> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://lang.gitbook.io/en/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://lang.gitbook.io/en/pronunciation-mastery/fundamentals-of-english-pronunciation.md).

# Fundamentals of English Pronunciation

This page features key fundamental aspects regarding English pronunciation which have probably never been explained to you.

1. "Connected speech" goes deeper than you realise.&#x20;

   Actually, the voice (i.e. vocal cords) *never* stop vibrating, except for four situations:

   1. an unvoiced ***phoneme*** (not letter)
   2. breathing
   3. thinking
   4. listening

   As you can see, the only unvoiced moments that are correct within the process of pronouncing are when an unvoiced phoneme is to be pronounced. At all other times through the pronunciation of your speech, you should maintain vibration of your vocal cords.

   You can test this by placing your fingers on the centre of your throat to feel the vibrations.
2.
