English Pronunciation Tip of the Day
Tip 72
Category:
Affixes
Author: JAM
The prefix <un->
The prefix <un-> is pronounced /Vn/ and does not weaken to /@n/. Here are some examples:
| unable | /Vn"eIbl/ |
| uncertain | /Vn"s3:tn/ |
| unfair | /Vn"fe@/ |
When the prefix is attached to a word beginning with /n/, a geminate (long) consonant results, as in:
| unknown | /Vn"n@Un/ |
| unnecessary | /Vn"nes@sri/ |
The /n/ of the prefix often assimilates to the place of articulation of the following consonant, as in:
| unbearable | /Vn"be@r@bl/ | > | /Vm"be@r@bl/ |
| uncaring | /Vn"ke@rIN/ | > | /VN"ke@rIN/ |