Is 'zh' Really Pronounced as /z/ After a Vowel in English?

The pronunciation of 'zh' (as in 'measure' or ' zipper ') can be a source of confusion for many language learners, particularly those from languages that do not include this sound. This article explores the nuances of 'zh' in English phonology and compares it with the phonology of Korean to understand why certain speakers might pronounce it as /z/ after a vowel.

Introduction to English 'zh'

The 'zh' sound in English is a voiceless palato-alveolar fricative, represented in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) by [?]. It is a sound that requires placing the tip of the tongue against the front part of the palate while blowing air through a small hole. Unlike the voiced version, [?], which is produced with the vocal cords vibrating, [?] is always voiceless.

Phonological Patterns in English

Interestingly, the 'zh' sound does not undergo voicing before voiced consonants or vowels in English. This means that even though 'zh' is preceded by a voiced sound in words like 'measure' (m???u?), it is still pronounced as [?] and not [?]. The /z/ sound, on the other hand, is a voiced palato-alveolar fricative. This difference is crucial in understanding why 'zh' does not change to /z/ in these instances.

Phonetic Changes in Korean

Korean phonology is quite different from English. Korean lacks the [z] sound entirely, even when including allophones (sounds that are not contrastive but occur in certain phonological contexts). Therefore, when Koreans try to pronounce words that include the 'zh' sound, they may revert to a sound closer to /s/ or /z/, depending on the speaker's ability and personal habits. This can explain why a Korean comedian might pronounce a word with 'zh' sounding like /z/ or /s/ in a performance.

Observations in Performance Settings

It is not uncommon for a Korean comedian to pronounce 'zh' as /z/ or /s/ when performing in English, especially in shows like SNL Korea. This might be due to several reasons. Firstly, it could be a personal habit intended to play up a specific character or accent. Secondly, the comedian might be demonstrating their linguistic skills or trying to make a point in a comedic sense. Additionally, due to the limited exposure to the [?] sound, Korean speakers might substitute the closest available sound, such as /z/ or /s/, which are more common in Korean phonology.

Implications for Language Learners

For language learners, understanding the phonological differences between their native language and English can significantly aid in achieving native-like pronunciation. In the case of 'zh', practicing the correct mouth and tongue placement is crucial. Using specialized apps or recordings of native speakers can help learners get a feel for the correct production of this sound. Comedians and speakers from Korean backgrounds may benefit from additional practice or phonological coaching to ensure accurate pronunciation in English.

Conclusion

In English phonology, the 'zh' sound [?] does not change to [z] before vowels or voiced consonants. This principle holds true regardless of a speaker's background. However, for learners and speakers from languages that lack the [z] sound, such as Korean, pronouncing 'zh' correctly can be challenging. Understanding these nuances can help improve pronunciation and facilitate effective communication in English.

For anyone looking to improve their English pronunciation, consulting resources from native speakers or phonological experts can be invaluable. Additionally, continuous practice and exposure to diverse accents can help build a more robust and flexible pronunciation ability.