do not pronounce the
slight y sound when you pronounce a).
The er infinitive form of
Exnwnts
If the vowel i precedes enne, pronounce a slight 1'sound

in the English word yes plus the ere sound. This produces the sound of the English lvord _rcn- Rerierl- rhe yod
sound in Unit One.
as
If the vowel i precedes er, pronounce a slight y sound as in

the English word yzs plus this er sound. Review the yod sound
in Unit One.
Exnnnts
The Combination
ent
\A,tren this combination is

nounce it.
verb form endinq, do nor pro-
32
Pnotoutcr
lr
Unir Thnrs: Yowrl Combirariors ard Clusrrns
Penfrcrl.y in Fnertck
33
,tfl!.r,r.r.
iflxl
.ie -n:l*rti er,,,,,, :....
ie'Perdciei:.:::::
to tft
.
a nk,...... ...
'to:*r
'
ciate
In many words that are not ei inhnitive endings, er at the

end of a word sounds like the English word air.
The Combination dre

This combination sounds like the English word, air.
Exuwprcs
Exnnnrs
If the vowel i precedes bre, pronounce

If the vowel i precedes er, pronounce
the English word
in Unit One.
yes
a slight y sound as
in
plus this er sound. Review the yod sound
in the English word
yes
a slight y sound as
plus the bre sound, as you did in hier.
Review the yod sound in Unit One.
Extnnrs
Exnnnrc
a word,
it
is pronounced like
erin the
The Cluster erre

Pronounce this cluster like the English word air.
Extuptts
,,,,,
;,
fi g, fi,
Ioamiiiiii;.iiia
h.def.iliei':,,tit:l
,,,,,,,,PEl.tlNi,ld:Il.d.......................,.'....','..iiiiiii.i,.',..,,,,,i.
::.::i: r..::i::::::::.i:::: ::::::::::::::::::::,:i:.:.::,:::::.::.:::::::::::i..::::.:::.:
,:,,,',,:wf.i..'...............................'..:......'.............,,.,'..,.'
34
Pnorource
lr
Unir Thnrs: Vowrl Combiurions lnd Clusrrns
Prnfecrty in Fnetck
The Combination es
As averb form, pronounce
Do not pronounce the s.
es
Exnnns
like
iin
the English word egt
.l
i.
!
I
i
L
In the following words, pronounce es like ay in the English

word day. But, be careful! Do not pronounce the slight y
35
The accent?graye iswritten on es in the above term to distinguish it from the French verb form es, znd p.s., present
tense of the verb 6te/ to Dz. See tu es above. Also, the bs in this
term stands for en les, which means in the; in other words, the
degree is a Master of Arts in (the) Letters. The e of en and the s
of les combine to form bs.
In proper names, the is is also pronounced like ess as in the
English word essa1.
Exnnnrs
sound when you pronounce a1. And do not pronounce the s.
The Combination ess

Pronounce ess like the English word
beginning of a word.
ace
when it is at the
The Combination ds
This combination is pronounced like ein the English word
Do not pronounce the s.
egg'.
Extnnrs
::::::::::::::::::::':::::::::::::::::::::::.'':'jjj::::::::::::::''j:::::
:::::,:::::',,:,:::UgSll:l':::::::::i......i.if;;*::ffie':'ffi1
::::::::::j:i::::ii:iiiiti:::f,ff:i:::::,:,:,:,:':,:,l,;,:,l,:,l':i:il,l,l,l,l,i
The Combinations est, est-ce, c'est, est-ce gue,
qu'est-ce que
In all these combinations, pronounce the verb form est like
ein the English word
Pronounce the s in bs here:

i
r.fffe$1:l::i
i.i ii
ii'i,r,,,i
i i i
i,i
i,iiii.i,,
i,,j:r,.,::.:tri.,,.:,r.,iii.r:':r::::
i::::':i'.
'i':,[4a51ri$fji651d,i1,t,.
::::::::::::i.:: ji.::.::::::::::::,ij,r.ttttl#l!lj|,-f
:,i:::::
egg.
36
Pnonounce
lr
Ulir Tknre' Vowsl Corubinlriols ald Clusrens
Penfecrly in Fnetch
Exenpus
Exeaast
ftow).
37
3. dendbre
dernier
8. est-ce que
qu'est-ce que
4, tu as
tu
9. chercher
je cherche
5.
de
des
es
10.
me
mes

answers in the box below.
When you pronounce

mean somedring else.
and t in est and in ouest, the words
,,='ffi,.*.r
htswens
Extnnts
Practice in Context
clusters containing the vowel e are used. During the pauses,
repeat each phrase or sentence after the speaker.

The speaker will now continue to review additional combinations and clusters featuring the vowel e.
earlier in this unit.Just listen, repeat each word or groups of
words after the speaker.
Now, rewind the tape and replay the review of ten words or
groups of words numbered I to 10. This time, with a pencil,
circle what you hear in each of the ten numbered groups
below. This is a quiz on sound differentiation.
Exmasp
1. la
2.
gemme la chienne
laflemme lafemme
6. fer
fibre
7.
est{e
est
La femme: Bonjour, Monsieur

BonniEre.
L'homme: Bonjour, Madame

Detienne
Woman: Hello,
Man: HeIh,
Mr. Bonniire.
Mrl
Detienne.
La femme: Est-ce que le chou
Woman: Is the eabbage fresh?
est frais?
L'homme: Oui, madame, il est
Man: Ya, madam" it
is aery
frah.
Wovnan: Super!
Is it
uery
trds frais.
La femme: Super! Est-il tris

cher?
expensiue?
L'homme: Non, pas trds cher.
Man: No, not ua)
La femme: Avez-vous
Wornan: Hate you any Bnr,ssek
choux de Bruxelles?
des
sprouts?
expensiae.
38
Pnorource
lr Penfrcrly in Fnenck
L'homme: Oui, madame.
39
Man: Yu, madam.
La femme: Est-ce que les
pommes de 'terre sont trds
Urir Tlnrp: Vowsl Conrbirariors ard Clusrrns
Woman: Are the potatoes uery

expensiae?
chEres?
L'homme: Non, madame, pas
-Man:
trEs chBres.
'exftensiue.
La femme: Oh, je ne sais pas.

Mon pBre pr6fdre les pommes
de terre mais mon mari ne les
aime pas. Ma mdre pr6fBre les
choux. C'est un dilemme!
'
L'homme: Et vous? Qu'est-ce
La femme: Je prdf8re les
Womnn: Oh, I don't hnow. My

fathn prefns potatoes but mJ husband doesn't lifu thzn. My moth.er
The conjunction et is pronounced like ay in the English

word day. Be careful! Do not pronounce the slight ) sound
when you pronounce a).
fuefers cabbages. It's a dil.emmn,!
Man: And
yu?
What
d,o
you
prefn?
que vous pr6f6rez?

asperges
No, madam, not uer)
la parisienne.
Woman:
I prefer
asparagus,
Parisian style.
The Cluster
ette
Pronounce the first e like ain the English word zgg'plus the
t sound.
L'homme:.|e n'en ai pas.
Man:
La femme: Alors, au revoir,
Womnn: Well. Ihen, goodb1e. sir.
d,on't haue any.
monsieur.
Extnms

the Vowel e (lll)
The Combination
When at the end of a word, pronounce et like

English word eB'. Do not pronounce the t.
Exnnpus
The Combination eu
ef
e
in the
The word eu, meaning had, is the past participle of avoir (to
j'ai eu des nouvelles (I have had, som.e natts). It is pr<>
nounced like the French vowel u. Review the sound of the
vowel u in Unit One.
haue), as in
When at the end of a word, the combination eu is pronounced something like the z in the English word pudding.
Extnnrc
>
40
Pnorourcs
lr Prnfrcrty ir
Fnrrcft
Unir Tknce' Vowel Combirariors nld Ctusrens
41
Exnaptes
Exnuprcs
t.
I
\A/hen the vowel combination eu at the end of aword is followed by the consonant s plus e, which z's pronounced, the
sound of eu is the same as in the preceding list of words.
Note that the s has a z sound.
Exnnnrs
The Cfusters
euil, euils, euille, euilles
These four clusters are all pronounced the same. Pronounce

eu as in heure plus the y sound as in the English word yas.
Exnmprcs
\A/hen the vowel combination eu is followed by a consonant

that is pronounced other thanthe s or z sound, pronounce eu
something like z in the English word cud.
Af]:'l,ahei|4tttt'
doom+p;1
1,'
:''
..
"'.
.............
." .i: : : . . . . . . . . . . .'. . . . .
42
Pnorource
lr Prnfrcrly
in Fnench
t:::,1:l:l:iit::l::tl:::::::::::::,:::,:l::::t::::lt:t:::i::::l::i:t:::i::lilt:t::::ii:::,:i:i:::
Unir Thnee: Vowrl CombiNArioNs lnd Clusrens
43
Exrnase
::::iii{ilgflii:tFiulsutl$ii.i:i::ii:liiilj:i:
i:::::::ilif
1.;,1.1'1,f
lali::fulilil:::::ii:i:l:ii,:ii.ilii:iil:i:il
1. et
7. bt6
bleu
te|;.;;norteffi
2. sommeil
sommet
8. deux
des
3. nerveux
nerveuse
9.
su
ceux
4. chevaux
cheveux
10. neveu
neuve
5. feuille
feux
11.
6. veuf
veuve
12. peu
$lle:.:;.
.::l.,tp$i,:+eu.Hlle*::.;:.:::;:::;:1:::1:::1:::
i:i::itle!)::::Hortefieuilles
The Combination ez
This combination is pronotrnced like ay as in the English
word, day. Be careful! Do not pronounce the siight y sound
when you pronounce dl.
Exennrs
j.t
j'ai
pu

Answrns
:::::.:::::::::::::::::::5;:::neffeuse:::::::::::::::::i::':9;i:::eeUX::,,,.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,',',,,:.',,.,
::.:
:::::::.:::::::::::::if.:::criev'tlx:::::::::::::::::::.I:ut:::neHve::i.:::.:.:..
::.:::::::::
::j:j :.:.::::
:::::::.::.::::::::::::: r:z:..::peu:::::::::..
: ::::
::.: i.::
rf.::::::..r.:::.::::..r.r.rrrrr
[,2::.rbellrr,,r ', ,:.:
::::::::::::::::::::::tli::vur::::
Practice in Context
The speaker will now continue to review additional combinations and clusters featuring the vowel e. This is the conclusion of that section.
earlier in this unit.Just listen and repeat each word or groups
ofwords after the speaker.
Now, rewind the tape and replay the review of twelve words
or groups of words numbered 1 to 12. This time, with a pencil, circle what you hear in each of the numbered groups
Now, listen to a monologue in which several combinations
and clusters containing the vowel e are used. During the

pauses, repeat each sentence or phrase after the speaker.
Je peux r6citer I'alphabet
comme le perroquetde Madame
Claudette.
Le perroquet s'appelle
I can reci.te the alphabet like Mrs.

Claudette's perrot.
The
panot's narne
is
Asparagts.
Asperge.
II est bleu,jaune, et vert.
He is blue, yellou, and grem.
Il a le nez grand.
He has a big
nose.
lr
Pnonource
Prnfecrty in fnrrch
Madame Claudette a le nez
Unir Thnpr: Vowrl Combiuriors atd Clusrens
Mrs. Clnufutte has a srnall
nose.
petit.
Elle est trds vieille.
: .::j:::: : :: ::::::::::::::::::::
wife+ he.is ffjting,r,,
,he
I:am,,::::..'.,,::::::::::
Sfu is aery old.
Elle est veuve, vous savez.
'
Elle parle peu.
"
Elle est toujours seule chez

elle avec Asperge.
Il est heureux et elle
She is a widou, you knou.
o:
::
sh, totk, littt".

She is alzoays alone at home
45
jhe: :/a:dg: :5rie
:::
isr
reading:
::
aith
Asparagus.
He is hapfo and she i,s happ1.
est
heureuse.

the Vowel i
Pronounce the x like s in these two words:
Listen carefully to all the examples, repeat the French words

or phrases after the speaker, then listen for the confirmation.
The Combinations
id, ie, ies, is, it,
i*
iz
These are all pronounced

I
ee
as
in the English word
sze.
The Combinations ied, ieds, ier, iers

These are all pronounced like the English word yay. The
vowel i produces a yod sound because it is followed by the
Emmpus
vowel e. Review Unit Onc.
I
t
Ennpus
i;i;;;i;(ta}i;;E$Wtgntriul.;.1...;.;.
I
I
'.i'i'.,{F}.i.'nae,9{$tlc.j.r.:i.iii.i.........
E.$igi.r.:.,.,.,ir.:.,.,.,.l
i:l.'..i(FI.i.iP6IF
I
I
;iririri{Ftiliuie
::::l:::l:l:lll:;:::iii::ii;iji:i:ili;i:l:i:::l:iliit:l:
::::::(te):.papier.::::::::::::pbper, :::::..'.'.'
....f tgei.lUoucHe.rie,tr.r...r.:.rr:...
..'.f
le5)i j..p$tlis$lf
is$ilti::.r.t.r.,.t.i.
In hier (yesterday) i is pronounced like y in the English

word yas plus the sound of the English word air. Do not pronounce the h.
ti:.nlei)....b$uFn.oer.ies.'...
tititiitt::::i:i:::i:j:i::l'
f.ti$ii:.i.iii.i.ii:.:.,.l.....:...:.:.,.,.:.,.,.l.,.,.:.
.i.'..l.'.l(lil...s$is.iii.i.i..i,ii.'i,j.'.i.i.i.i.i.....j...,.i...'.,.
..:i:.
:::::::::::::::: ''',.:..'..:::::::...'.,::..:,r,, .,.,
jif
tali;is:r"iqifisil:i:l:::i.i.i.i.i:i:l.
,,:., iii'iii$;,6[i5.;;,,,,i
j:ii:
jli:i.i:i'i.
,,,,, ,,
.i.l.i.l.;.'.i.;ili;.;i;.;iii;;;!;iS';'i.it:i;iii;t;l;;;i;t;t.i.:.:iii...ii..i.,.i.;
:.:,:,:1:':.:.:,t.:,:ii::,t:l:::::i:l:Btli:ipliOnOfl
Llgg:
,",,t',i:pAdt:':,1',Am::lf
d-ttlg
tll i.:.in.:{hi$i $/sidii..{!b}. j.li*.i.:.iir.ii.
46
Pnorouruce
lr
Penfrcrty
ir
Fnench
Exmnts
Unir Tknrt, Vowet Combinlriols and
Clusrrns
47
The Combin iltfons i l,^i ls
In these two combinations, pronounce the vowel i plus

the sound of l. Do not pronounce the s. They both sound
something like the English word eel, except that the French
consonant I is not pronounced exactly like the English /. See
the consonant I in Unit Seven.
Exnmnts
The Cluster idme

Pronounce this cluster like y in the English word yrs plus the
in the English lvord eggplus the m sound. This produces
a sound like yern.
e as
Exnams
In le fils (soz) and les fils (sozs) pronounce the
pronounce the l. Both sound like
but do not
y'ess.
The Clusters idre, idres

Pronounce these like y in the English word yzs plus the
sound of the English word air. These two clusters sound like
the French lvord hier that you learned earlier.
Exnnpus
In the following tlvo words, pronounce s like z plus the i

sound. But do not pronounce the I or the final s. They both
sound something like tru-zee.
Do the same for the following two words. They both sound
something like ootee.
48
Pnoilouncg
lr
Penfecrly in Fnencfi
f-
Unir Tknee, Vol*et Combirurions and Gl.usrens 49
ll
'I
Ennpus
7'
,::i:i:ii:i:i:i'flil::outil:i:i::lil:ii:i:i:i.iii.:.i.:.iifirbil.:.:.:.:.:.
::;:::::::1il-it:l:tuti:'3::il:::::::::::::::it:i:i;t""ql:::i:
In the following two words,dolnot pronounce I or s. The

endings til and tils both sou.nd llke tee.

