Archive for October 25th, 2024

How to pronounce ‘Carter’ in North American English

Friday, October 25th, 2024
Some North American words are very hard to pronounce for students. One example is a common name: ‘Carter’.
It consists of many sounds characteristic of just North American English. Here is the breakdown:
/k/ is voiceless and followed by a puff of air. (It’s the same in British English)
In most languages, the sound /k/ is voiced without a puff of air.
/a/is deeper and longer in North American English than in most languages but not as long as in British English.
/r/ is always pronounced strongly in North American English, it’s a very loud sound nonexistent in most languages.
(In British English it’s weaker but not pronounced in the middle of the name Carter.)
/t/ is pronounced almost like /d/ in most languages but it just slightly touches the gum ridge, not as strongly as the /d/ in most languages.
It’s called the North American flap sound. /t̬/
The phonetic symbol is like a letter ‘t’ with a line below.
This sound does not exist in British English.
/ə/ this sound follows /r/. It’s called the ‘schwa’.
When you pronounce nothing between the two consonant sounds, this sound will be perfect.
Please do not pronounce /e/ from your language when you say Carter.
/r/ is always pronounced strongly again in final position in North American English. 
(it’s usually not pronounced in British English)
Here is the phonetic transcription of Carter:
/ˈkɑːr.t̬ər/ – Canada/US pronunciation
/ˈkɑː.tə/ – UK,
(In British English final letter ‘r’ is pronounced if the next word starts with a vowel sound in connected speech, as in ‘Carter and’ pronounced fast)
Thanks Carter and good luck practicing guys! ????????
If you should need more help improving your English pronunciation, please contact our English school in Ottawa! ????