diff --git a/1000-hours/.vitepress/config.mts b/1000-hours/.vitepress/config.mts index 968ea2a5..fa8157ca 100644 --- a/1000-hours/.vitepress/config.mts +++ b/1000-hours/.vitepress/config.mts @@ -281,12 +281,27 @@ export default withMermaid( }, { text: "3.5.4. 缓急", - link: "/sounds-of-american-english/3.5.4-rhythm", + link: "/sounds-of-american-english/3.5.4-pace", }, ] }, ], }, + { + text: "4. 收官", + collapsed: true, + link: "/sounds-of-american-english/4-wrapping-up", + items: [ + { + text: "4.1. 流利", + link: "/sounds-of-american-english/4.1-fluency", + }, + { + text: "4.2. 情绪", + link: "/sounds-of-american-english/4.2-emotions", + }, + ], + }, ], }, // { diff --git a/1000-hours/sounds-of-american-english/3.2.14-lr.md b/1000-hours/sounds-of-american-english/3.2.14-lr.md index 954e04a0..c29a9b93 100644 --- a/1000-hours/sounds-of-american-english/3.2.14-lr.md +++ b/1000-hours/sounds-of-american-english/3.2.14-lr.md @@ -59,6 +59,10 @@ There are many common words where `l` ends the syllable. Be sure to include the > *fail*, *file*, *sell*, *sale*, *tell*, *tale*, *trail*, *drill*... +注意，`/ʌl/` 没有 `ə` 的加音，因为 `ʌ` 和 `ə` 原本就非常相近。比如，*ultimate* `/ˈʌltɪmət/`。另外，在自然语音中，`/iːl/` 要注意。比如， reveal 的确读做 `/rɪˈviːəl/`，有加音 `ə`，但，revealing，读作 `/rɪˈviːlɪŋ/`，没有加音 `ə`，可能是因为 `l` 被挪到后面和 `ɪŋ` 构成了第三个音节 `/lɪŋ/`…… + +Note that `/ʌl/` doesn't have the schwa (`ə`) sound added, since `/ʌ/` and `ə` are already very similar. For instance, *ultimate* `/ˈəltəmət/`. Also, pay attention to `/iːl/` in natural speech. For example, while *reveal* is indeed pronounced as `/rɪˈviːəl/`, with the schwa sound, *revealing* is pronounced as `/rɪˈviːlɪŋ/`, without the schwa. This change might be due to the fact that the `l` sound has been moved to form a third syllable with `ɪŋ` as `/lɪŋ/`. + `l` 在语言学里有个专门的称呼，叫做**音节辅音**，就是因为它的发声动作如果完整的话，前面就会自然附加着一个轻微的元音 `ə` 的音色。比如，*little* `/ˈlɪtl̩/` —— `l` 下面多出的那一个点 `l̩` 的意思是说，这里的 `l̩` 是个**音节辅音**，相当于 `/ᵊl/`…… 当然，很多词典干脆就直接标注成了 `/ˈlɪtəl/` In linguistics, the letter `l` has a particular name - it's called a *syllabic consonant*. This is because when it is fully pronounced, a subtle vowel sound `ə` naturally attaches to the front of it. For example, in the word *little* `/ˈlɪtl̩/`, the dot under the `l` (`l̩`) indicates that this `l` is a *syllabic consonant*. It's equivalent to `/ᵊl/`. And many dictionaries simply denote it as `/ˈlɪtəl/`. diff --git a/1000-hours/sounds-of-american-english/3.5.4-rhythm.md b/1000-hours/sounds-of-american-english/3.5.4-pace.md similarity index 86% rename from 1000-hours/sounds-of-american-english/3.5.4-rhythm.md rename to 1000-hours/sounds-of-american-english/3.5.4-pace.md index 3a43ba67..606cf582 100644 --- a/1000-hours/sounds-of-american-english/3.5.4-rhythm.md +++ b/1000-hours/sounds-of-american-english/3.5.4-pace.md @@ -1,4 +1,4 @@ -# 3.5.4. 缓急（rhythm） +# 3.5.4. 缓急（Pace） 自然语音中，被强读的音节通常语速较慢，伴随着音高的变化、声调的不同，并且，其中的长元音读得够长，双元音读得够饱满。 @@ -31,15 +31,15 @@ Pay close attention to this string of syllables: *here at our uni*·**ver**·*si 关键在于，好听的语音是有节奏感的。该朗读者把 `ˈ/hiə·(æ)t̬ɑ(ʊə)ˌjunə` 放进了同一个节拍里，然后，下一个节拍从重音 `ˈvəː` 开始：`ˈ/hiə·(æ)t̬ɑ(ʊə)ˌjunə | ˈvəː(r)sət̬i/`…… -The key point is that attractive speech has *rhythm*. The speaker put `ˈ/hiə·(æ)t̬ɑ(ʊə)ˌjunə` into one beat, then started the next beat with the stressed syllable `ˈvəː`: `ˈ/hiə·(æ)t̬ɑ(ʊə)ˌjunə | ˈvəː(r)sət̬i/`... +The key point is that attractive speech has *pace*. The speaker put `ˈ/hiə·(æ)t̬ɑ(ʊə)ˌjunə` into one beat, then started the next beat with the stressed syllable `ˈvəː`: `ˈ/hiə·(æ)t̬ɑ(ʊə)ˌjunə | ˈvəː(r)sət̬i/`... 日常生活中，绝大多数人讲话并不会刻意在乎**节奏**，也常常感觉并无必要。但，总有一些人是训练有素的，比如，他们需要朗读、录音、演讲，甚至表演…… 于是，他们会有意无意地控制**节奏**。 -In everyday life, most people don't consciously pay attention to *rhythm* when speaking, nor do they feel the need to. But some people have trained to precisely control their *rhythm* when reading aloud, recording, giving speeches, or performing. +In everyday life, most people don't consciously pay attention to *pace* when speaking, nor do they feel the need to. But some people have trained to precisely control their *pace* when reading aloud, recording, giving speeches, or performing. 这也是为什么绝大多数人在模仿外语录音的时候总是感觉心有余力不足的原因，首先因为他们忽视了**节奏**这个格外重要的因素。另外，他们忘了被模仿的语音，是训练有素且相当专业的声音，那甚至是质量极高难度极大的表演 —— 这更是提高了普通人模仿的难度。 -This is why most people find it challenging to imitate foreign language recordings accurately. First, they overlook the essential factor of *rhythm*. Plus, they forget that the speech they're trying to mimic is a professionally trained and high-quality performance, which raises the difficulty level of imitation. +This is why most people find it challenging to imitate foreign language recordings accurately. First, they overlook the essential factor of *pace*. Plus, they forget that the speech they're trying to mimic is a professionally trained and high-quality performance, which raises the difficulty level of imitation. 然而，说话的**节奏**，本质上来看，毕竟没多复杂，只不过是由**长短**和适当**停顿**构成的…… 再加上**高低起伏轻重**构成的**韵律**，就更好听了。 diff --git a/1000-hours/sounds-of-american-english/4-wrapping-up.md b/1000-hours/sounds-of-american-english/4-wrapping-up.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..1eb88791 --- /dev/null +++ b/1000-hours/sounds-of-american-english/4-wrapping-up.md @@ -0,0 +1,5 @@ +# 4. 收官（Wrapping up） + +最后，还有一些需要注意的地方，可能更为重要 —— 其障碍竟然往往来自主观感受，而非客观事实。 + +Finally, there's something more crucial to keep in mind - the obstacles we face often stem from our own subjective perceptions, rather than objective facts. \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/1000-hours/sounds-of-american-english/4.1-fluency.md b/1000-hours/sounds-of-american-english/4.1-fluency.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..a9ff8af4 --- /dev/null +++ b/1000-hours/sounds-of-american-english/4.1-fluency.md @@ -0,0 +1,138 @@ +# 4.1 流利（Fluency） + +学习另外一种语言，总是要处理很多与母语**不一样**的细节。 + +Learning another language always involves navigating a myriad of details that differ from native tongue. + +> **凡是和母语发声方式不一样的地方，都是语音塑造的重点**。 +> +> **Any differences in pronunciation from your native language should be the focus of speech training**. + +在语音中，最重要且最普遍被忽视的**差异**是： + +One of the most important and often overlooked *differences* is: + +> 英文的**音节**在**绝大多数情况下**读出来都比亚洲语言的**字**要**长**许多…… +> +> English syllables, in most cases, are pronounced *much longer* than the individual characters in Asian languages... + +首先，英文的元音有长短之分，除了 *6* 个基础元音 `ʌ`、`e`、`ə`、`ɪ`、`ʊ`、`ɒ` 是短元音之外，剩下的 *14* 个都是**相对更长**的元音；而亚洲语言的元音都是等长的。 + +Firstly, English vowels have variations in length. Aside from the *6* basic short vowels `ʌ`, `e`, `ə`, `ɪ`, `ʊ`, and `ɒ`, the remaining *14* vowels are relatively longer. In contrast, vowels in Asian languages are all of equal length. + +除此之外，在英文中，当一个短元音处于重音音节的时候，会出现因强调而发生的短元音变长的情况。比如，你可以试着说一下 *This is a **big** **city**!* —— 为了强调 *big*，你会不由自主地将它读成长长的 `/biːg/`，而不是 `/bɪg/`，如果强调 *city*，它的第一个 `/sɪ/` 也会稍微变长一点点…… + +In English, a short vowel in a stressed syllable can *elongate* when emphasized. For example, try saying, *This is a **big** **city**!* You'll notice that to emphasize *big*, you naturally stretch it into a long-sounding `/biːg/`, instead of the short `/bɪg/`. If you stress *city*, the first `/sɪ/` will also lengthen slightly. + +而英文的音节构成也相对更为复杂，元音前有可能是两个辅音。亚洲语言的**音节**（字）几乎没有两个辅音作为开头的情况，在英文中这种情况却非常普遍。亚洲语言的音节同样没有两三个辅音作为结尾并且还要发声清晰的情况，在英文中这种情况同样非常普遍。每个辅音都要发声清晰的话，就会占用一定的时长。