The Clusters
The speaker will now review all the combinations and clusters featuring the vowel i.
ille, illes
these two clusters, pronounce the vowel i as in the

English word see plus the I sound as in the English word 1es.
In
Exnnpus
i::.::... :.::.::...::i:.i::::.::.::::.:
..iqflli.,cf d
:,,,.:
i,,:::::::,.,: ..:. :::.:.:.::.:..:
i't!i...i......i.'.i.,iiii.i'......lii'fcdffi
.ill
:tr:ilil.liiiil-Iii:::i:.::::i::.:::: :::::i::rir:r:r:r::,i::r
Note: These examples, which are not listed below, appeared earlier in this unit. Just listen and repeat each word
or groups ofwords after the speaker.
Now, rewind the tape and replay the review of fourteen
words or groups of words numbered 1 to 14. This time, with
a pencil, circle whatyou hear in each of the numbered grouPs
Exmast
1. je
dis
jeudi
2. deuxibme douzibme
J.
In the following two words, pronounce i plus single l. They

both sound like aec.l.
4.
5.
6.
i:l:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::i:r:::l::r:::::::::::::r:
li:::::::::::{u}:i
1;;11{lexl.
viil!,ii'i
:CtlV:.:::.::::::::l
{rillci:
rt.ftCI5:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:
gentil
gentille
premier premibre
leriz
leprix
il lit
le lit
le cahier hier
Cf
usters ique, iques
These two clusters sound like
le nez
9. le fil
le fils
fiIle la ville
je lis
joli
11.
12. les iles les cils
13. dernier dernibre
14. il dit
elle dit
10. la

in the box on page 50.
answers
The
8. le nid
aefr.
50
Pnotoutce
lr
Penfecrty in Fnenck
Urir
Thnee' Vowrl Combinariols
rraid on Jribn ffsltritippel
Auswras
Il
est si
gentili Comment va-t-il?
Fifi: Il est i la maison.
I1
Mimi: Et
est si
ta
fille Monique? Elle
Fifi: Elle est all6e acheter une
paire de souliers gris. Et toi,

Mimi, ot) vas-tu?
In the following words, if the last letter of the word is pronounced, circle yns. If it is not. circle No.
Fif.: He's at
in
gentille!
Mimi:Je rais acheter du riz.

Le prix du riz ces jours-ci! Oh!
C'est terriblel
Fifi: Oh, je sais! C'est la vie!
51
Mimi: l\hne is your son Philip?

He is so nice! Hmt is he?
lit
dans le lit.
atd Clusrrns
home. He's reading
bed.
Mimi: And your
d,aughter
Monique? Shc is so nice!
Fifi: She went to buy a pair of

gray shoes. And you, Mi,mi, uhne
are yu going?
Mimi: I
irc.
day! Oh! h's
m going lo hu1 somc
The priee of rice these
terriblz!
Fifz: Oh,
I hnou! That's
li.fe!
Exrnasr
1. le nid
\.ES
NO
5. il
\IES
NO
2. le lis
\.ES
NO
6. ils
ltsS
NO
3. le lit
YES
NO
7.
le
I'ES
NO
4. gris
I'ES
NO
8.
le fils
\T,S
NO
fil

the Vowel o (l)
Listen carefirlly to all the examples, repeat *re French words
or phrases after the speaker, then listen for the conlirmation.
The Cluster oerT
Answens
Pronounce this cluster like the u in the English ttord cuil

plus the y sound in the English word yes. When pronouncing
it, thrust the lips a bit forward.
LlLt.if,.,*r1,....1,...r.,.ia':..$..:.::.1.:....:::':::i,.l
Practice in Context
Exnnnrc
Now, Iisten to a dialogue in which several combinations and

clusters containing the vowel i are used. During the pauses,
repeat each sentence or phrase after the speaker.
Mimi: Bor{our, Fifi!
Mimi: Hello, Fifi!
Fifi: Bonjour, Mimi!
Fifi: Helln, Mimi!
Mimi: Ori vas-tu?
Mimi:
Fifi: Je vais en ville. J'ai des

courses d faire dans les boutiques.Je vais
la pAtisserie.
la boucherie et
Whzre are you going?
Fifi: I'm going d,mtntuxn. I haae

sorne shopping to d.o in the little
shops. I'm going to the butchn shop
and to thc pastry shop.
The Cfusters oeu, oeux, oeud, oeuds

Pronounce these chxters like eux in les cheveux, which you
learned earlier under the combination eu. Thrust the lips a
bit forward.
52
Pnotoutcs
lr
PrnfecrLy in Fnetck
Extnprcs
Urir Tknss; Vowel Combinlriots lnd Clusrsns
53
Exmnrc
The Cluster
oeuf
Pronounce this cluster like euf in neuf and veuf, which you
Iearned earlier under the combination eu. Pronounce the f.
Thrust the lips a bit forward while pronouncing it.
Extnprcs
The Cluster
oeuvre
This cluster is pronounced like oeu in oeuf (which you

learned earlier). Pronounce the v and the r sounds but not
the e.
Extnptrs
::1:::j:j:::::l:]:::::egg!:!:tltl!:tlt'tlt:t:t:t:!:,:,:
i:.:,:,:,:::,:l:::::::i$s.8.,#.,9*,:,:,:l:
In the plural, les oeufs (eggs) and les boeufs (pl. of beef;
oxen) the
is not pronounced. Also note that the pronuncia-
tion of oeu changes to the sound of eux in deux, feux,

chevetrx which you learned earlier under the combination eu.
\4lhile pronouncing this sound, the lips are slightly forward but
closer together than when you pronounce the singular oeuf.
Do not pronounce the
f in chef d'oeuwe. It
sounds like
ez combination. The f in chef is pronounced when the word means
boss or chief, as in chef de cuisine, head, cooh in a hitchen.
shay as
in chez, which you learned earlier under the
The Combinations
oix, oua
oi, oid,
oidt
oie, oigL ois, oit,
These are all pronounced zla like in the Englishword watt.
The Cluster
oegr
Pronounce this cluster like zr in the English word. curl. ln

fact, it sounds very much like czdwithout the /sound. \Arhen
pronouncing it, thrust your lips forward a little.
Exnnprcs
Pnoroutce
54
lr Prnfrcrly
:ern e
i.i..:i..:.:.tF}ii.56llFjei.i.......ti:i.i
Unir Thnse Vowtt Combitlrions nnd Ctusrens
in Fnrnch
n,ih,g l', e v e,ni
55
nE piq.fui
.law::::t.':::::::::
,.......,,, r,r
.::.::::.:::...
.:. :: :::tt:ttl
,
l::::l:l:i:li(tali::lloi':':i:il';.:.i.:.:.:.::ii:i:i:l::
:i'i.::i:l:if !at:,:f.!.:::.i.i.i.i.i.i.i.:..i:ti.i:.:
:riir;:l:::;:qe.}::::idi:i:i:i:::i:lii:i::::i:i:i:iji:l:
l.i....l.i-l-l-''-.i..'i
i :i::i:]:::
:i
,fi#;..,.:::::.:.:..,.
..ii...i.:.:.i.rlPronbiBfl
i'i:....i'i.,i'.,
:.
:.::::::.i:.:....
c0,,.lnq.i.l.ii.n...$Ei!.i,l.
fffi$[911.11:l1:
iiiil"-ii:iiii:i:i.:
,,,,, .. .: ,,:
l.,....:.:.:$1.4):::.ndire.:.:.:':,:,,,,.,,,,
.Pof,,.
....;....i..tleli.iqoiieau',.i.,.
,1eek ........'i.i
..
,,, ,
:r::r......'.
,,,,,.i:
reeux.
'i.i..i.([e$)',',bff
i.l.nffi,iil:iii#i:il;i
lilllllllilrililii:::::l:
:::::.:.:.i:i:i:liFai:isdltl::b0lll,,,$u,ll,hd:':0xa0llVr:::r:r:r:
:::::: like:ihre hamb::Pailot"
the:
::::::
The Clusters omme, ommes
,,,,,,,,,;,,;,,,,,c,r[m,inol6$,1SI,,extiad,4d;inai:te;;:inr,r:
':::Agatha Christiels,,ntystery.,
novels; See the comblnation oi
.:.a.i.j.:,i.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:liii,,.,',.,.,i.,i.].].i.l.,.,..:.:,:,:l:,iiilil:.:.:.:.1
.qG}...$rsi
iiiii.i..i,..j...'.j'i.''...............'i
.(tbli.iFb'insi.......:i....ri..i.....'.,...i.i...i.i
i:::[!rI:::ti5:l:::i:::::::::i:i::lj:iiil:iii:lii:::::l:;:i:ili::
4EI.''fdie.................,.'...,.'.........'.',',.,,...
{la}i:.so!.....iij.....i.
...i.i...i,trt;.,i..'i...i..l
f l'':':ds!:$:.:.:.:.j.i.iiiii.i.i........,:,.i:i:i:
qd}...fti$....i....i.'...i.'.i.:.i.,.,i..j.ii.i...i....'i'
([e],ir:Prr,rl:i:Hire|::f
diis
([e}:i:uamii.ereri*uisri:
(!ali:i:muili:ll:l:l:l:::l:l:l;l:l:l:l:l:l;lli;l::::::
: ::,::far-lhe1:on,i:,,
,totd
:. ., i| :,
:::iiiii:::i:
tweight':,
,
.9ddi", ,......... '
,,,,,,,,'
:i::,
rrrrr
,,rr::
FI....Roi.$...ii..i.ii...i.r.r...ii:i'i,i.'.i.i.i..'.'i
...........i.i..i.iiei.idof
...i.
.i.i.i.iiii..ie..cf
.*.i....ir...rir.j.'.ii.............l
ois..i.iii.iii.i.i.i.i....i.i.i.j.i.
..i:i.i]...i...i.i.i.e.i.buis..i.......i.i...l.l.i.ii.......:.j.
,.,..,.:.,.:.:.:.:.i...t16i9,.,,,..,....................,.,.,.
Exnnnts
,.:'
..ltvetl,......,',.......i,' ..iiiiiiiiii,i.iii,,
.silk ,........
:::: :::::: :::...:......:.

::::::::::: :
.: ll:lllllll
.::
: ?!: .. :.:.
,,lln(1erj..
"tttt,tt,::. :::::::::.:.: : .
::a:l ls:r:::: ::::::::::::
. .,. ..i,iii.iii...i.
tlrnb,,, ,,,,,,, ::'::::::
.lasf,tirnCi.i..ii..., .'i........:,' '
tmonth,,
.:'
.,
F6 .. ,..'..... ::'.'..............
tfr'jt: ,:: ":::::,rr;
,,rime.'......
,.:.: ...,:,
,,f|ist
'
..
::::
:..::::...'.
,::,::,
... .......,, i...

:t,di!hk;1,'aim;,,dtiAking,;,,,::,
. :::::::::
,lSe:e;',I,amt'eelhgt,:.,
..1.bblieve,
::::
The Cluster
.11r:,:.:.:7t.1\i::.:a:-!:
!i:i.li::,1!l:
omne
This is pronounced unasin the English wotd ton. The m

is not pronounced, but the n is pronounced.
Exnnnt
camz.
,i
.,
',iii
,' .
ii!iiiiii.!i..
These are both pronounced umas in the English word
!i::!:!!i
55
Pnorouncr
tr
Penfecrtv in Fnenck
The Combination one

This is pronounced na
Unir Tknce: Yowet Combinlriols lnd Clusrens
Ennprcs
as
57
,r
in the English word,fun.
ii
i:i
gatilt
f( gi,
uf
Exnnms
Ii
Ioffi
"qfi'$
t::,:::::.
::mfJC.!1r:.iiffit:itl
tY.1:.:i......
The Combination os
When this combination is the ending of a word, it is normally pronounced o like op above.
The Cluster onne
Extnnts
This is pronounced an as in the English word, bun.

Exnnprcs
In the word l'os (bone) in the singular, pronounce os as

The Combination op
When this combination is the ending of a word, it is normally pronounced o as in the English word oaer. Buq be careful! Do not bring the lips together in order to avoicl pro.
nouncing that slight tu sound.
the English word
rzs. However, in the plural, les os (bones), os

is pronounced like o in the English word ouer without that
slight za sound. In the plural, les os sounds exactly like les eaux
(waters), which you learned earlier under the eau, eaux combinations. Pronounce the s in les as z so it sounds like lay-zo.
In the following word, pronounce os like the English word
ns.
58
Pnoroulcr
lr
Prnfecrty in Fnencft
Unir Thnre: Vowet CombiilArioils
lrd
Clusrrns
59
-_________-In the followifig word. t is pronounced and o sounds like

zr
in the English word buL
The Cluster osse

When this cluster is at the .n.iihg of aword, it is normally
pronounced like the English word ru.
The Combination
Extunrs
6t
This combination sounds exactly like ot above.
The word gosse sounds like the English name Gru. But
osse in the followingword is pronounced osas in the English
word
ftosl.
The Cluster
otte
This cluster is pronounced like alin the English word but.

Exnneus
The Combination
ot
When this combination is at the ending of a word, it is

normally pronounced oas in the English word auer. When pronouncing o, make sure you don't tack on that zo sound.
Exmnts

The speaker will now review all the combinations and clusters featuring the vowel o.
Note: These examples, which are notlisted below, appeared
50
Pnonoutce
lr
penfecrtv in Fntrck
Now, rewind the tape and replay the review of twentywords
or groups of words numbered l to 20. This time, with

a penjl, circfl what you hear in each of rhe numbered groups
Unir Thnet: Vowel Conbimriots ltrd Clusrens

,"
' p ..:...
'jr.,
Exnast '
l.
. .t
Exenase
1. oeil
aile
11.
2. nez
noeqd
12. homme
aime
3. les boeufs
le boerif
13. sonn6
sonne
4. coeur
ciar
t4. dos
des
5. veau
voeu
15. gFos
gfosse
6. I'oeuf
les oeufs
16. canot
cano6
7. sur
soeuf
17. sot
sotte
8. oeuwe
ouvTe
18.
flotte
flot
9. moi
mes
19.
trop
tres
10. peur
poire
20. I'oeil
froid
frais
'
boeuf
YES
NO
5. froid
Yf,.S NO
2. coew
YES
NO
6. soeur
YES
NO
3. oeufs
ITS
NO
7. flot
YXS
NO
4. voeux
YXS
NO
8. sommes
Yf,S
NO
Answrns
Practice in Context
Now, listen to a monologue in which several combinationr
and clusters containing the vowel o are used. During thr
Je suis dans un bisuot appel6
Au clwf d'oruvre.
les yeux
answers in the box below-
J'ai soif.
Je bois un caf6
Il
Auswcas
est
noir.
trop sucr6.
L'homme derriBre le comp

toir est gros.
Il
a les bras gros et les mains
I am in a small mti callzdAtthe

Masterpiece.
m thirsry.
m ilrinking blach cofiee.
It
is t@ fiueet.
The man behind the counter
it
hig-
He has big arms and big haruh.
grosses.
Je
lui demande un oeuf dur,
du poirre et du sel.
In the following words, if the last consonant of the word

pronounced, circle yrs. If it is not, circle No.
is
I
sotnz
ask
himfor a hatul-boiled ery"
pffier
and, some sah.
Il me regarde d'un oeil lioid
et il demande i sa femme s'il v a

des oeufs durs.
He hoks at me with a cold eye

and lv ashs his uife if thne are atry
hardhoiled ryl
Elle r6pond qu'il n'y en a plus

en 4iustant une petite couronne
de petits oeillets sur la tte.
Slu anstercthatthne amnl an1

maeuhib ad,justinga hnb oun of
small camations on herlead.
62
Pnonoutce
!r penfrcrly it
Elle est bizarre.

Je bois mon caf6
Fnench
Sh.e
is strange.
, I
noir,je mets
drinh my black coffee, I plau

three francs on the uunter, and I
trois francs sur le comptoir, et
je pars.
leaue-
:'
..
,1

the Vowel o (tt)
The Combinations
ou, oit
These two combinations are pronounced oo as in the

English word soon. The accent gnave on i in ori is written to
distinguish its meaning from the word ou. That is the only
word in the French language that contains this accent mark
on the vowel u.
Exnmptts
Urir Tknes: Vowel Combirlrions

The Combihations oue, outs,
ANd ClusrERs
63
aup, otts, ouL oAL
oux
These are all pronounced
Eannts
oo as
in the English word
soon.
64
Pnonoulcr
lr Prqftg{y ir
Urir Tkner: Vowet Conbilariots ltd Ctusrens
Fnenck
65
Exlnotr.s' *
In
The Clusters ouitte,
following two words, pronounce the s.
ouilles
These clusters are both pronounced
in the English word
t-Ile
oo
plus the y sound as
yar.
Eannes
The speaker will now continue to review additional combinations and clusters featuring the vowel o. This is the conclusion of that section.
The Combinations our, aurd, ouni, ourds

These are all pronounced, ooras in the Englishword
Do not pronounce the final s.
poor.
Now, rewind the tape and replay the review of ten words
numbered 1 to 10. This time, with a pencil, circle what you
hear in each of the numbered groups below. This is a quiz on
56
Pnolouncr
lr
Psnfecrly in fnerch
Urir Thnrr: Vowel Combirnrions nrd Clusrens
67
rt:
Exmasr
Le serveur: Bonstrir. Qu'est-
l cou coude
2. jour j,r".
3. sous su
4. tu
tout
6. Iourd3
lourde
/.
Pu
pouls
8. bc
boue
9._touticoup toutd,uncoup
Waiter: Good euening.

you wish to mder?
Madame: Pour moi, j'aimerais

ie rago0t. Et toi, mon amour?
Andyoq ry
Monsieur: J'aimerais aussi le

rago0t. Et un plat de nouilles au
beurre. Y a-t-il du chou-fleur?
Sir: I'd. lthe the stao ako. And a

platz of hurbretl nuillzs. Is thae any
caukflmun?
Le serveur: Mais oui, mon-
Rewind and check youi a-nswers before looking at the

Madam: Fm mt,
I'il
d.o
lihe thz stau.
loue?
Waiter: Of caurse, sir.
sieur.
moi un plat de chou-fleur au
Sir: Good" thm, bringmz a plnte

of cauliflower cooked with grated
gratin.
chcese.
Morxieun Bon, alo6, apportez-
Answres
Wat
ce que vous d6sirez commander?
Le serveur: C'est tout, mon-
Waiter: Is that
a$ sir?
sieur?
Monsieur: Non. J'adore le

raourt.Yen a-t-il?
Le serveur: Mais oui, monsieur. Nous avons du yaourt,
In the following words, if the last consonant of the word is

pronounced, circle yES. If it is not, circle No.
Exrnase
l.
sous
YES
NO
5. amour
YES
NO
2. yaourt
YES
NO
6. pouls
YES
NO
3. four
YXS
NO
7. 6poux
YES
NO
4. vous
NS
NO
8. oun
YES
NO
Answrns
Monsieur: Bon, alors, du

laourt
aussi. Et comme dessert,
un plat de petits.fours. Et puis,

apportez-moi...
MadameJe crois que cela sui
manges
trop, tu deviendras gros comme
un ours!
fit, mon amour. Si tu
Sir: No.
lwe ygurL. Is there
any?
Wai.ter: Of murse,
sir. We haue
,ogmSir: Good., tltcn, sune rogurt tuo.

