Coalescence: /z/ & /j/ - Connected speech

Опубликовано: 03 Май 2026
на канале: English with Tom

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   • English Connected Speech   Check this playlist for more videos on connected speech.

In this video, we look at coalescent assimilation of /z/ and /j/, a big part of connected speech. Coalescent assimilation is when two sounds combine, come together, to make a third sound.

One type of coalescent assimilation often happens when /s/ is followed by a /j/ sound. They coalesce to make the /ʒ/ sound:
Cookies, yes!
Ladies' union
He’s young
Please yourself

Other types in the dialogue:
Coalescence: When a /s/ sound is followed by a /j/ sound, the sounds often coalesce to make the /ʃ/ sound:

Pass your plate = Paʃour plate

Practice:
a. Do you want some cheese?
b. Cheese, yes!
a. How about some peas?
b. Peas, yeah.
a. What about cookies?
b. Cookies, yes!
a. Ok, pass your plate to me.

   • Coalescence: /t/ & /j/ - Connected speech

   • Coalescence: /d/ & /j/ - Connected speech

   • Coalescence: /s/ & /j/ - Connected speech

   • Assimilation of /d/ - Connected speech

   • Assimilation of /t/ - Connected speech

   • Assimilation - Connected speech

   • Assimilation activity - Connected speech

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Keywords:
Coalescence of /z/ and /j/, phonological process, /ʒ/ sound, English pronunciation, sound merging, speech sounds, connected speech, coarticulation, casual speech, English linguistics, speech patterns, alveolar fricative, palatal glide, phonetics, assimilation, sound changes, pronunciation tips, phonetic reduction, English learners, articulation, speech fluency, pronunciation rules, rapid speech, consonant sounds, speech simplification.

Paragraph:
The coalescence of /z/ and /j/ into the /ʒ/ sound is a phonological process in English where an alveolar fricative and a palatal glide merge into a single sound, often in connected and casual speech. This sound merging simplifies articulation and occurs during rapid or informal communication. Understanding how /z/ and /j/ coalesce into /ʒ/ is crucial for mastering English pronunciation, speech fluency, and recognizing phonetic patterns in everyday language.

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