Lesson - Section 1: Personal Pronouns (les pronoms personnels)

[Mozaik]

Thank you!
I have a question: what is the difference in pronuncation between il and ils, elle and elles? I tried to listen to a speaker program, but I didn't hear any difference.

[HibyPrime]

Originally Posted by Mozaik

Thank you!
I have a question: what is the difference in pronuncation between il and ils, elle and elles? I tried to listen to a speaker program, but I didn't hear any difference.

There is no difference.

[aFrenchie]

Alone or before a word starting with a consonant: no difference ideed, the "s" is mute. But you must consider the "liaisons" if the following word starts with a vowel or a mute "h". Add a "z" sound to both "ils" and "elles":
Ils aident = eel'z'ayd
Try "ils aident" (like above) and "il aide" here:
http://www.research.att.com/~ttsweb/tts/demo.php#top
and you'll hear the "z" sound (rather choose Juliette..French btw)

"Liaisons" are important and required in French. Read about it here:
http://french.about.com/library/pron...l-liaisons.htm

Examples:
http://french.about.com/library/pron...liaisons-r.htm
(sounds clickable)

But there are also forbidden "liaisons"!!
http://french.about.com/library/pron...liaisons-f.htm

[HibyPrime]

Someday I'll beable to answer a question and not get it wrong :/