AruIfor tlavrt, aplate of littlz glazzd
cahcs. And thm, bringmc...
Madam: I belieue that is sufficimt, ny kne. If you eat too much,
yut'll
becomc
Jat as a bear!

the Vowel u
Practice in Context
The Clusters ueit,

clusters containing the vowel o are used. During the pauses,
These four clusters all sound the same. Pronounce eu as in

the French word heure that you learned earlier under the
ueit, ueitte, ueitles
68
Pnonounce
lr
Penfecrty in Fnrnch
Urir Thnret Yowrl Gonbitlriors and Glusrens
combination eu. Itsounds something like the ain the English

word curl. Then add the slight y sound in the word 1as.
Now, rewind thetapg and replay the review of six words or

groups of words numbred I to 6. This time, with a pencil, circle what you hear in each of the numbered groups below. This
As a matter of fact" these four clustJn sound the same as euil,

euils, euille, euilles that you learned previously, but note that
eu is reversed to ue. The two vorg,eJs are reversed because of the
consonant c, which is pronouncbd like k before the vowel u.
Review the clusters euil, euib, euille, euilles in the section
under the combination eu. You will see that the consonant c
does not precede them. But.in these four clusters, the conso
is a
69
quiz on sound differentiation.
Exenast
l.
nant c causes eu to change to tie.
Exmnes
accueil
recueil
2. cueilleur
cueilleuse
3. cueille
accueils
4. cueillir
cueilles
5. je cueille
j'accueille
6, tu accueilles
tu accueilles?

answers
in the box below.
Answms
Practice in Context
Now, listen to a monologue in which several combinations
and clusters containing the vowel u are used. During the

The speaker will now review the combinations and clusters
featuring the vowel u.
Notel These examples, which are not listed below, appeared
Avez-vous jamais t6 accueilli

aimablement? C'est bon. Avezrous jamais 6t6 accueilli froidement? Ce n'est pas bon! Chaque
fois que je vais chez mes amis, ils
m'accueillent chaleureusement.
Ih me font toqiours bon accueil...
Je vois que vous cueillez des roses.
Arez-vous cueilli toutes les roses

qui sont dans ce vase? Cueillez,
cueillez les roses de la vie!
Haoe you e<ter been welcomed

h gnd. Haueyou euer been
webonud cold,lg? It's not good! Each
kindfr?
time
ga to my fri.ends' homes, thel
uekome me uarmly. Theg always

gizn mz a good wehomt...
see
ywfu
gathoingsoncmses. Dirllou fuh all

the roses that are in this uase?
Gathn, gathn the
mses of
life!
70
Pnolounce
lr
Penfecrly in Fnelch
Unir Tfinset Vowrl Combiruariols ald Clusrens
71
jj

the Vowel y
I isten carefully to all tt're .xamples, repeat the French words
or phrases after the speaker; then listen for the confirmation.
The
. "i
Combinations aye, ?!es
Pronounce both like ein the English word bellplus a slight

in the English word 1es.
y sound as
The Combin atlilrt eyez

Pronounce ayez like ayer above.
Extnnts
yoy paf;ryouaft p'ay'!t1q, ,
I vou5 payez ,
I vous:balayCt ""' ydi sieei, y'o:u 4,,1e sweep,fn'g
i vous,,beECyez yau stutter,' 11ot4,,qre'stutteling
I vous,essayet you'iry:tyotutare,ttryiqg
i que Vous,ayez: iiiijty,i'o,u niy heve' | , '
'
,,,
111,
t'u,,,
',,,
Exnnnts
The Combination ays

Pronounce ay like a1 in the English word pq plus the
ee as in the English word see. Do not pronounce the s.
The French word pays sounds very much like the English
Note that verbs ending in ayer may change the y to i before

mute (silent) e or may keep the y, as in the two verb forms
sound
above from the verb payer Qo pay). When y changes to i, the

yod sound disappears and aie or aies are both pronounced
word
like ein the English word
.:.,..i
#1i#i*.i1,.,l
bell.
payee.
Exnnnts
lii+irtr
::j,:,:.::ruiipa!es:i!:l,!iiiiiiii.'iffi {
The Combination
ayer
Pronounce ay like a1 in the English word. pa,y plus a slight

yod sound plus a as in the English word ate. Here, the vowel
e is not a mute (silent) e because it goes with er.
The Combination
ey
Pronounce ey like a in the English word
egg.
Extnpus
Ennnts
The Combination
oyer
Pronounce oy like wain th.e English wotd uattplus

yod sound plus the a sound in ate.
slight
72
Pnonounce
tr Penfecrty
iN FnrNck
Exnuptts
Unir Thnee: Vowcl Combitariots ard Clusrens
73
Extnptts
The Cluster
yeux
The y in this cluster is pronounced like the y in the English

word 1'as plus the sound of z in the English word pudding as
in eux in the French word peux, which you learned earlier
under the combination eu.
The Combination
oyet
Exnnpus
Pronounce oyez like oyer above.
Exnnrtts
The Combination
The Combination
syer
Pronounce uy like the English you eatwithout the t sound

plus a slighr yod sound plus the usuai ay sound..
Exeunts
Pronounce y like the y in yes plus sound of z in zp plus d

sound. As you learned in this unit and in previous ones, le yod
is the French word for the semi-vowel sound of y in yes.
The Combination
Pronounce ya like 1a in the English word. galt.
you
Pronounce you like the English word 1ou. Do not bring the
lips together after the oo sound because that would produce
a slight zu sound.
Exu,itptts
The Combination ya
yod
74
Pnonouncr
lr
pcnfecrly in Fnench
Unir Tknrr:. Vowsl Combirlrions
' 1:

The speaker will now review 4ll the combinations and clus.
ters featuring the vowel y. ,'
Note: These examples, whigh are not listed below, appeared
earlier in this unit.Just li_stlf, and repeat each word. oi groups
Now, rewind m. Lpeina replay the review of six words or
groups of words number,eil 1 to 6. This time, with a pencil, circle what you hear in each'of the numbered groups below This
is a quiz on sound differentiarion.
Exenase
1.
je paye
2. Pays
jepaie
payez
4. youyou
yo-yo
5. joyeux
joyeuse
Answms
l:ffiF,u*'r:itl:i
.:ii:i
Practice in Context
clusters containing the vowel y are used. During the pauses,
Madame: Maya! Maya! eue
genoux!
Maya: Ne voyez-vous pas,

Madame Yvette?Je commence
nettoyer le foyer.
Madam: Maya! Maya! Wat are

you doing? And. on your knees!
Maya: Don't you

YaetteT
.frler.
In
ai demand6 d'aller chez
le
see, Mad,amc
beginning to clzan tlu
Clusrens
75
Madarn: W1 are yu cleaning

thzfoyrnuo? I askzd,yurto go to thz
bakn to pq him uhat I oue.
boulanger pour lui payer ce que
je dois.
Maya:J'ai laiss6 tomber le pot
de yaourt!
Il
est
partout!
Madame: Essuyez la table

le nettoyage, allez
aussi. Aprds
chercher les billets d l'agence de

voyages pour mon voyage en
Yougoslavie. Et essayez de ne pas
prendre trop de temps.
Madame: Quelle bonne!
:ir,ev4
vorx le foyer nrainienant?Je vous
Maya: Oui, madame. Tout de

suite. J'irai i bicyclette.
faites'vous? Et
'S
nladame'f $ffip6d"n ettoy ez-
lrd
Maya:
droplnd, thz pot ofyogurt!
It's netyuhere!
Mad,am: Wipe thz tabb too. Afin
clzaning up, go get the tickets at the
traxel agency for nry trip to
Yugoslaaia. And try not to tahe too
much time.
Maya:
Yes, madam.
Right antay
I'lI go on my bicycle.
Madam: What a maid,!
.Unir Foun
Tke Tknee Semi-vowels
Urir Foun'
The
Tknrr Semi-Vowrls
77
Ermms

Listen carefully to ail th..*#.rpl.r, repeat
the French words
or phrases after the speaker;then listen for
the confirmation.
There are three semi-vorvel sounds in French,

They are
also known as semi-consorlants. They are:
l.
the yod sound that you learned in previous

sections in
a variety of spellings.
Exnunts
Pronounce the
t in huit. But do not pronounce the t if
the word that follows begins with a consonant.
Note that u
2. u + i produces a sound similar to the sound of you

eat
(the tis not pronounced). But be careful!
Do not round
your lips when you say youbecause you
will produce a zu
sound.
+y
produces the same sound.
3. There are times when ou produces a zu sound.

Extnpus
::: :::.:::::::::L(1U158,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Eo&l,tje' ,,.,,,,,,,,,,,,,.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,:::::::::::::::::i::::::::::::::
76
i.:.:::.::i'i::::
78
Pnonounce
lr
penfecrl.y in F*ench
Urir Foun: Ths Thnee Serui-Vowets 79
.d

The speaker will now review all rhe examples featuring
the semi-vowel
sounds.
'
"

earlier in this unit.Just tisten aid,*epeat each word o. g.orlp,
of words after the speaker. - .^
Now, rewind the tape and rgplay the review of eight word.s
numbered I to 8. This time, wiih a pencil, circle whatyou hear
in each of the numbered groups below. This is a quiz on
Exmctst
vieille
5. nuit
huit
2. lui
Louis
6. louer
luire
J. Suls
suisse
7. lesjeux
les yeux
4. oeil
huile
8. appuyer
appeler
Arswras
Practice in Context
Now, listen to a monologue in which sevbral words are
used containing semi-vowel sounds. During the pauses, repeat
each sentence or phrase after the speaker.

Je suis Louise Luisant.
J'habite une vieille maison

depuis dix-huit ans avec mon
ifut#Fyg,*.l;
Nous avons, tous les der.rx, les

cheveux gris.
J'aime faire la cuisine avec de
am Louise Luisant.
I'ue
fm
been
lfuing in an old house

with rny husband,
eighteen years
Loui.s.
haue gtay Ees; his eyes are bhtc.
We both
hau gray hair.
lihe to cooh with oliae oi'|.
I'huile d'olive.
Aprds le diner, nous aimons
jouer aux cartes.
Afn
d,innn, ue ktu n plny eards.
De temps en temps, notre
From time to time, our grend'
petite-fille louise nous rend visite

et nous adorons la voirjouer avec
sesjouets.
d.aughter Louise ai.sits us and ue

lou to see hn plq with her tois.
Qpand.je lui demande si elle
1. veille
mari Louis,
J'ai les yeux Sri.;

bleus.
aime ses.iouets, elle rdpond, l'Oui,
oui."
When
to1s, she
if shc likes
'Yes, 1a."
ask her
anntnq
hn
Uruir Fivr
UNir Fivs: Tke Foun Nlsnl Vowets
lo.@
Tkr Foun Nasal Vowels
81
First Nasals\bwel Sound

Exnnpus

Listen carefully to uff in:. examples, repeat the French
words or phrases after-the speaker, then listen for the
confirmation
There are four nasal vowel sounds in French. At one time,
there were more than foui, but through the centuries some
of them have disappeared from use. One of the four is rarely
used in the city of Paris and its environs as well as in the western part of France. It has been replaced by one of the remaining three. In other regions of France, however, it is still in use.
This will be noted when we come to it.
Ordinarily, an oral vowel is nasalized when it is followed by
m or n in the same ryllablz. An oral vowel is pronounced only
through the mouth, which you learned in preceding units. A
nasal vowel, however, is pronounced through the nose and
through the mouth at the same timeby pushing the breath up
the nose and out of the mouth. To form a nasal vowel, you
must first position your lips for is equivalent oral vowel, then
nasalize it. The position must be precise to obtain the correct
sound.
.il.i.:.:..i.i.,ii:'i..,i,'.i.'iii.'iiiiiii..,:..i..i.ii.il
The nasal vowel sound in the spellings un and um is the one

that is rarely used in Paris and in the western region of France.
It is now pronounced like the nasal vowel sound in the
spellings in or im. See the word vin under the Third Nasal
Vowel Sound on page 84.
Review the sound of the oral vowel eu in leur, fleur, bon'
heur, peur under the combination eu in Unit Three. You
must position the lips properly to pronounce the oral vowel
eu in those rvords, someH'hat like the rzwhen you pronounce
the English word curl. The lips are parted and thrust slightly
forward. Then, nasalize the eu sound. It will produce the
nasal vowel sound of un or um. (See Figure 10')
In the examples that follow, the oral vowels and nasal vowin bold t1pe. The oral vowels do not contain m or n after
them but the nasal vowels do. First, position the lips for the oral
vowel sound given in each example, then nasalize it.
els are
OralVowel Sound
Figure
1G.
The Nasal Vowel Sound of un, um.
Exnnptt
OralVowel Sound
Exnmpu
80
82
Pnonounce
lr Peirfrcrly in Fnrnch
Urir Five: The Foun N,lsll Vowets
Second Nasal Vowel Sound
French words, andbthers;'are in Unit Three under omme and

orn'nes. Rewind your cassette tape and listen to them again.
Extuptts
There are some words that contain the vowel o plus double
n but are not nasalized either because the words are of one syllable and end in a mute (silent) e; for example, bonne,
donne, tonne. The sound of onne in those three words is

like the sound of un in the English wotds bun, done, ton.
Those three French words, and others, are in Unit Three
under onne. Rewind your cassette tape and listen to them
again. For practice, first pronounce bon, then bonnel don,
then donne; ton, then tonne.
Review the oral sound of the combination eau, which

sounds like o the English word oaer. Other examples are
bateau and chapeau. They are listed under the combinations
eau and eaux in Unit Three. You must position the lips prop
erly to pronounce the sound of the oral vowel o in those
words. Review the vowel o in Unit One. With the lips in that
position, nasalize the o. It will produce the nasal vowel sound
of on or om. For practice, first pronounce beauo then pronounce bon. (See Figure 11.)
The combination on is nasalized, as in bon and mon above,

but when the vowel e is after it, that final e denasalizes on, as
in monotone (monotonous),
Let's divide the word monotone into syllables so you can
understand why mon and ton are not nasalized in this word:
mo-no-tone. As you can see, we cannot say that a vowel is
always nasal when followed by m or n. It depends on how the
syllables are divided and whether m or n goes with the vowel
in front of it or after it. The final e in monotone denasalizes
ton. Review the French words under the combination one in
Unit Three where monotone and other French words are
listed.
OralVowel Sound
Exnnnes
Figure 11.
The Nasal Vowel Sound of on, om.
There are some words that contain the vowel o plus double
m but are notnasalized, because the words are of one syllable
and end in a mute (silent) e or silent s; for example, pornme
(a$le), pommes
(apples). The
pronunciation of omme and
ommes sounds like umin the English word umbrella. Those nvo
83
Pnoruoutce
lr
Penfecrly in Fnencft
Ulir'Five: The Foun Nlsn[ Vowtts
85
-f
Third Nasal Vowel Sound
The vowel i, wfiich;,is"*lways in this nasal vowel group,

makes this nasal vowel sound distinctively different from the
other three nasal sounds. If the vowel i were not in this nasal
vowel combination, the nasal sound would be entirely dif-
Emnptrs
ferent. It would sound more like the Fourth Nasal Vowel

