ENGLISH CONSONANTS
English pronunciation can be confusing because not all letters represent a single sound. The following poem illustrates the 7 consonants which have two or more sounds. The consonant sounds are highlighted in pink.
THE GIRAFFE & THE GECKO
To a Celtic cadence on the cello
In the light of the gibbous moon,
Entered the entourage for the giraffe and the gecko
Who wedded in the month of June.
Promised he, “With my heart, I honour thee!”
And the bride, she smiled and nodded.
She said the same, then beamed again;
From henceforth, they were corded.
A song was presented, exact rings were exchanged,
On the xylophone was played a tune,
So quaint and antique, all waltzed through the zoo
In the light of the gibbous moon.
The pronunciation of the consonants are indicated here.
THE GIRAFFE & THE GECKO
[s] [k] [ch]
To a Celtic cadence on the cello
In the light of the gibbous moon,
[zh] [j] [g]
Entered the entourage for the giraffe and the gecko
Who wedded in the month of June.
[h] [-]
Promised he, “With my heart, I honour thee!”
And the bride, she smiled and nodded.
She said the same, then beamed again;
From henceforth, they were corded.
[s] [z] [gs] [ks]
A song was presented, exact rings were exchanged,
[z]
On the xylophone was played a tune,
[kw] [k] [ts] [z]
So quaint and antique, all waltzed through the zoo
In the light of the gibbous moon.
