Learn: Silent Letters and Final Consonant Rules

Welcome!Welcome back! Building on your knowledge of vowel sounds and nasal vowels, today we'll explore silent letters and final consonant rules in French. These are key to improving your pronunciation and understanding of French words.

What are Silent Letters?In French, many words contain letters that are not pronounced. These are called silent letters. They are often found at the end of words or sometimes within the word itself. Understanding silent letters helps with accurate pronunciation.

Final Consonant RulesIn French, final consonants like d, s, t, x, and z are usually silent unless followed by a vowel sound. However, some exceptions exist, such as 'f', 'l', and 'r', which are often pronounced.

Why Silent Letters MatterSilent letters are important for accurate pronunciation. For example, knowing that the 's' in 'vous' is silent unless followed by a vowel helps you understand when to pronounce it. This rule makes French sound smooth and connected.

Common Silent LettersSome of the most common silent letters in French include e (at the end of words like 'table'), s (often at the end of plurals), and t (as in 'chat'). Practising these will help you read and speak more confidently.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about silent letters and final consonant rules. Let's test your understanding with a few questions.