Sound, which is discussed on the following page.
This is the nasal sound that has absorbed the nasal vowel
sound of the spellings un and um in paris and its environs and
in the western part of France, which was mentioned previorxly
under the First Nasal Vowel Sound.
This nasal vowel contains a variety of spellings, as you can
in the above list of examples. To produce the nasal vowel
sound of in, aitn, ain, iml ein, you must first properly pronounce the oral vowel combination ais that you learned in
Unit Three.
For practice, pronounce vais, then vin

fais, then fin and faim
mais, then main
sais, then sein and simple
Make sure you do not pronounce the consonants n or m
when pronouncing the nasal vowel groups.
Of course, there are exceptions:
see
You must position your lips properly to pronounce the

oral vowel combination ais, like the sound of ein the English
word eg'. The lips are parted and stretched from side to side,
as if smiling. Then, nasalize the aissound. (See Figure lZ.)
These two words contain the nasal vowel combination ien,

which is not in the same order as ein that was explained ear-
lier. The nasal combination en in bien and rien normally

produces a different nasal sound that is given in the Fourth
Nasal Vowel Sound, as discussed on the following page.
Nevertheless, ien in bien and rien are pronounced the same
in this Third Nasal Vowel Sound

group. In the south of France you will hear bien and rien
pronounced as in the Fourth Nasal Vowel Sound group
because of the en.
Two other exceptions are these:
as the other words above
i.::: 1.-i t i 2- j
'''':&ii1T+,Jn
In these tlvo words, the nasal vowel combination en falls into

Figure 12.
The nasal vowel sound of in, aim, ain, im, ein
the Fourth Nasal Vowel Sound, but they are pronounced

like the words in this Third Nasal Vowel Sound group.
86
Pnoruounce
lr
penfecrty
it
'
Fnsrch
OralVowel Sound
Unir Five, The Foun Nasll
Vowels
87
f-i
Extnprcs
Fourth Nasal Vowel Sound
Figure 13,
The nasal vowel sound of an, am, en, em
Exlnnrs
Note that the word content (hapb, contmt) contains tlvo different nasal sounds (on and en). However, the ending ent in
verb forms of the third person plural is never pronounced as
a nasal sound. Compare the sound of these:
But:
'.:.::::::
:::::
::
::!:!c
:.:.::.::::
i:.::::: :.: . i::::::::::::: :
..eg{t*Fnt,,teurs,,
:'::: :::':
::'
rna!heufsl
t]t:t:::t:;:::i:::i:::::::t:i::i::j::::::::::::::::::::l:::,:::::i:::1:::::::::::i::::::l::t:t:::i::::::
i:i:i:i:iri*ael+:iar'e:.:fe{xng:t::l:i::::i::
,,e,rf
..i.:.:.:.:ffi
.lf,ttl$ifotffi
ng$,i.:..:.:
Note also that the word la banane (banana) contains the

nasal vowel spelling an twice. However, they are not nasalized
because if you divide the word into syllables, you will see that
an is not a nasal group: ba-na-ne.
Note that en is nor nasal in the word ennemi

pronounced aE en-nve.
(enemy).
lt
is
Review the sound of the open oral vowel i contained in

words listed in Unit One. you must position the lips properly
to pronounce the open oral vowel i in those words, as you

would when you say AhlThen nasalize it. (See Figure 13.)
Finally, to sum up the four different nasal vowel sounds in

French, pronounce the following phrase that contains all
four:
i.iiii:ii"aiiHffi:.1*ih:':g!nhr.i.:iiiiii.i:.:.iii:.le.:.giaailri#.foffi.,,#1nu.,....,.,,..,...'..........:.:.:.'.'..'r.i..',
88
Pno'rource
Practice for
lr
penfecrtv
ir
Urir Fivt' Tht Foun Nlsll Vowels
Fnsrck
. "t
Mastery
The speaker will now review aU the.r,fords containing the
four
nasal vowels.
Note: These examples, which'are rlot listed below, appeared

earlier in this unit.Jusr lisren and ibfoeat each word after the
Excaast
1. cent
sans
SAME NOT
SAME
Now, rewind the tape and replay the review of eighteen

words numbered I to 18. This tiaie, r,r'ith a pencil, circle what
you hear in each of the numbered
$oups below. This is a quiz
on sound differentiation.
2. da..
dont
SAME NOT
SAME
3. vient
vent
SAMN NOT
SAME
4.
sein
SAME NOT
SAME
5. vin
vingt
SAME NOT
SAME
6. chant
champs
SAME NOT
SAME
sans
1. un
an
10. don
daim
7. fin
fairn
SAME NOT
SAME
2. bon
bonoe
11. on
tm
8. rm
on
SAME NOT
SAME
3. vent
Yin
12. sans
saint
9. blanc
blond
SAME NOT
SAME
4. bLond
blanc
13, nom
nain
10. dent
dans
SAME NOT
SAME
5. vin
vient
14. dinde
dindon
6. mon
main
15. cent
sein
/.
romain
16. faim
font
8. bien
bain
17. ton
temps
9. vient
viennent
18. dans
dont
roman
answers in the box below^

Answrns
Now, pronou$i.*gfot a the two words in each group in

the following list. if the nasal vowel sound is the same for
both words, circle seun. If it is not the same, circle Nor seun'
speaker.
Exeacpt
89
'.{
Now, testyourself again before looking at the answers in the
box below.
Answms
Unir Six
ONSONANTs: I
i./r
'
i" n,l

Listen carefully to all fte examples, repeat the French words
or phrases after the speaker, then listen for the confirmation'
Most French consonants are pronounced like those in
English. Consonants that are part of a single, double, or
triple vowel group are pronounced differently or not at all'
Refresh your memory by reviewing Units Three and Four in
the book and on your cassette.
A consonant is pronounced at the beginning of a word,

within a word, next to another consonant' or before a vowel'
The following tlvo words illustrate all four positions when a
consonant is normallY Pronounced:
Extnnts
The Consonant
Pronounce this consonant like the English D, but it is not

explosive as it sometimes is in English. Note that it is pronounced as a p when before s.
Extnpus
,,,ffi
93
94
Pnotoutce
lr
Penfecrly in Fnrnch
Unir Six: Tke Consonnnrs' I
95
The Consonant c
The consonant c plus a, o, u, or ou bas the sound ofk.
Exnwptes
When c is before e, i, or y it has the sound of s
Exnnnts
The Consonant c
This consonant is pronounced k when it is the last letter of
a word.
Htunrs
The Consonant g
The consonant g has the sound of s. The mark under the
c is called une c6dille (ced,illa). Actually, it is the lower half of
the letter s, which tells you to pronounce it as s. The g is
used only before a, o, or u when normally c has the sound of
k,
as
you learned above.
Exnnnts
In the following words c is not pronounced when it is the

last letter of a word.
96
Pnonounce
lr
Unir Six: The Cotsolatrs: I
PrnfecrLy in,Fsenck
However, the final c is pronounced k in porc and 6pic in

the following word.
Note, also, that the final c of a masculine singular a{ective

changes to que in the feminihe form because the k sound
must be retained.
Exnnnes
Extunes
The Consonants ch
sft.
i..:Publ.ic.....:.:.'....:.j.i.j::.::'.Ptrbfic:;Cndfiy.ii.i.i.,:,:,i..iii...'..iiii'i'i;i.'.::'..t:..,,..:.:l...:.
tu;blifiub:r'r,rrii::r,;:r,,.,,,,b;ufifrc,,sale:..i.:':';:.i::...':':i:i:::::
.;:;;;;
Finally, note that c in these words has a hard g sound

the English word ga.
The Consonants cc
Pronounce cc as k when followed by a, o, u, or ou.
ii
as
97
The consonants ch plus a vowel are generally pronounced

as in the English word shop.
Extnnes
i:ii
in
In the following words ch has the sound of k in front of a

vowel because they are derived from the Greek language and
the sound of k is retained:
Eannrs
::::1::::i::i::::ii:i::::::r:i:r::::r::::i::ii:i::::::i,:::::::i::i;;:::::::::::::::::::::!ri:::::l:::::l;r::::;r:l
i*riiixii:ilii::iiiiiii:iiiiii+iiiili;i
il#il---ffii..+il.r:++*x
Pronounce cc
as
ks when followed by e or i.
The Consonant
Pronounce d iike the English d. It is generally not pronounced when at the end ofword.
98
Pnotoulce
lr Prnfrcrlv il
Tke
Cotsolatrs: I
LIKE
LIKE K
LIKE
LIKE
LIKE
LIKE K
recevoir
LIKE
LIKE K
le gargon
LIKE
LIKE K
8. le cur6
LIKE
LIKE K
9. le cas
I-IKI
LIKE K
le cou
LIKE
LIKE K
Urir Six:
Fnenck
'$
Exmnts
3.
, ',
: F':!i;,
ea
',ta
4. le cin6ma
5. nous
6.
The final d is pronoun..d inf'his word,
Review Units Three and Forir where d appears in combinations with vowels, such as aud, id, ied, and others.
When a word enrls in d it is pronounced as t, connecting it
with the word after it if that word begins with a vowel or
silent h:
10.
99
pfonongons
Ii
Testyourself again before looking at the answem in the box

below.
lrcrcns
Eannrs
-iu*i*l*$$ffi
iiiii iii$
,,,,,
.....
Now, pronounce aloud the words in this list. If the final c

b pronounced like k, circle ves' If it is not pronounced at all,
:i.h6rfirnb..,.,.r.r'r.r,r'r:r,:.r.,b'.l :gl
iU,n,,,$far,ttr:',*****,,,,,,,,,,,,';;,i:i:io:
.6:ii:rmrl
iiiii:If
tEirid.h4il6::.:.;.:.:.,..... . . . .,.,.:.:it#i
Jeipeilg;.,.,.,,,.,,i,,,,',,,.,.li4l
circle No.
$i:]ttrei|,|,|:|:|:iiiiiiiiiii
fr::i:1i1eii'lF,itl:ii:llFi::::::::::::i:liiii::i::iiiii
Ercnust

The speaker will now review all the words containing consonants in the above section.
earlier in this unit.Just listen and repeat eacfr word after the
speaker.
Now, pronounce aloud the words in the following list. If the
consonant c is pronounced like the sound of s, circle rrrn s.
If c is pronounced like the sound of k, circle LrKE K.
1. avec
YES
NO
4. le parc
l'ES
NO
9 le
ItrS
NO
5. le banc
I'ES
NO
YES
NO
6. le bec
YES
NO
J.
porc
le pic
Testyourself again before looking at the answers in the box

below.
htsweas
Finally, pronounce aloud the words in this list. If ch is pro

nounced like sh, circle sh. If like k, circle k.
Extnasr
1. le colis
I-IKE
LIKE K
2. cela
LIKE
LIKE K
100
Pnotourcr
lr
Sevenffi
TftGf,S*|NsoNANrs: ll
Penfecrty irv.Fnrncfi
"
t-.
t
I
I
Exmasr
chat
2. le chaos
sh
sh
3. le chocolat
sh
1. le
sh
,5. le choeur sh
r$' 6. lechou sh
"' '
.,4F.la chanson
Unir
'"1d
k
k
k
Testyourself again before l,ooking at the answers in the box

below.
trrtroducing the Sounds

words or phrases after the speaker, then listen for the confirmation.
Answeas
ii:.:....riil,il;l;l'.f#:ri:tll*iiiiiki:i:iii.i.ifiiiitH...,ii4l:i..$hi'i'i:iii#t:i.iik.iii......nr..$fr,i.',,:':i:iiiii
The Consonant
The consonant f is generally pronounced in any position
ofa word.
ErutnEs
Do not pronounce the f in the following words:
101
102
Pnorource
lr
.' Ulii'Sevsn'
PenfecrLy in Fryrnck
\Alhen the word neuf is followed by a word beginning with

a vowel or silent h, the f is pronoungtd like a v.
Extnrrcs
Ths Consolanrs:
ll
103
- d.... ,,
, { - },i*.:'^
;:::::i:iill:i:$it::txe'ufi.:h:Ufa$.i.;.i.iiii;ii:i.;t;i;..:lt1:1$ffie,.b|ulgtftiii';.:.i.'t......;.:.:.i.:.i.l.i.i.i:.ii.i:
The Consonant
Pronounce g + a, o or u like gin the English words game, go,

gunx.
The consonant h is never pronounced'

Extuptts
Exnmnss
..'llfffi.ffiffi'.
The Consonant h
*..l.
ffiF#..il#$l''.......'.l..lll
iiii....iiii.....
'i''..i..
Pronounce g + e, i or y like s in the English words measure
and leisure, or like the z in seizure. Do not pronounce it d,g as
in the Englishword fudge.
Extnnts
The letter h is aspirate in the following words' An aspirate

h is one that is pronounced, as in the English wotd' hello'Do
not pronoun.. t i.t French even though it is designated as
aspirate.
:'1
i--l'ffii$HEi;i:i;
lllll:lffilil
$fil.l.li1+il:liili'.l.l.l.l.lil.l.ii:ii
r
The Consonants gn
zy
This is pronounced like niinthe English word, onimrorllke

in the English word. canyon.
Nouns beginning with the aspirate h require the definite

article le or la rather than I' in front of them:
1A1
Pnonorrrce
ir
FenfEcrly ini
Fsrercck
Urir Srvrn; Tht Corusoururs:
ll
105
Exnmnts
Exnmprcs
A word beginning r.r4th aspirate h is designated as *h
or'h
or ch in a French dictionan. A liaison is never made r+,ith a

word beginning wirh aspirare h. See La l_iaison in Unit N-ine.
The Consonants
The Consonantj
Extnpus
Pronounce
leisutz,
like the s in the English words

or like the zin seizure,
measure and
Enmnes
t,
Double ll is usually pronounced like the single l.
::::::::':'::':::::::::::'::''':::'':::::'::
elle,, ::::::::,: ,:she;:,hel,i, ,,iiii: :::: ,;;;;;i' ' ,,:,,
' ....beautiful (f,.s;). ......" .,...,.. ' iiii"
, ,,.,,,,,,,b.!lfb :i'.''
i..i.
:: :::::i ':'::'
:
:: ' .:::: :
,,,::::,,,: ,la|gelioom,,,,,.
(la) sellb ,,,,,,,. ,,,.!rddle ' " , ',,,,,,,,, ,,,,;' 'ii'
rnlll*,
,,,,,,
one fho,'i|iaiA
:: (la),Sblfe
\{}ren I or ll
:::.:
:,:::
is
in a cluster with vowels, the sound of 1is pro-
duced, in the English words yes and yellozu. Review the clusters ail, aile, aille, aillent, eilo eils, eille, eilleso euil, euils,
euille, euilles, ille, illes, and others, in Unit Three.
as
The Consonant
The consonant f is pronounced properly rvhen the tip of

.
the tongue is placed iightly againsi rhe inside of the two
upper ftont teeth. In English, hou,ever, ne tend to pronounce
the consonant f way back in the mouth with the tip of
tire
tongue touching the paiate, the roof of the mourh.
The Consonants
rt, n
These two consonants are pronounced as in English.

However, at times, the vowel in front of them in the same syllabl,eisnasalized, as in bon, mon, non, nom, bombe, important,
in which case the m and n are not pronounced. Review The
Four Nasal Vowels in Unit Five.
f06
Uruir Stvrru; The Consonnnrs'
PaoNouncs 6r FenFscrtv iru FnEncl*
Tke Consoalant
ll
147
Do not pronounc6 P iP these rvords:
Tiris consonant is nct explosive like the English p rvhen

nronounced.
(le),
are0unrfl
,co,rnPte,,
:...:::cohPtg'r
Exemprcs
:(l;:I:i:io miptd:b;i
:!i-a.,,',,",,,,,,,,,',',',btioun f ing
ta,,,te,,1r11,,,,,.1,,:,:;,,t,.,;,:.
(le) dompteui
(la) dompteuse
(le) corps
(,ia)pipe ' :fi*u,,.

p6,t'qgqge :::,because
:
, pcur . , .. :::.: for, ,:l
5r
dompter
:dad, p9p
papa ,i
. payer , , ,;, to pai,"
(le)
Do not pronounce
,fo,,co,un,t
tamai.tr"rl.;i,'I
tdmet,{1,S,)"
oocly,
In this word, p is not pronounced but t
is:
when it is the last letter of a French
lqord.
But in this'word, both p and t are pronounced:
Ex*wpt-ts
flii4r:i
.t.!e},.totl$......................,
bfsfi/'::::ii::i:i::]i::]:]:]:]i::
:]:
:]:ri:ir!::]|:i |:i:ij|.
nx:uahiii:?aen:,ita'ttlfl
..,...,..',..'i,.....AaaUt***
t::l:::tt)::::,
too,,mutfi l:,.,fao.lgmAnt
t,'1,1111;;;1,1,;,1,ftL6,..,P.t;;,:1.1;1;,;;11,;;;,1;i;,,,1;
The Consonants Ph
But do pronounce p in this expression:
The French consonants ph are pronounced like the English ph'
rr.opi l+op,ro itl (in interjellion,,.,.. ::"""

to express,a,n abqupt,,actlcn),.:
: ,,:,
..
The final p is pronounced in English words used in the

French language.
Exnnptts
,1.i6,
tdt
,,,
, (le) be:bo,* ''.

