Learning French by Accident
This podcast is based on my work coaching some of the world's most famous actors and my accumulated knowledge of over 10 years. "Learning French by Accident," emphasizes training your ears and subconscious to detect and retain language through context. I believe that everything begins in the mouth – how to shape and control it, and how it influences our physical behavior. Throughout this series, we'll explore various aspects of pronunciation, including phonetics, accents, and the nuances of language delivery. Giving you the tools you are going to need to build sentences and deliver them correctly and in a fun way! These videos will give you valuable insights into language pronunciation and delivery but also create a safe space for learning. Whether you're a language enthusiast or an aspiring polyglot, this playlist will help you master pronunciation and develop a deeper understanding of this "French Language" we all seem to love. email: chaseinfrench@gmail.com
Learning French by Accident
The ULTIMATE French Pronunciation Podcast / How we ACTUALLY say "ILS" and "ELLES"?
EPISODE 6:
Welcome back! In today’s episode, we’re wrapping up our series on pronouns with "ils" and "elles." These pronouns may seem simple, but their pronunciation rules and cultural significance can be tricky.
We’ll explore how to use "ils" and "elles" correctly, focusing on pronunciation and the liaison. We’ll also discuss cultural contexts, such as how "ils" is used for mixed-gender groups.
Pronunciation of "ils" and "elles"
We’ll explain how "ils" and "elles" change depending on whether the next word starts with a vowel or consonant, and how this triggers the "Z" sound in liaisons.
"Ils" (Masculine):
- With a vowel (Liaison): "Ils ont une maison" → [ilz-ont].
- Without a vowel (No liaison): "Ils prennent le bus" → [il prennent].
"Elles" (Feminine):
- With a vowel (Liaison): "Elles avaient un chien" → [el zavaient].
- Without a vowel (No liaison): "Elles sont prêtes" → [el sont].
Cultural Context of "Ils" and "Elles"
We’ll explain how "ils" is used for mixed-gender groups, even with one man, like in:
"Il y a 100 femmes et un homme" → "Ils sont là".
"Elles" is used only for all-female groups.
Questions, Negatives, and Past Tense
Short Questions
We’ll show how "ils" and "elles" are used in formal and informal speech.
Masculine (Ils):
- "Ils viennent ce soir?"
- Past Tense: "Est-ce qu'ils ont tout mangé?" → [es-keelz ont].
Feminine (Elles):
- "Elles viennent demain?"
- Past Tense: "Est-ce qu'elles ont déjà mangé?" → [es-kelz ont].
Negatives in Casual Speech
We’ll see how dropping the "ne" affects the liaison.
Masculine (Ils):
- Formal: "Ils ne vont pas au marché".
- Informal: "Ils vont pas au marché" → [ilz vont pas].
Feminine (Elles):
- Formal: "Elles n’ont pas fini".
- Informal: "Elles ont pas fini" → [elz ont pas].
Past Tense
In the past tense, verbs starting with vowels often require liaisons.
Masculine (Ils):
- "Ils ont travaillé" → [ilz ont].
- "Ils avaient une idée" → [il zavaient].
Feminine (Elles):
- "Elles ont acheté une voiture" → [el zont acheté].
The Formality Paradox
We’ll discuss how formal speech often omits liaisons. For example:
- No Liaison: "Qu'ont-ils fait?"
- Liaison: "Qu'est-ce qu'ils ont fait?"
The Z-Sound Paradox
We’ll show how missing the liaison can create misunderstandings, like:
- "Ils ont" (They have) vs. "Il a" (He has).
Listening Practice
We’ll wrap up with examples for practice.
Masculine Examples:
- "Ils en avaient marre."
- "Ils ont déjà regardé ce film."
Feminine Examples:
- "Elles n’arrivent pas à courir."
- "Elles n’ont pas encore mangé."
Developing Intuition in French
We’ll explain how your ear can naturally develop to recognize when a liaison feels right. For example:
- Incorrect: "Il on" vs. Correct: "Ils ont."
For more information, feel free to reach out on Ins