How to Pronounce a Glottal Stop

A glottal stop is a speech sound that occurs when the vocal cords come together briefly, blocking the flow of air through the throat. This results in a momentary pause in sound, which you can feel if you strain or lift something heavy. It’s similar to the sensation of holding your breath for a moment, creating a subtle interruption in the airflow.

The phonetic symbol for the glottal stop is /ʔ/.

An easy way to understand the glottal stop is by considering the common expression "uh-oh." In this expression, there’s a brief air blockage in the throat between the "uh" and the "oh" sounds. This sudden blockage is a glottal stop.

Rule 1: Glottal Stop in Words Ending with "t," "d," or "k" When words end in the sounds /t/, /d/, or /k/, the glottal stop is often used, especially in informal speech. Here are some examples:

Examples: Fight [faɪʔ], Kite [kaɪʔ], Good [ɡʊʔ], Night [naɪʔ], Pick [pɪʔ], Drink [drɪʔ], Pete [piːʔ], Meet [miːʔ]

Rule 2: Glottal Stop with Long Vowel + "t" + Short Vowel When a /t/ sound is surrounded by vowels, and the vowel before the /t/ is longer than the vowel that follows, the /t/ may be replaced by a glottal stop. This rule is common in casual speech, and you can hear it in words like:

Examples: What a book → [wʌʔ ə bʊk], Water → [wɔʔə], Fighter → [faɪʔə], Biter → [baɪʔə], Hater → [heɪʔə], Mighter → [maɪʔə], Beater → [biːʔə]

Example Sentences

• I absolutely hate the way the water tasted in that old bottle.
• The fighter was stronger and mighter than his opponent, but the fight ended in a tie.
• After a long fight, they both agreed it was better to let things go and make peace.
• The mark on the wall was a reminder of how brighter the room could look with a new coat of paint.
• He placed a bet on the race and then sat back to enjoy a slice of homemade cake.
• The beater car started to make strange noises as they drove through the night.
• As she stood there, the sight of the moonlit landscape made everything feel lighter.
• The fight for a better future continues, and we absolutely can't stop until it's achieved.

Tips for Practicing the Glottal Stop

Feel the Closure: Try mimicking the sensation of holding your breath for a split second. This feeling is similar to what happens when you produce a glottal stop.

1. Practice with Words: Start by practicing words that end with /t/, /d/, or /k/, as these are common places where the glottal stop appears in informal speech. Repeat them slowly, focusing on the brief pause in airflow.
2. Use Familiar Phrases: Practice with phrases like “uh-oh” or “what a book,” paying attention to the subtle air block between the sounds.

By mastering the glottal stop, you’ll sound more natural and fluent in casual, spoken English. With time and practice, it will become second nature!

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