' ' :,stop,: i ;' ;'
','
' (le),s-hop '' ' ,' ,
,
,; ,,,
,, ,(la|'mus;goe pop
.,: : :
, 'b;ab
'.
;.
Exnnptrs
Philip" ,,
photo
Philippe
(la):photo
tl'il ptrotograptrie
p'haiogra'phl
The Consonants Ps
At the beginning of
word ps is pronounced ps'
beboP:
stop
ishop :::i
Exnnptrs
,:
:,
(ia)
,.pop,,musli,,,,
pstchotogie,
,:,
psvchialogy
psychol,og:ique "' psythologiaal
(la)
psychiaiiib ,,
piyihiatrY:,
108
Pnotoulcs
lr
Urir Srvet, Tlre Colsollnrs: ll
Penfecrly in,fRenctr
TheConsonantq+rr
109
Exnnprcs
The combination q + u producgq.4he sound of k.
Enuptes
Review the pronunciation of infinitives ending in er and

words ending in er or bre under those combinations in Unit
The Consonant
Three.
There are three ways to pronounce the r in French but we
will concentrate on the Parisian r that you hear on your cassette tape. It is also known as the dorsal r because it is articulated with the dorsum of the tongue. The dorsum is the
outer surface of the tongue. Press the tip of the tongue gently against the lower front reeth. Raise the tongue toward the
soft palate and let the air from your throat softly vibrate the
uvula, as ifyou are about to gargle (see Figure 14).
The Consonant s
The consonant
s is
pronounced like the English
in sif'
Extmpres
The final s in a word is not pronounced'
Extnnts
Figure 14,
The consonant r
For words that contain final s pronounced, review Unit

Three.
When a single s is preceded and followed by a vowel,
sounds like a z.
it
110
Pnonoutce
lr
PenfecrLy
il
Urir Sevet, The Colsonarrs:
Fnench
ll
111
Enmnes
d6sert
1. porsson
poison
4.
I Frangois
Frangoise
5. russe
coussin
6.
J.
cousin
lise
dessert
ruse
lisse

ans\{ers in the box below.
Answms
The Consonants ss
The double consonants ss are pronounced like
ss
Extmms
',.iii..,ll- iJ;
.,...'.,...ziiiliiaoq"t-.,,,.'..',
in the
English tvord possible.
''..,-iipbiii
"l. iii
,tUJ;
iu*n
--
.,,''...41r.acsert.,...,.:;...,:.,..:..f91.'1$,.i'....,:
.,
Now, pronounce aloud the words in the following list' If the

consonant g is pronounced like the hard g in the English
word g4 circle A. If the g is pronounced iike s in the English

words measure, bisure, and occasion, circle B.
Exenast
1. le gant
2. le g6ant
3. le eilet
AB
AB
AB
4.
Andr6 Gide
5. la gomme
6. le guide
AB
AB
AB

below.
The speaker will now review all the words containing consonants in the above section.
Auswms

earlier in this unit.Just listen and repeat each word after the
Pronounce aloud the words in the following list' If the

consonant p is pronounced, circle rns. If it is not pronounced,
speaker.
NoW rewind the tape and replay the review of six groups of
words numbered I to 6. This time, with a pencil, circle what
you hear in each of the numbered groups below. This is a quiz
on sound differentiation.
circle No.
112
Fnonounce
lr
Penf
rcrly
thir Seven, Tte Corrsolltrs: ll 113

,;, o I ""#
Lill is reading tlw booh i'n bed.
Lily lit le tivre d{h$illg;rr*
!#
'
+-
in F.nenck
Exrnasr
lecpup
2. la coupe
1.
3.
No
yES No
\.ES
,,
1,.,"p-pt"r
f.
.allez,
hop!
beaucoup ros No '.'.f; trop
\rES No
\.ES No
yss
No
Testyourself again before lQoking at the answers in the box

below.
Answens
Pronounce aloud the words in this list. If the consonant r

If it is not pronounced, circle No.
is pronounced, circle yES.
Exmast
1. hier
1IES NO
4. la
2. aller
YES
NO
3. cher
YES
NO
rue
YES
NO
5.
donner
\tsS
NO
6.
I'hiver
ItsS
NO

below.
Auswms
:::::d:::::i
Practice in Context
Now, listen to the speakers pronounce.four statemeqts
drilling certain consonant sounds. During the pauses, repeat
each sentence after the speaker imitating the intonation, rise
and fall of the voice, and rhythm.
Da.d. did you Pa1 a lnt fm Your
Papa, as-tu pay6'6eaucoup

pour ta pipe?
PiPe?
Voigtu le ver vert qui vavers

le verre vert?
tward tlu green
Ie
chasseur, sachant chasser
sans son chien, cbassera seul.
Do you see tlu green wmm going
hnmtinghmt to hunt
dog will hunt alonz.
The huntcr,
uithout
his
glnss?
Urir Eiqhr: The Cotsorulrs'
tJ.nir Eiqhr
The Consonanrs:
,
-"
lll
lll
115
Do not p.onogrfue,$g:ein these words of one syllable:
u'
lntrodricing the Sourfds,'

.."&'
Listen carefully to all the'efamples, repeat the French

words or phrases after the'speaker, then listen for the confirmation.
.:!
The Consonant
Review in Unit Three words ending in ect as well as these

words where the finai t is pronounced:
The French consonant t is pronounced like the English t
Exnnms
:|:|:|:|i|i|!]|:|:|:|:
bialffjsldfi:l
.i.ii-"
uuu
.
K<:
Pronounce the t like s in these word endings: -tion, {ial, -tiel,

tie, -tieuxr -tieuse.
:,::::: ::::::::::::'
i9,F[rfllel]r;,,,:
Normally, t is not pronounced when it is the last letter of

a word:
The Consonants
\A/hen a word is of one syllable, the t is generally pronounced:
The combination th is pronounced like the English r' In the

French language, there is no fft sound as in the English words
thin or this.
Exnmpus
114
th
116
Pnoruourcr
lr
Unir Eiqkr: Thc Consollnrs:
PrnfecrLy iu Fnench
lll
117
"c1
The Consonant
!r-;.rrr", ;.^
The consonantx is pronounced Aswhen a consonantfollows it.
Exnnms
The Consonant
.',
The French consonant v is pronounced like the English
u.
Exttunrs
Pronounce x like
gz
when
vowel precedes and follows it.
Exnnprcs
The Consonant
When x is the last letter of a word, it is not pronounced.
Pronounce the French consonant w like the English

Exenpus
words borrowed from the English language.
Exnmms
In the English word uagon, the French w is pronounced v.
Review in Unit Three the combination aix when x is pronounced. Note that the final x in le pla6ntx/ phoenix is pro-
Exnunts
nounced.
Pronounce x like z when there is a vowel after it.
l
118
Pno*ource
lr
Unir Eichr
::: ''F '
Pcnfecrly in,Firnch
Extupus
Exnnprcs
When x is the first lettet

nounced
plus vowel,
f,.-'-,-
-.
The
Corsollnrs'
lll
119
,;,
it is pro-
gz.
Exnnnts
Review the combination ez in Unit Three.
i:i::lli:ltie}iixsn'nhbui*:.i:.ijiiiiiiii:i:i:xeniop'fi"b'rn:l::iiiii:ii:i:i::i:i:ii:i:iiiriii;::,::liiiiiiiii:ri:ii.i:.:;::::ii:'ii
r..;''iiif!*I.xg1agffittriu.:1ii11,..,1i....xaiogipht.i.,....ti.,........ii..i..,.,'..iiiii:.:.:.:...:liiii.:'.li::.:....
When referring to an unknown person as)l pronounce xas

which is the word for the letter x of the French alphabet.
eehs,
speaker.
Exnnnrs
.i..il#ffiffiillliiii'iiffillilri:i:i:i:i:l:l:lll:l:iiiiiiiilr:i:il
The speaker will now review words containing consonants

in the above section.
Note: These examples, which are notlisted belou appeared
earlier in this unit.Just listen and repeat each word after the
i:i:i:iiiiii
ili
Pronounce aloud the words in the following list' If t at the

end of the word is pronounced, circle vns. If it is not pronounced, circle No.
ii::::ll:i
Exrnasr
The Consonant z
The French consonant z is pronounced like the English
Exnnnes
z.
5. instant
YES NO
YE,S NO
6. petit
\.ES
NO
3. net
\.ES
NO
7. huit
YES
NO
4. il est
l'ES
NO
8. il finit
YES
NO
1. sept
YES
2. et
NO

below.
Atswrns
Do not pronounce the z in words ending in ez.
Pronounce aloud the words in this list. If t is pronounced
as ! circle T. If it is pronounced as sn circle S.
120
Pnotounce
lr
Penfscrl.y in ,Enenck
..,'t'
f
'i
Exenast
l.
partiel
2.
I'iddd
3. ambitieux
',,
dinutieuse
".r,5;:Prononciation T
'i',.,S: u
.4"
ae*ocratie
Answens
-'";.1-, .;
Pnnr Tknet
Wond PnrrrRNs
Pronounce aloud the words in this list. If w is pronounced
ra, circle W. If it is pronounced like the
English u, circle V.
like the English

Exenasr
1. leweek+nd
2. lewagon
3, le western
Arswens
WV
WV
WV
::::::::{::r:::r:::i*}.::::::::::::r::di:::::ir{:I
::
:::rEirrr':fIr':::.i i:.4r'1i: y:
4. Ie wagon-restaurant
5. les WC
6. le wagon-couchettes
WV
WV
wv
l:a:ar:i.:::'t:,:.:l:li:
:i::::::
iiiii
lirrr,rV'r.r.r:rl
$li:iv'iiii
Finally, pronounce aloud the words in this list. If x is pronounced fu, circle fu. If it is pronounced gz, circle gz.
Exenast
excellent
2. Itexercice
3. lexylophone
Atswms
&tg
hsg
ksg
4. Itexamen
5. expert
'
6. lax6rographie
g
hsg
tug
&s
ANd lnronArioN
'{
,r:'+
Unir Nile
La Linison
-J
t:, ,,/''
;
..
f,#

Listen carefully to atl the examples and repeat the French
words or phrases after the speaker.
When a word ends in a consonant that is normally notptonounced, a liaison is made by pronouncing the consonant if
the word that follows begins with a vowel or silent h.
Les enfants sont_all6s ir l'6cole sans argent.
The children
wmt to school without monq-
In making the liaison, the consonant that is pronounced

becomes part of the syllable at the beginning of the word
that follows. If the consonant is s, it is pronounced as z. In
other words, in the above example, when pronouncing s in les
as z, the sound goes with en in enfants. ks is still pronounced
as laybt*tlre z sound of s in les is pronounced withtheword
enfants, so that it sounds like this:
lay zmfants.
A liaison is not always made whenever a word ends in a consonant and the word that follows begins with a vowel or silent
h, There are times when a liaison is required, when it is rec-
ommended, and when it is prohibited.
Required liaison
Between a personal subject pronoun and the verb.
123
lii
'ii't
ii'
124
Pnouource
-t--
!r Fenfecrty iu Fnrnrcir
'..:sr::
Exnnnes
deux:ac<idents
::::::
'
Y....,1
rnes::amrs
:..'.:: \;a : ,iii.
,:
is the
Bet$een a preceding direct object pronoun referring to persons or things and the verb:
Betrveen a determinant (for exarnptre, les, des, aux, ces) or
an adjective (for example, grandso petits, tout, deux, mes,

nos, vos, leurs) and the noun or adjective:
:,!H::t::::::::,::t:t,:,:
aiu
irhie'i5rudeht$i...i.i'.rii:.....i..i.
SO:m
e f fle
n dS
:::::
.: : ::
,.,
.i.l:i:iiiii:",:1:*het:l:*akiaUi.$.i1i6iiCIhiil;::
.' .' "'' '....
fhese:frceji : i:
rcg:i:i:ihfhfeE
r':::.:.: g:.:::.:ri::r:::::r':
!,es
Siend
U!
om nr
e-s
:,,
:,,,,,,t h,e,: g-1 e' a
t I rw9f,
.:
a:,ccide:nlfs, ,:,,,
.:,
,
,,,,,,
*r.!iit,idi,,
,,i,iii
.,>-illl
With the inverted subiect and verb in the interrogative:

:"Whtat:is,'she'iayin'g?
:::::
::lllllll:
. : .:::::
.::
,;.;.;i;'OUe...F*eh$i$,.:.'.'.'....................;.1met;..*.,nU...#*tl*0.21,'....
.,.tii.i.i...tllditeiit.t{i.ii$...pitofiCIu,nced.i.aS, !,,,Rev.iqw,
'the ConsonantSi..ir]
.,..
.iiPforl6u.ncsd.
With the pronoun y (there, to it, in it):
tortltl!l{:ait};:::a:tilth.rld*rs.,.i...i.,.i.,.i...i.iil....
ii.i.i.i.j:i.l,N.0t*'''th8t.,i*..i.is
,...,
a;g.es
With the pronoun en (of them, some of them):
:,:,:i:::,:::::::::::,:.:::
g:li.$ss.ii:::i:::.::
of.,al
i,
.Quedit.eile?.,
::::::::
:..:
.:::. v
:t::::i,:,:
... ,....i'
,:...
",,,,,
ou:r.aneeitafs:,
yo*ri ouiin,"ii,.iiii;''tr:
voS:affairesiii,
i,,,,,i
,,r:Vr ,,,.,.,
.,,,,,,. i,ii
,6l6ves
lcuiS
aniiens\.7:::::: .. :::::. th e i r,,fo r mi rt p i pi I sr'',,t',
' ,ii,,..,
::::::.
lCs:::dtudlbnts..
. :tt: :: :t::l:
. !2
de$:i::ie i$ili:i:i:ili:i::l:l'l;lll:l
littld chlldryn::, ',:::,

two
,,,,,,,:
,
aftcQtres,,,'
:nos
:.
v::.::.
it
125
:l:::::
des petrtijnfa"{s,
de tOUli9e
iii
Between a preceding personal pronoun when

direct or indirect object of the verb:
Lilison
Unir Nint' La
,,,,,,,
,,..,
!he ConSbnahl'
:, '::::::,
d.i.i{J.i.Uatt.Sixt:i:'l':
:::
oue.;airiitgr?,,,,i,i,,wititii1irita,,a;|i;::iaili:
Vienneng]lr?,,, ,
,'
.Aririhey,conihE,? ,,,,:,:
.,:.
.....i
,,,,,
..
,:,,,,:
126
Pnonounce
lr
Unir Nire' Ln Lilisorc '127
PrnfscrLy in Fnench
.ri
After a preposition of one syllable:
With man;' iocudo4s (a-group of words) or compound
rvords:
deiitdm.nts,,:,:,a:irfem.Bs
:::':::|::::::::]:::::::::::::|::::j:lt:]:i:l*,t1]::: ]::]::::i::1::::::t:]::ii|i:
]]
m(}t
'i....v
::::
,a,,m(}E::::
....::.::::::
r.
,fiffi
i.i:fl
tWA f. A,
n?ei.ifio.i:ifffi F
D y.
INO f C'.tttt,,tl
::::)::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::'::::'::::::::::::::::::::|::::::::::::::::::::':::
tta:,:,,fih;).:;,th1er.:|tlrhi.ted;
vl,SiaivlS
face. f(}
fac,,r
]::lt::::::i::':]:,:.:t:.l::.:i'i:i:t:ii.:ili:il:l:
:hEtfet:5
,::
:::::::ii::i:l:t:i:il,:::i::i:.:::::.
nd:r
beittei::
With adverbs of one syllable dnd adverbs of negation:
Recommended liaison
With quand and dont:
Exnwnrs
,,tWlt,Efl ,a n,,! S Sp d K In $,;,,,:
,;;af ,wh i ch,;h e has, nbed':
:::::
Behgeen the verb and a noun or complementary adjective:
:EIOtii*.l.S61filfte$j,r.:,a!tr.is.i:.:.:i:ii.ii:i',ttt,tttt:tt:::tttt:tl].Uet:dttid:t:frtl4.ln
,'....ll.st::::irnFo$ii:bile:::::::,.:',,,,lf.iS,r'rnpASSr'blei
S.ttt
E!:letiii$ont:;t;i;fiUrdju5e$ii:r:l:::::,:::,:,:,:::,:::::t*rc,
,,A:rE:1haP.P .,
:::::::::::::::..::. :v: :: :: ::: ::
With impersonal il est or c'est:
::
.i..:::::: ..i.
'
::,ii..
Between the helping verb in the chird person singular or

plural and the past participle in a compound tense:
128
Pnonounce
lr
penfecrty irvFnrnch
Unir Nire: Ln
Liaison 129
f,..:
Prohibited liaison
A liaison is not made (when yrdimally itwould be) if there
is a significant pause betweerrboth elements while speaking:
Now, pronounce t'foud the phrases in the following list

nurnbered 1 to 14. If a liaison is made, circle yns. If a liaison
is not made, circle No.
Exmc$t
With the conjunction
efi,,"
With the final consonant of a noun in the singular:
1. nous allons
YES
NO
8. les haricots
I'E,S NO
2. vous 6tes
I'ES
NO
f. ilsysont
l'ES
NO
3. fu ont
TTS
NO
10. elle est all6e
YES
NO
4. nous avons
ITS
NO
11. Quedit-il?
1T,S NO
5. lui et elle
YES
NO
12. les horsd'oeuwe T'ES NO
O. ftats-Unis
TT,S
NO
13.
Allez-y!
I'E,S NO
\.ES
NO
t4.
rm nez 6norme
1T,S NO
7. Tuparles
assez,
With the
-es ending of a verb
in the second person
singu_
lar, present indicative and present subjunctive:
below.
Auswras
If the word that follows begins with an aspirate h:
Practice in Context
Nolr', listen to a short narration in which several liaisons are
made. During the pauses, repeat each sentence or phrase
after the speaker imitating the intonation, rise and fall of
the voice, and rhythm.

