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Minimal Pairs b/v (by: M. Welton)

Listen to the two words. The difference between them are the /b/ and /v/ sound. If you do not say the correct sound, you will change the meaning. Good luck!

Author: Instructor MaryEllen Welton maryellenwelton.spokenskills.com

The /v/ sound is made by touching the top teeth with the bottom lip, then releasing air through the mouth.  If you touch your throat while making this sound, you should feel the vibration coming from your vocal chords.  This is called a voiced sound.  Notice the difference between the next two words: vase, base.  Now you try

 

vase

base


The /b/ sound is made by bringing your upper and lower lips together.  This sound is also voiced.


very

berry

ban

van


vote

boat

vanish

banish

a base

a vase

a van

a ban

a vote

a boat

The very big violin vanished.


That is a very big berry.



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