Thread

1. throwawayk7h · 1789856692 · focus · HN ↗

   I'm always curious why sometimes I pronounce the as /ðə/ ("thuh") and sometimes as /ði/ ("thee"). I don't really know what governs this but I expect it's the presence of a vowel at the start of the following word. However, only some vowels. Does anyone have an answer?

   1. devindotcom · 1789856865 · focus · HN ↗

      I do this too - "thee actual" vs "thuh real" and such. I do expect it's to do with having a vowel sound of a certain kind at the beginning of the next work making you move your tongue in a certain way.

      1. rizonio · 1789857809 · focus · HN ↗

         with "the actual" I imagine you're also putting in a kind of intrusive "y" sound so it flows better into the vowel

         1. devindotcom · 1789868498 · focus · HN ↗

            yep although I don't think it sounds too intrusive. it comes out as theeyactual while the alternative would the thuh.Actual with a sort of micro-accent on the A. I'm sure linguists have names for all these things, like when the movements of the tongue and mouth incidentally form phonemes!
      2. __david__ · 1789936624 · focus · HN ↗

         I do too, but with an exception—if I’m going to emphasize the word “actual” I’ll say “thuh ACTual” but with a full stop after the “the” so that I can really chew on that first syllable for the emphasis.

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