The speaker will now review words, phrases, and sentences
in the above section.

earlier in this unit.Jrxt listen and repeat after the speaker dur_
ing the pauses, paylng careful attention to liaisons that are
made or not made.
Nous avons des amis qui

sont all6s au-r ftats-Unis. Ils ont
laiss6 leurs deux enfans chez
nous. Aujourd'hui mon mari et
moi nous allons avec leurs enfants nous amuser et accueiilir
les oiseaux dans un parc.
somefrimdsuhoumt to
Thq lcft thzir tuo
chill,rm at ow hune. Tbd,ay my hu.sband and I are goinguith th,eir children to have fun and welcomz the
We haae
the United States.
birds
in a park.
', Uruir Trru
L'Enckn?nEMENr,
['slision;J
MUET
,l':*&'
Unir Terr L'Enckainemervr, ['e1isioru, e MUEr 13'l

Exnnptes
l'atni d'Anne
.I.j i* d'*lbert.
lraltnl?ii,
lntroducing the SouriAi

Listen carefully to all the,examples and repeat the French
I'ho,mm;
l'h6tel ,
ira|r.:'
Js..l i,
Je.miappellE
Jei*;'
:::''r:
G'est:vfii-
L'Enchainement
When a word ends in a consonant that is normally pronounced, an enchainement is made by linking the consonant to forrn a syllable with the word that follows if it begins
with a vowel or silent h.
Exnnptr
lrnm-draidint,,,.,, bldent
ve
The consonant r in amotrr is always pronounced. The word

that follows begins with a vowel. In this group, pronounce the
r in amour not as part of the word amour, but rather with the
a in ardent. It sounds like this: amou-rardent.
'
Ce,n'.iiiFas*ai,
Js.
Anne's fnend\m.)
'
.lhave
I
I hayg,i{r,,,,,.
My nami'JiJahn.
It's'tr.ue.
',,,
t'm -listening td iou:
:,.,.
Jq'h1el " 1: ::
,aclordlng
t$a+ g:.gLEe'lt=:'Qslbct:Ge gu.itdit?
ehougt:r'.money.
Norqgtelle
Wheh
::::
ttit ieune.-l" ,
i*soutd.dC
,i'
i,i-
Itls nat true.
t.16corrta.
d!B-fsr ,
,,,
Al b e rt's, {r.i ea d, (t .)'
the enemy
the man
the hote{
,:...,1
,.
words or phrases after the splat e..
.'.
.,
ail.l',...,
t don'
.,
'iive
'."':t':
What is he saying?
she,
'
.WASyOVngt-":'' .,
,,a Etil,tam o r foW,,,,:'''
Exceptions: First of all, do not assume that an elision is

made with all words that end in e or a. Study the most common ones in the above list.
o Do not make an elision with the numbers 8 or
L'Elision
An 6lision (elision) is made when the final e or a of a word
omitted and an apostrophe is added, if the word that follows
begins with a vowel or silent h. In doing so, a syllable is
1.
Ennprcs
is
formed with the beginning of the word that follows. The

most commonly used words that make up an 6lision are: le,
je, meo te, se, de, ce, ne, que, and words ending in que.
la,
May I I
te onze mai
the eighih day
le huitime jour
la,fruitiArn+,+qi1--..,.': ,. :.:.the.,eighth..r1i t
le onziime gargon
the eteventh boy
I*-rzr?.4-. jerr.n-C. He'1,:'the,elvent-E;'gkl
o Drop the vowel i of si (t') only in front of il
(thil.
130
(h.e,
it) andils
'132 Pnotoulcr lr
Penfrcrty
irv
Unir Ter: !-'Ercluitremenr, l'elisiott, e MUEr 133
Fnrnck
.j
o Do not mdhd4n;blision with the pronouns le or la when

they are attached to the verb in the command (imperative form) and followed by a word beginning with a
Extnnrs
vowel.
Extnprcs
, .:r-.:
.'
Prononcez-le
et
ironounce it and
&*,ivez.leauisir .,'-:tt
vous.
PrCnei-la a*ec
Note that when si means
so,
there is never elision:
But there is an elision with le or la in front of y:

Ir
i::iii:ii:Eltei::$tii:x$!::i:intfi6rEcste:!l:ii:iiiiiii:::i:i:::::::sfie:iii$::$or:iltHo
#iliiiiii:iiiii:ii:i:;i.i:'
Do not make an elision if the word that follows begins

with an aspirate h. Review the letter h in Unit Seven.
#L;1,;;56,-rr ,r:
it with
,yoi.
Take
I i:ir,:
MetsrlT=
Do not make an elision in the interrogative with inverted

subjectje and verb:
Exenpus
But when not inverted, make an elision in je:
Do not make an elision when there is a pause in speaking or if a phrase is set offby commas, a dash, or parentheses when written.
Do not make an elision with a in ga:
;,:..::-:.--::::l:::
:l
,ar:ii.v!_=de rrlp.t
That happens from time
G,n'.1mpsn.:.,':'",
to
:..,1::.
Exnums
Do not make an elision with the vowel i in qui:
...i.ii..El.liu:i:inl$t..ffii...uehueri.i'i.i:i:i:i'.i.i'ili.i'i.i.i.,Str"i.A;id..n6;f;.,.c$ffie...j.i..:.:.r.:.:......ii.ii....iij...i.l
::itrrr::;::;:n:::;;:if.:::L:;:::.::i:r:::::::.i:
::::;r:rr:;l-:::::r:.i::rl:l:I::i:.:i;i:::::::
i:i'i:i:i:ffiffiF.suc;:i:#ticlile;i:iili#::i:i::iii:l:::::::beffiare,,,iaria:,itrer,shaiiiiiii::ir
ii::ii::i;Glrul:,nis!fditi..pe$.j.lGi:i:i:.:.:i:ii:;.i':.:.;ili::i:i:i:i:i:i:i:iu
:t.jhdil1cii:thb
rrr'nEiiii:,:,,i,iiii:
time,
-=t1.Q.u,i,,.-.e-'..'
=.'.!,..f.tit==.-_j?=' ri l
-.,,
.ft
.,,
134
Pnorourcs
lr
Unir Ter': L'Ercklinemrrr, l'r1isior, e muET 135
Prnfecrl.-l;i1r Fnrlch
There is often an elision with the vowel u in the personal pronoun tu when it isplided in familiar conversation. Instead ol-safngi ..
."
Tu as bien mang6?
'{sf '
lianiii{Kr:i1=
r1,$$.:
W$
bc,.te-.It=
l
iour:
#'idIl&,i.tF.=&.eF=
,,
i 4illl' utY
you eatwel!?
oia Jivei:'es:,rEl':Y.i,i:s.i::=
ilri
,.
;*:7ed:
::t:tl.i:
r+sif,slffi$
ili*=:fe
f'+.+*
You will often hear:
I
i
a:.'
The
e muet
The e muet (silent e) occurs frequently in spoken French.

When a group of syllables contains three e muets, pronounce
one and do not pronounce the other two. Ifyou do not pro
nounce any of the three, there will remain three successive
consonants. In French, it would be awkward to pronounce
three consonants without separating a syllable with the vowel
e. In the following examples, the bar / through the vowel e
means it is not pronounced.
J,U
bJr -
::t i$l .
=-
fa.hF ilu
I
N
;,1
I
fil
It
Iiil
i'ri
.=."],.-:,, n9$ilil"!;:: onttth e in !a lf y-i[ o'sup:
""-ttl-,
silnF
0ressed tlie e in te, Vou we !q:=.l$ with'tliree'e-O.a. nts.in

a row t0 pronounce: l,l*,dnd d. That is avoided because the
statement would not be articulated properly in good French
Itrr
$lil
ilr
i,l
pronunCiation.J
Jd t
l#
donne. '
t am giving
it to you.
lnere;,S in ie and e in le aiC suppressed. lf you also suppressed

the e iri le, you would be left with three consonants in a row t0
pronodime: i, t, and l. That msst be avoided.l
, Jl vorrdrais
un{ liwe d# bet|rril;
s'il wls Frlait ,,,t
I would like
a pound of butte+tp/ease.
,il
I
Urir
Unir Elever:
Eteven
L'lruronnrioru
L'hrourion
3i
Sam
ple Answeto
i1..1.
-the Negative
Je.n=e..rnG:s-e1,E
Listen carefully to the speikers pronounce a series of statements illustrating how to modtftate your voice when asking a
question, making a statemelrt in the affirmative or negative,
how to sound out exclamations, and how to speak in the

imperative when telling sorneone to do or not to do something. During each pause, imitate the speaker's pronunciation,
rhythm, intonation, accentuation, rise and fall of the voice,
liaisons, elisions, nasal vowels, and suppressions of e muet.
Don't hesitate to let yourself go and imitate the speaker!
Sample Questions
biCn
pas,'r:
iujouid'hui.
/ dorlit feet 't
welltoday.
ie n'ai pas.,.., i , ./v"o;:l nitfed

ed#id,u:aubt j::::::::= lJke goinE
to the movies.
au iincma.
.F'h, il nr,ert pa$ , ,., /VCIi.rT3*6t" ....
ngtli{,ihuTe9;:.. .=:::::.;;,,,':: nine o'rlack''"
Nonn
11
Exclamatory Statements
scandaleux! Ift xandaloii!

lt's avvesome!
formidable!
That's cool!
Chouette alors!
gt commentl
Ard ho*t
A"a weather!
Wnat
temps!
Qrei -"urtis
Comme eite est Ueltet How beautifulshe is!
C'est
i;est
,Boniour!
Comrnent
Hellol How
are
you?
allez-vous?
Salut! Ca va?
Hi! How aii things?
Veux-tu aller au
-'-':::.l#r,6
fi oyfes v'tltft me z
:''i'i.i-dffi a,avet. 6si7i;:'
Est-il neu{ heures? ls it nine o'clock?
,
Sampte Answers in the Affirmative
lmperatives (Commands)
Tais-.l.vouEl
Okay, thankyoui.
Yes, l'd like very much
fio go to the movies
:',',',.-..:
::
i'il v.o
pta1,t:
disr"...,.
coffee with tieam,
r:r::'::::::::::::::-::::
:l:::=
:'ple'aie-i
i'' :il::
Retuln
,.
6crup-i,vcE-d...v,o*
N$allerpasl
it to me.
Itell you!
":tron't@thadl
:.i.g_Bi.".. t,
','
affaires!
:,,::::::::=
Criig.e a
.. .-i
fi'C fa ite-. pef ,=.--:la !.
136
Re.d*Ie-moi;
jg+
l.::.::::a::aa::a:a::.':',-:'
Be quiet!
ortez-mdlun=
af tr'*m*i ,,'=,:'-
.*
li:v,F@tw.a.i*
Mii
own
t,
buiine
ii,:"
$on'tgo there!
137
GOHe
Pronounced
Transcription
letterc
approximately
as in the
English
word
French
word
Sound
transcription
lollipop
la
la
ah
ah!
pas
Fah
aj
say
ay
could
ai
le
ee
see
ae-see
eh
egg
lcl
mbre
an
lu
lan
huit
ru-eet
nj
few
you eat
canyon
ligne
lze-ny
also
h6tel
otehl
oh
Pot
Poh
oo
oh!
too
or
of
ou
porte
port
sh
ship
chose
shohz
Puh
ur
pur:r
bonne
peux
peur
bun
uh
bun
pudding
yes
ilya
eel)a
)ay
Payer
?a))ay
yea
zero
z6ro
zay-roh
zh
measure
je
zhe
UH
srmg
song
atMe
Iz
mehr
oo
pw
NASALVOWELS
lm
UH
bon
hlep
EH
sang
bon
vin
AH
yonder
blanc
OH
141
VEH
VocrbuLrny 143
Vocabulary
rq$
africaine
"9.
ag6
aile
French-English
air
containr'it*i.n words you practiced as

examples in this book. All'Fiench rvords are followed by
albatros
all6
sound transcriptions to help yeu pronounce them when you

do not have your two cassettes.dth you. The transcription letters used are in the simple Pronunciation Guide on the preceding page.
aller
This vocabulary list
French
Words
Pronunciation
English Meanings
v&19. kvh^n
African
ahzli
age
*i.g
ehl
ehr
air
alba-truss
a-lay
a-lay
all6
a-lay up
a-loh
hop to
hello
alors
a-lor
dphabet
al-faieh
then; so
alphabet
ambassade
en-ba-sad
embassy
e,a-|ry-das
environment
tn-bee-sy-uhz
eniattl-dtts
ambitious
ambulance
a-nMe
friend
a-rnoor
AH
love, loves
bient6t
ir
la question
a foanloh
a lnkehs-tyeH
propos
apruloh
a-beh1
bee, bees
enzh
abeille, abeilles
to go
go!
ambiance
ambitieuse
ambulance
rrni, amie
annour, amours
an
a
a
albatross
gone past part. of aller
a.lat
allez!
allez, hop!
has (he, she, it)

at, to
see you soon
to the question
by the way
a
n
aged
ah-zhay
it! up vou go!
(m.,
f.)
year
angel
abricot
a-bree-koh
apricot
ange
absent
ap-sAH
absent (za)
absent (l)
absolutely
to overwhelm
to accept
anglophone
en-glu-fun
English*peaking
aon6e
a-nay
accis
ak-seh
access
anniversaire
antenne
aofrt
appeler
accident
accord
ak-see-dan
accident
epp6tit
a'pay-tee
a+ray-slay
accotrrir
a-koo-reer
app16cier
aPpuyer
afat+e1ay
yeaf
anniversary
antenna
August
to call
appetite
to appreciate
to lean, to press
artichaut
ar-tee-shoh
artichoke
as
as-hr...?
ahs
ace
have you...?
aspect
a-speh
aspect
assez
a-s4y
athlbte
at-l.eht
anr' autr
oh
enough
athlete
at the, to the
absente
ap-sAHt
absolument
accabler
accepter
apsul-an-men
a-kailay
ak+ehp-tay
accuser
a-kett-zay
agreement
to rush up, to nrn up to
reception, welcome
to welcome
to accuse
acier
ass)aj
steel
accueil
accueillir
a-hm
ak-u1
ah-u1eer
142
a-nee-uehr-sehr
AH-tehn
oo
(or)
oot
a+lat
a-ta!
1M
Pnoloutcr lr Penfrcrly ir
Enench
audehors
oh-de-m
aussit6t
automne'
avant
oh-see-toh
avec
aveu
aveugle
avis
**'
a-uuh '.:' i
-:
u-tun
on the outside
at 6hce, immediately
' u'autumn, fall
a4)AlI ..,.^r.. before

with
a-aehh ' t,''
a-augtz
a-aee
avoif
a,-auar
ayant
ehltn
.:-
avowal,confession
blind
opinion; notice
to have
having
bon
good
'.*
boqiour
bon-zhoor
candies; goodies
good day, hello
bonne
bonnet
bun
bun+h
good (l)
tronnet
bord
bm
edge
bosse
bus
hump
botte
boucherie
but
boosh-ree
boot; bunch
butcher shop
boue
boulangerie
boo
mud
bool-an-zh-rce
boo-tcek
bakery shop
small shop, boutique
bulletin
bonbons
bou-bon
baccalaur6at
ba-ka-lar-ay-a
Baccalaureate Degree
boutique
bain
bath
to sweep
banana
bulletin
bartl-tsH
banane
bnn
bal-ay1ay
ba-nan
banc
sa
that
bench
ca
b'Ett
sa-ay-ln
ba-toh
cart6
ha-fo,y
boh-koo
boat, boats
beautiful, handsome
much, many
gi et lit
cible
fine arts
h,a'yay
boh-zar
boybo,
cahier, cahiers
canot
capitaine
caractbre
carnet
carotte
ha-rak-tehr
har-neh
here and there

cable
coffee
notebook, notebooks
open boat
captain
character
small notebook
ha-ru,t
carrot
aas
hah
case
cath6drale
ha-tayd'raI
GE
se
cathedral
this
c&ilte
say-dce'y
crela
sla
cent
certaine
&4.lt1
cedilla
that
one hundred
sehr-tphn
certain
ctest
seh
it
cet
chanson
chant
seht
shtn
this
song
chant; singing
chaos
ha-oh
chaos
balayer
bateau,
bateaux
beau,beaux
beaucoup
beaux-arts
b6b6
bec
boh
b6gayer
baygaylay
baby
beak
to stammer, to stutter
belle
behl
beautitul
belle-soeur
bte
bicyclette
behl su.r
sister-in-law
beast
bien
bient6t
byan
btEH-toh
bicycle
well; fine
soon
blanc
bIAH
white
bl6
bln)
bluh
wheat
blue, blues
blond
boeuf
blan
blond
buf
beef; ox
boeufs
buh
honb
oxen; pl. oJbeef
bleu, bleus
bombe
behh
bpht
bee-see-kl.eht
bomb
(f)
kahbh
ha-noh
ha-pee-tehn
shen-soH
is, it's
146
Pnotoulcr
lr
chapeau
chapelle
chat
Penfecrly in Firrnch
sha-poh
hat--
chef
sha-pehl . *rhapel
sha
ct
sha-toh i:..r- . castle
shoh i
".$ hot
shehf
chef dtoeuwe
shay d.uaye'
masterPiece
shrnnndJelir
shrhr
railroad
chiteau'
chaud
sfsrnin de
chief, boss
fer
cher, chbre
chercher
..
cornrne
comptabilit6
compte
compter
c6ne
content
cheval
shual
chevaux
cheveux
chez
chez elles
chez le docteur
chez nous
chien
chienne
shaoh
horses
shauh
hair
shay
hm-aygra-fee
at the house
at their (l) house
at the doctor's ofiice
at our place
male dog
female dog
chemistry
shock
chocolate
chorus, choir
choreography
shoo
cabbage
chou-fleur
chr6tien
shoo-Jlur
cneusie
creux
chr6tienne
chute
cil, cils
cin6ma
citoyen
citoyenne
hray-tyehn
cauliflower
Christian (za)
Christian (f)
shatt
fall
cruel, cruelle
seel
see-hxa)EH
eyelash, eyelashes
cinema, movies
cirizen (m.)
see-twalehn
cirtzen (f.)
citrouille
see-troo)
pumpkin
crreilleur
cneilleuse
crreillir
cuidrne
cur6
coeur, coeufs
hur
shay-zehl
shayl
duk-tur
shay noo
shynn
shyehn
chimie
shz*mee
choc
chocolat
choeur
cho16graphie
chou
shuk
shu-hu-la
coiincidence
colis
hur
hraylynn
see-nay-na
heart, hearts
ku-nn+ee-deas coincidence
hu-lce
parcel, package
'^
as, like
kon-ta4ee-lce-tay accounting
koat
kou-tay
hohn
koH-tAH
account
to count
cone
content, happy
cor d'harrnonie km d,ar-mun+e French horn
cor de chasse km dc shass hunting horn
dear; expensive (m., f.)

to look for, to search
horse
shehr-shay
hutr"''
$-*'r'
Yocahulanv 147
corbeille
Gorps
koriehl
km
kor-ehkt
kus-toh
hoo
kood,
kao
correct
costaud
oou
coude
coq,
coup depied
Goupe
oourage
Gouronne
oousin
ousine
coussin
co0t
koo-run
korras
koo-zzen
koo-sut
koo
cnemeuse
kray-muhz
cr6meux
hray-muh
hnthz
kruh
hrua
kraa+hl
croix
koodpyay
konp
kooqazh
kulur
basket
body
correct
strong, robust man
neck
elbow
hit, blow
kick
large cup
courage
crown
cousin (rz.)
cousin (f,)
cushion
cost
creamy (f.)
creamy (m.)
hollow (f,)
hollow (rz.)
cross
cruel (m.,
f.)
kat-ray
gatherer, picker (m.)

gatherer, picker (f)
to gather, to pick
kitchen
priest
cycle
su4lz
cycle
cyclone
su-klohn
cyclone
kuluhz
ku-yeer
kaa-ee-reen
748
Paorcuxce
Ir
Peefecily in
F,+rench
dompteuse
dosluhz
don
donner
don
dos
d.oh
dot
dut
dome
to tame
tamer (m.)
tamer (f.)
grft
to give
back (ofaperson)
dowr-l
doux
doo
soft; sweet
douzaine
douzibme
doo-rehn
dozen
d.oo-zyehm
nvelfth
du
of the, from the
dt
dru
dru
dynastie
dee-nas-tee
dy.u.ty
eau, eaux
oh
water, waters
6cho
ay*oh
echo
ecureuil
ayktumtl
squirrel
egoiste
6lastique
eyu-eest
egotist
ay-las+eek
6lbve
ay-bhu
ehl
rubber band
pupil, student
she, her
d6me
daim
dans
de
debout
degh et delh
d6gott
-, , ;nrede leather
dna
d"4H .'. *- in
dE
"'r.''--. of, from
tle-boo ! *,$ sbnding
d.e+a-ay-dc-lq from here, from there
disgust
daygoo r,.
dc-m :'
d,ay-zha
day-zha-ual
dent
d6p6che
outside
already
alreadyseen
d,aymuk-ra-see democracy
tooth
d,tn
dispatch
day-peh^sh
d6p6chez-vousl
day'peh-shayaoo
hurryup!
depuis
d,epat-ee
deroier, derniers
dehr-nya1
srnce
last (m.s., pl.)
dernilre
des
d6sert
dessert
dessous
deuil
dclwmy+hr
dehors
d6jn
d-6jn-vu
d6mocratie
'i.Sq[ig1lt+
dompter
dompteur
"don-tay
daa-tur
dun-ay
(past
part. ofdevoir)
day
day-z*hr
last (ls.)
of the, from the
desert
day-whr
dessert
dt-soo
underneath
du)
mourning
deux
duh
deuxibme
devinette
duh-zyehm
two
second
dc-aee-neht
riddle
devoir
dict6e, dict6es
de-awa,r
dictionnaire
dzek+yun-ehr
ought to, should, must

dictation, dictations
dictionary
Dieu
dilemme
drpl6me
direct
dyuh
C'od
dce-lzhm
ellesapprennent ehl-zafrehn
they (f.)are learning
dcesh zhuh-eh
rhey (f.)arewriting
they (f.) are finishing
they (f,) have
ten
ten months
elles 6crivent
elles finissent
elles ont
ehl-zay&reat
disc;iockey
dilemma
diploma
direct
diskjockey
ellesparlent
ehlparl
embalras
AH+a.ra
AHIeer
dix
di*mois
doS
dcek-tay
d,ee-plohm
dce-rehkt
d,eess
mua
dua
dze
finger
elle
elle
elle
elle
elle
elle
elle
elle
croit
ehlknta
dit
ehl dce
est
ehl eh
finit
ehlfee-nee
lit
rr'appelle
ehl lee
ehl malehl
veut
ehl auh
empire
ehl fee-neess
ehl-zon
she believes
she says, she is saying
she is
she finishes
she reads
she is calling me
she wants
they (f.)are talking

embarrassment
empire
150
Pnorourcr
emploi
employer
en bas
enfer
ennemi
ennemi public
ennuyer
envoyef
6poux
tn-plwa
faim
fEH
hunger
,ttt-fehr ,'..'.
ehn+nee ! *! enemy
faire
fehr
to do, to make
ehn-mce
fauteuil
f6e, f6es
pat:blzeh public enemy

to annoy, to bore
AH-awa)ay':. to send
husband;spouse
afioo ''
du-nareel@
ayfrua ehr
test
essai
art-saY
essay
essayef
q-sq)ay
to try
essence
ay4AIIs
essence, gasoline
essuieglace
ays-atree
glas
a.)s-ar&e mEH
windshield wiper
hand towel
ays-eu-ee)ay
to wipe
is (he, she, it)
eh
ehst
era
east
est all6,/e
eht-alay
went (he,/she)
est+e Louise?
elu h.tea,
is
et
ay
6t6
6ternel
aytay
and
summer
6ther
6tiquette
ay-tehr
ay-teeieht
6tre
europ6enne
examen
eh-tre
excellent
ehks-aylta
ehk-seh
ehg-zen-pl
excis
exemple
exercice
ay-teh.r-rrchl
w-upay-ehn
ehg-za-mna
it Louise?
eternal
ether
etiquette; label
to be
European
exam, examination
excellent
excess
example
ehg-zehr-seess exercise
ehg-zees-tay
expertise
to exist
eh.ks-pehr-teez, expertise
extase
ehk-staz
extravagant
ehhs-tra-aagaa extravagant
exister
Vo"nbuln*y 151
emplo-yment, use
ea-plzualay, ,tp employ, to use

bottom
la-bah j -'it'the
-hell
6preuve
bre
essuie.main
essuyer
est
est
'
lr Penfrcrly in Fng3ch
ecstasy
fait
famille
fernrne,
fth
makes, does
fa-mee1
family
armchair
fohaul
foy
tuiry, fairies
woman, women
fneh-tre
window
femneS fo*
fendtre
fer
ferme
fete
feu, feux
feuille, feuilles
fier, fibre
fiI, fils
fille
fils, fils
fin
find
fli'che
flemme
fleur
flernre
flotte
foi
foie
fois
fontaine
for6t
fou, fous
four, fours
foyer
-frh,
felmn
feht
iron
fuh
fire, fires
ful
leaf, leaves
farm
feast, holiday
-fydo
proud
fol
fot
thread, threads
leas
son, sons
fEH
end
fe*nal
final
fl"luh
AITOW
fl"h*
Jhr
flu,
flut
flower
river
fua
fua
daughter
laziness
fleet
faith
fon-tchn
liver
time
fountain
fm+h
forest
foo
$azy
fom
oven, ovens
f.o)o)
hearth; foyer
fresh
French
French-speaking
fwa
frais
frth
hangais
fnn-seh
francophone
frta-ku{un
152
'
Pnonource
lr
frbre
ir
cold"
fram-azh
'
galop
gant
gargon
giteau, giteatrx
g6ant
genrme
genou, genoux
gentil, gentils
gentille
g6ographie
grlut
gonune
gosse
gofrt
gfam
grand amour
grand homme
grenouille
sr"
gros
grosse
guere
guetrle
goid.
gynnastique
few-ree
Vocrbuhny 153
FBerck
brother
"frth,
frwa
froid
fromage
fusil, firsils
Penfecrty
"tfreese
'rifle, rifles
q.*
ga-lnh,"
gallop
gAH
gar-soH
-.'
gahloh
zhay-ra
zhchm
zh-noo
zhant-tee
zhtn-tee1
boy
zhce-lah
gfin
gus
goo
gam
vest
cake, cakes
giant
gem
knee, knees
nice, kind (rn.s., pL)
nice, kind (f .)
zhay-ug-ra-fee geography
grAH-ta-moor
grAH-tum
gre-noo)
gee
goh
grohss
gehr
gul
geed
nrbbereraser
kid, youngster
taste
gram
great love
great man
frog
gray
big, bulky, stout (rn.)
big, bulky, stout (l)
war
mouth (of an animal)
guide
zfuem-nas-teek gymnastics
haricot vert
a-reehoh aehr
green bean
hAte
aht
hat6
ah-tay
haste
hastened, hurried
haut
oh
high; top
hauteur
havre
c
ir.^.: ..,ek-tur
h6roisme
h6ros
heure
heureuse
heureux
hideuse
ay-fu-eesm
hoDr
height
harbor, port
heroism
ay-roh
hero
ur
hour
ur-uhz
ur-uh
huppv (f.)
happy (m.)
hideous
ee4uhz
yehr
hier
hornrne,
'"- oo*
o-la
hornrnes ufn
yesterday
hey, there; stop!
man, men
hospital
out of, outside of
get out of here!
appetizers
out of service
h6pital
up-ee-tal
hors de
hors d'ici!
hors"dtoeunre
hors d'usage
m d.e
m dce-see
m-d,uwe
hospitalit6
hOte
uspee-tal-ee-tay hospitality
oht
host
hdtel
oh-tzhl
h6tesse
oh-tehss
hostess
houx
huile
oo
ew<el
holly
oil
huit
ateet
eight
huit mois
91tl-0 nLUa
eight months
huitiime
huitre
atatlehm
eighth
ax-eetr
oyster
ee-see
here
idea, ideas
rcl
id6e, id6es
il
il dit
iI doit
il 6crit
il est
il est content
il faut
or dtut-zazh
a-dat
eel
eel dce
eel
d,ua
nl
ay-hree
eelfoh
he, it
he says, he is saying
he must
he writes, he is writing
is (he, it)
eel eh
eel eh
hotel
hon-taa
he is content
it is necessary
154
Pnorource
lr
Penfecr[y
il
Vocnbuhny 155
Fnenck
$
il finit
il peut
il pleut
il veut
il vient
il y.
ile
ilot
ifs
ils 6coutent
ils ont
ils peuvent
ils s'amusent
ils se m6fient
ils sont
ils viennent
fee-nee he finishes
he carf
puh
utptuh ': iCfraining
eel tuh
, he wants
.;
he ts comlng
eel-a1+n
t *r"'' there is, there are
wlla
. . island
al
eel-oh : '. islet, small island (rc.s.)
." they (m.)
eel
ul-zay*oot - they are listening
theY have
eel-zon
they can
pua
ul
eel
al
eel-sa-meuz
eel-se-nay-fa
inconect
indirect
infect
sott
eel-vy*hn
rn-km-ehht
m4zer-ehkt
E+-fehkt
informatif
initial
u-nee-syal
intellect
eel
they are having fun

they mistrust
they are
they are coming
incorrect
indirect
stinking, filthY
an-form-a-teef informative
EH-tey-lehkt
initial
intellect
j'ai
zhay
j'ai chaud
j'ai faim
j'ai froid
j'ai soif
zhay shoh
I feel warm
zhay
I'm hungry
jaloux
zhal-oo
I feel cold
I'm thirsty
jealous
Janine
zha-neen
Janine
I have
fnn
je dois
je donne
je fais
jejoue
je lis
je m'appelle...
je ne sais pas
je paie
je paye
je peux
je sais
je suis
je t6l6phone
je vais
je vois
jeu,jeux
jeune
jeune fiIle
jockey
i*'*ffi:,tua
'"
zhe
zhe
dun
feh
zhe zhoo
zhe
ke
zhe ma-pehl
zhm-seh-pah
zhe peh
zhe
pehl
zhe
puh
zhe seh
zhe saa-ee
zhe
tay-layJun
zhe aeh
zhe
vua
zhuh
zhun
I
I
I
I
I
must
give, I am giving
do, I'm doing
play, I am playing
read, I am reading
my name is...
I don't know
I
I
I
I
pay, I am paying
pay, I am paying
can
know
Iam
I telephone
I go, I'm going
I
see, I am seeing
game, games
young
zhunfeel
g.l
zhuk+h
.jockey
joli,jolie
zhuhl-ee
pretty
joue
zhoo
jouer
jouet
zh-way
zh-weh
cheek
to play
toy
zhom
zhoor-noh
newspapers
zhualuh
joyful,joyous, merry
jo*
journaux
joyeux
Joyeux No6l
duy
zhwaluh nu-ehl
Merry Christmas
juillet
zh-at-ee1eh
jrP.
Jrlv
zhaQ
skirt
I drink, I am drinking
la
ln
la
la
zhe-sluhr-sh
I'm searching
lir-bas
la-bah
the (fs.); her,

there
over there
krua
zhe hu1
I believe
I gather, I pick
I say, I am saying
lait
lzh
milk
le
le
the (m.s.); him,
les
Iay
the (m.f., pl);tbem
zhay
fntta
zhay suaf
je
zhe
je bois
je cherche
je crois
je cueille
je di"
zhe
bua
zhz
zhe dce
it
it
f56
Pnorource
lettre, lettres
leur
licence
lieu
lr Prnftcrly h
leh-tre
hr
lze-sAns
'r
Iyuh
lilas
lis
lze-lah
lisse
leas
lit
lir
lze
lpes
lce
Vocrbuhny 157
Fnelch
.c sur
vaay
my sisters
na,y-sazn
message
m6thode
meubles
may-tud
method
mu-bk
furniture
mille
mcel
moi
fnua
one thousand
me
,rrroott
mois
bed
mon
monotone
monsieur
rnua
moH
mu-nu-tun
letter, letters
their; io them
.[t'""t .',
Degree
Place
"' t4''lilac
'" lilv
'
'',"
-',
-
is reading (he, she)
book, books
livre, livres
lze-are
loi
louer
Iua
law
l^ooy
to praise; to rent
loup
lourd, lourds
loyer
Ino
wolf
loor
heary
tua1ay
rent
lui
luire
lundi
l,eut+e
him, to him, to her
lzu+n
lyc6e, lyc6es
l*uo.)
lyc6enne
Ice-say-ehn
to shine
Monday
high school(s)
high school student
luu-dee
(grl)
my
Mrs., madam
ma
madame
main
mais
mais
malade
marteau
fna
ma,4am
massage
ma-sazh
massage
me
mec
fnz
merci
mchr-see
me, to me, myself

guy
thank you
mbre
mes
mes soeurs
message
mu-za-eeh
mosaic
rnoh
word
musique pop
m,ettt-zeek
naif
na+ef
nalve
nain
NEH
dwarf
naiive
na-eeu
naive
nerge
nerveuse
neh-zh
snow
nehr-uuhz
nehr-uuh
neht
nervous (f,)
nerveux
net
nettoyer
pup
pop music
newous (zr.)
clean, neat, tidy
neh-tualay
to clean
neuf
nuf
nua-AH
ne-auh
nay
nine
nine years
hand
but
neveu
m,&4es
corn
',ez
,na)
monotonous
mister, sir
mountain
mot
rneh
mehr
my
moH-ta-n)
MEH
m,ehh
me-syuh
month
montagne
mosaique
neuf ans
ma-lad
rnar-toh
i
-
nid
nephew
nose, noses
nee
nest
nuh
knot, knots
noir
noix
nuar
nua
nom
non
noH
noH
black
walnut, walnuts
name
mother
nord
nor
my
nos
noh
noo-)
sick,
ill
hammer
noeud,
noeuds
nouille,nouilles
no
north
our
noodle, noodles
158
Pnonounce
nous;
nous sonunes
noyef
nu
nuit
nu-pieds
lr
Vocrbutrny 159
Penfecrty in Fnelch
we; us
noo
we are
noo sum
nwa)a) '., tefdrown
naked
nan
rwuae ' .--"..night
newffaj t o1 barefoot
oeil
u)
oeillade
u1ad.
oeillet
uleh
glance;wink
carnation
oeuf
oeufs
oeulre
uf
FOO
"bb
.:"
n'-
. F';i,1.r1.
eYe
pacifique
paix
pa-we-feek
pacific; peaceful, quiet
Feh
peace
PAPA
Pa.Pa
papeterie
papier, papiers
paquet
parachute
pap-tree
pa-ra-shail
dad, pop
stationery shop
paper, papers
packet
parachute
Parc
Fa*
park
parce
par-ske
because
par+h1
similar
perfume
uh
eggs
u-are
u-we d,at
work
work ofart
oie
toa
goose
oignon
omelette
on
u-n)-OH
urn-lzht
onion
que
pareil, pareille
parfum
parle
parler
parlez!
partiel
omelet
OH
ont
OH
one, they
have (they)
of
or
gold
orchestre
or-kelw-*e
w-dce-nehr
orchestra
oeuvre
dtart
os
us
bone (fm pl.,
ou
ori
oo
or
oo
ouate
ouat6
uat
ouater
ouest
ua-tay
welut
where
padding; cotton wool
padded; quilted
to pad; to quilt
oui
roa,-tay
ear, ears
toe, toes
sae
les os)
pa*ch
par-fr,w
parl
par-lay
par-lay
speaks, is speaking
to talk, to speak
talk!
partial
partout
par-too
everywhere
Pas
Foh
pahaay
step; not
paht
pites
pitisserie
ordinary
computer
PaFtay
par-syehl
pat6
ordinaire
or4ze-na-tur
ordinateur
oreille, oreilles m+h1
or-teh1
orteil, orteils
pit6
Payer
Fq)av
pasta; pastes
pastry; pastry shop
to pay
Pays
Pa,'sage
Pay-u
country
pag-ee-zazh
pine
Fnte
pehn
pAHt
countryside
trouble, sorrow
slope
perdrix
pehr-dree
pire
pehr
pelroquet
pay-ru-kch
pehr-sun
PenSonne
pah-tees-ree
west
Petit
petite
ptee
wee
yes
IDeu
Fuh
ouns
oMs
outil, outils
oo-tee
bear, bears
tool, tools
pteet
Peur
Fur
photo
fu-toh
fuau-gra{ee
photographie
partridge
father
parrot
person
small (m.)
small (f)
little (in quantity)

fear
photo
photography
150
Pnonounce
lr Penfrcrly in FRErch
pic
peek
pick, pickaxe
pied, pieds
NryaY
foot,"feet
PiPe
Pee|
pleine
pleure
plehn
plut6t
'.
Pwa ,tt.,
puar
pwar-oh "',
Pwa
rather(somewhat)
weight
pua-zoH
poison
pua-sOH
fish
plur
'
platrtoh : ",j'
poids
poire
poireau
pois
poison
poisson
pornrne,
, -'ftP.
pofimes pum
pompier
porc
porc{pic
port
poHfinry
P0r
por-hay-pak
full
is crying (he, she)
pear
leek
pea, peas
Poh
poo-lzh
Poo
chicken
pulse
Pouf
poor
for
POuSSer
pousay
to push
to be able, can
lice
first (m.s., pl)
premlehr
Feh
Wh
first (ls.)
prOt-ir-porter
prehla-pm-tay ready-to-wearclothing
pr6te
pribre, pribres
preht
ready
ptayer, prayers
peeyhr
prun-oH-say
prononciation
Pfonon9ons
psychiatrie
pqychologie
psee-kul-uzh+e ps,vchologv
par
Pu
public
publique
pronounce!
prun-on-rya-syor pronunciation
pntnu-son let's pronounce
pseekla-tru psychiatry
pafib&
o/pouvoir
public (m.)
public (l)
what
peuilzek
quand
quand
Pot
poulet
pouls
pr6t
Pug-reh
porcupine
possible
pot, jug; potty
prbs
prononcez!
kehs-kc
pus<e-ble
premiire
program
progress
kcel
Fm-f"t
premier,
premiers
Programme
progrBs
qu'il pleuve
possible
POrr:(
Prlce; pnze
prug-ra.rn
qu'est-ce que
wallet
pouuwar
poo
Fetn)ay
$p@.,,'|,-
pork
Part
pouvoir
:.
fireman
portefeuille
Por
prix
past pcn't.
apple, apples
port
door
porte
Vocabutrnv 161
near
ready
elle...
i1...
pfua
let it rain
qui est lir?

qui r6pondra?
when she...
kan-te.el
when he...
kz
which, that, what
ke d,eet; aoo
what are you saying?
kehl
which, what
kehs-tyon
question
kee
who, whom
who is there?
kee eh Ia
kce ray-pon-dra who will reply?
que
que dite+vous?
quel, quelle
question
qui
ken-tehl
ragoOt
ra-goo
stew
raisin
raison
recevoir
reh-zstt
grape
reh-zon
re-se-auar
reason
to receive
16cit
ray-see
recitation
reeu
re-seu)
recueil
r6el, r6elle
remercier
re*u1
re-mchrslay
received
anthology, collection
real
to thank
re{oh
rest, repose
reh-speh
respect
repos
respect
ray+hl
762
Pnoloorce
lr Prnfecrly in Ftsnch
restaufant
rehs-to-rAH
r6veil, r6veils
rag-ueh1
rien
rire
/az
restaurant
-, . *awakening(s)
r,)-EH i.'.. nothing
reer ",',i':' . to laugh
ree
i. i,* rice
kitg
rwa _ -
shop
signal
simple
'rr6sry*
see-ny-al
sEH+le
shop
signal
simple
symp
six
sirop
six
see-roh
see
s70a
oneself
silk
seess
six months
sister, sisters
runt-AH i"
novel (literature)
rose
rouge
rohz
rose
six mois
soeur, soeulll
soi
soie
roozh
red
soif
waf
thirst
rue
rat
street
soir
sltar
ruse
n$lse
raln
ruse, trick
Russian
soiree
soleil, soleils
sucff-a,!
evening
evening; evening party
sommeil
sum+h1
txt'nmes
sommet
sonne
s'itm
sont
sOH
sont ail6(e)s
souris
soH-ta-ln!
soo-rec
mouse
soun
soo
under
stop
roi
romain
roman
rum-EH
Roman
'.'.
"'
reiltss
pkh
rnwa
sur
sw4
sul_eh,y
sun, suns
sleep
are (we)
s'il vous plait
sul
sa
SA
please
his, her, its
saint
SEH
saint
sais
seh
salle
sal
know (I)
large room
sarxt
SAH
without
scooter
skoo-tehr
stup
se
!ilr
sar
known
second
secondaire
se-goH
scooter
himself, herself
second (ra)
rtop
se
srd
seud
se-goHnlchr
secondary
sar-ee
se-pnd
$rper
seu-pehr
sein
SEH
sur
sehz
sel
s6lect
selle
sept
septembre
sehl
srrtout
sanr
seut
san-too
on
seize
second (f,)
breast
sixteen
suis
seconde
south
am (I)
super
aoo
sfir
sum<h
sun
top, summit
is ringing (he, she, it)
are (they)
went (they)
sure
above all, especially
sehl
salt
select
saddle
seht
seven
la
ta
your
sehp-tAH+re
September
table
sendce
sehr-ueess
service
sesi
say
seuil
su)
taylny-fun
table
you, to you, yourself
telegram
telephone
seul, seule
sul
his, her, its

doorstep, threshqld
alone
table
te
t6legramme
t6l6phone
terre
tehr
land
say-lehkt
tc
tay-la,ygrarn
164
Pnorourcs
lr Prnfecrly in F.Brnch
tes
taJ
tCte
teht
your
head
t
,,"te
th6
tay
th6itre
tq-ahlr,.,..,, ,, theater
thbme
tehm
th6orie
ticket
tayu-ree
.- r,7
tee-keh
'
theory
ticket
you
twa
twa
roof
tonne
tun
ton
t6t
toh
toucher
too-shay
early
to touch
tour
toor
tous
tous
toussef
too
too-say
all (pronoun)
to cough
tout
too
all
tout ir coup
tout d'un coup
touta koo
toux
too
trbs
treh
trbs bien
treh
suddenly
all of a sudden
cough
very
very well, very fine
tricot
tree*oh
knitted sweater
triste
treest
tristesse
treest-ehs
sad
sadness
trop
tu
troh
teu
tu as
tax-a
tu es
tu fais
tan-eh
tu paies
tu payes
tu t'es tu
tatt peh
tutoyer
tan-tua)ay
l"
tower (f),'turn (m.)

all (adj.)
toos
too-dun hoo
tatt
fonn
feh
pehl
tat) teh tax
,"r.rr*
rTN
nn bon vin
a, an, one
uH boq t)EH bL4H a good white wine
UH
blanc
theme
toi
toit
tart
Vocrbuhnv 165
too much, too many

you
you have
you are
you are doing
you Pay, you are paFng
you pay, you are PaFng
you kept silent
(to use the tu verb
form)
is going (he, she, it)

am going (I)
YA
aa
yais
aeh
veille
Veille de NoEl
tehl
veine
uehn
vendredi
aAH-dre-dce
Christmas Eve
vein; luck
Friday
Yent
vente publique
AAH
wind (air)
uent pattilcek
aehpre
aehr-mch1
vespers
vdpres
vermeil
veuf
aeh)
eve
de
Nu+hl
public sale
vermilion, bright red
veut
auf
tuh
veuve
aua
viande
vid6o
vie
ayHd
vieille
viennent
vient
vieux
ville, villes
ae.el
city, cities
Yir
AEH
wine
voeu, voeu:K
ouh
wish, wishes
voilir
volley
tua-|.a,
aul-eh
there you see

volley
YOS
uoh
your
YOUS
aoo
vous allez
aoo za-lay
YOUS aVeZ
vous balayez
vous b6ga.yez
vous employez
aee-d,ay-oh
widower
wants (he, she, it)
rvidow
meat
video
aee
life
a|-eh)
old
ay-ehn
ay-EH
are coming (they)

is coming (he, she, it)
q-uh
old
you
you
uoo za-aay
you
aoo bal-ay1ay
you
aoo bay-gaylay
you
uoo un-plwalay you
are going
have
sweep
stutter
employ, you use
166
Pnonounce
lr Prnfecrlv in fnench
vousenvoyez
vous essayez
vous nettoyez
'
vouspd,rliz
vous payez
vons
prononcez
vonsvoyez
vouvoyer
;,,:''' .
aoo
'#
i::i*'-@5'*
aoozAH-nua)a1. you.Send
za)-saJ)ay *ryou try' you_are trying

-
you clean
, you talk (speak)
aoo payldy:r,$ you pay' you are pa)'rng
aoo PrWQH-sa, you pronounce
aoo ilu&"}.a) you see' you are seelng
aoo-aualhq (to use thevousver!
uoo
aoo
neh-twalag
par-lpy,.',
form)
seen
wagon-couchettes aa-gon koo-shtht sleeping car (on a
train)
dining car (on
train)
wagon-restaurant
aag-oH rehs-trrArr
week4nd
weeh-ehn
western
uehs-tehrn
x6nophobie
x6rographie
xylophone
gzay-nu-fu-bee xenoPhobia
yaourt
ya-oor
yogurt
yeux
)uh
youp!
yoop
eyes (see lesyeux)

oh, boy! Wow! (excla-
youyou
yoo-)oo
mation ofjoy)
dinghy
zibre
zfro
zeh-br
za!-ro
zebra
zero
mlrtn
zoo
7EH-znH
crazy, "screwball"
7o
zoo
Zrfi!
zzttt
weekend
western (story, movie)
gzay-ru-gra-fee xerograPhY
gzee-lu-fun xylophone
--
Oh, shoot! Darn it!
f:.
'!r
il
:; .*.
i,r
;.{:.
L-.
i
.:i.=4
:--
=**

Pronounce It Perfectly in French

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Pronounce It Perfectly in French

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Pnonounce

Universit6 de Paris (en Sorbonne)

Formerly Assista nt Professor

BARRON'S EDUCATIONAL SERIES, INC.

For my wife Yolanda, my two sons.Alex and

Abbreviations Used in This Book

Plnr Ore: Thr Yowrls

A1l rights reserved.

any form by pho-

pirt of this book

250 Wireless Boulevard

International Standard Book No' 04120-16556

language-Textbooks for foreign speater--Englisb-

Plnr Thner: \Vond Prrrenrs

Library of Congress Cataloging-ia-Publication Data

The Three Semi-vowels

Plnr Two: Tke Corsoranrs

Barron's Educationai Series, Inc'

The Vowels a, e,i, o, u, I

It can also be used by students under a teacher's.

can have an early start

in lood French pronunciation.

Travelers, business people, persons in government sewice, in

the military, and others who want to learn to pronounce

rely on the book while listening to the tape when driving

The French language has

I would suggest that you start at the beginning of the book

used in the words you pronounce and you must be acquainted

The units in this book are arranged sptematically from the

or at the end of a word. One French word in particular that

explained and illustrated in this book and on the cassette

When I give English rvords as examples that contain sounds

There are many different kinds of French pronunciation in

Abbreviatiohs Used in This Book

2nd, first, second,

The French Alphabet

Listen to the first 13 letters, A to M, and repeat each one

the sixteenth century, ami and amie (friend) were written

Ulir,One: Thr Vowrts n, r, i, o, u, y

The French letter e is pronouncEd somewhat like the ou

In the following sentence the vowel i is used six times:

off herfriends in Miarni.

The French letter o is sometimes pronounced like the o in

The French letter i is pronounced like ae in the English

And sometimes the French letter o is pronounced some_

Utir One: Thr Vowls

Pronounce the French letter u something like the sound of

the French u, do not bring your lips together because it will

The French letter y is pronounced like the French vowel i

At times, the vowel y is also a semi-vowel or semi-consonant.

In French, that sound is known as le yod (which happens to

Urir Two: Tlre Vowel.s wirfi Accenr

i:: ::::::::::i:::::::: :.:::::::::j: :::::::::::j:.:.::i.:::::::: ::::::::::

The Accented Voweld

The Accented VowelE

d-6jn-vu ( already sem).

These are the only four words in the French language

degi et dpri ffro]

Now listen carefully to all the examples' rcpear the French

Unir Two: Ths Vowsts wirft Accetr Manks

In some words the accent circonflexe is'rrritten over a

right after that vowel.

The Accented Vowel6

The Accented Vowel d