比如，*flexed*, `/flekst/`，虽然整体上只是一个音节（`ccvccc` 的结构），可即便这个音节中的元音 `e` 是短元音，整体发声时它也比任何一个亚洲语言中的 “字”（同样是一个音节）都长。 + +English syllables can also be more complex, often with two consonants in the beginning of a vowel. This contrasts with Asian languages, where syllables (or *characters*) rarely start with two consonants. Similarly, English often ends syllables with two or three clear-sounding consonants, while this is less common in Asian languages. Each consonant requires a certain amount of time to articulate clearly. For example, the word *flexed*, pronounced `/flekst/`, although technically one syllable (`ccvccc` structure), takes longer to say than any single syllable (or *character*) in an Asian language, even though the vowel `e` in *flexed* is short. + +平均来看，英文的音节中**辅音数量**可能是亚洲语言的**两三倍以上** —— 这造成的结果就是，说英文的时候，舌头比说其他语言的时候相对要忙太多…… 并且，因此英文单个音节的发声时长也相对更长 —— 不是长一点点，而是长很多。 + +On average, the number of consonants in English syllables is likely more than double that of Asian languages. This means that speaking English requires our tongues to be busier than when speaking in most other languages. Moreover, this causes each English syllable to be pronounced in a relatively longer duration - not just a bit longer, but *significantly* longer. + +音节上的长短差异会造成语音在韵律和节奏上的巨大差异。 + +The difference in syllable length can lead to a significant difference in speech prosody and rhythm. + +若是忽视了这一点，那么，在节奏韵律上的巨大差异会形成一个无法逾越的障碍。很多人压根就不知道这里有一个巨大的障碍，于是，从来就没有可能跨越它 —— 请问，你如何跨越一个你不知其存在的障碍呢？ + +If this is overlooked, the resulting significant difference in prosody and rhythm can become an insurmountable barrier. Many people are oblivious to this huge obstacle, hence, they never get the chance to overcome it. After all, how can you overcome a barrier you don't even know exists? + +还有另外一个比较隐蔽的却也同样重要的差异： + +There's another less noticeable yet equally crucial difference: + +> 英语的自然语音中有大量的**塞音**存在于音节之间。这些音我们虽然听不到，也看不到发声器官的动作，但这些动作却是完整完成的 —— 也就是说，它们也是占用时长的。 +> +> In natural English speech, there are numerous *stop* sounds interspersed between syllables. We may not hear these sounds or see the articulator in action, but the actions are fully completed, meaning they also take up time. + +还没有完…… 记得吗？两个元音直接连在一起的时候，还有可能存在**加音**（`j/w`），以及很常见的 `l` 之前的加音 `ə`…… + +And there's more... remember? When two vowels are connected, there might also be a **glide sound** (`j/w`), and that common schwa `ə` added before `l`... + +所有这些细节加在一起，造成了一个格外普遍的现象： + +All these nuances combined result in a particularly common phenomenon: + +> **亚洲人讲英文的时候速度都过快……** +> +> **Asian people often speak English too quickly...** + +常常把**长元音**和**双元音**读成更短的版本（尤其是 `æ`），很多**辅音**没有清楚地发音，很多实际存在的微妙**停顿**（比如**塞音**）全都忽略，甚至可能在某些辅音之后插入了原本**不存在的元音**，但是，反过来常见的**加音**却实际上缺席…… + +Asian speakers often shorten long vowels and diphthongs, especially the `æ` sound. Many consonants aren't clearly pronounced, and subtle stops that should be there are often overlooked. Sometimes, vowels are added where they don't exist, yet, ironically, added sounds that should be present are often missing. + +整体结果就是，同样一句话，亚洲人总是能够做到更快、很快、甚至太快地讲完。可问题在于，从理解的角度来看，在英文母语使用者耳中，几乎所有的韵律和节奏全都是错的。用错误的韵律节奏，讲的速度越快，就越难以被理解。 + +The result is that Asians tend to speak English much faster than native speakers. The problem, however, is that from a comprehension standpoint, the prosody and rhythm are all wrong to native English ears. The faster you speak with incorrect prosody and rhythm, the harder it becomes to understand. + +还没有完…… + +The story doesn't end there... + +另外一个影响初学者讲英文时语速不正常地快的原因，更微妙，来自于一种基于普遍误解的心理压力。在这一点上，全世界的人都一样，当人们听到自己听不懂的另外一种语言的时候，总是**误以为**对方**说话速度很快**。 + +Another subtle factor that often makes beginners speak English unnaturally fast originates from a psychological pressure based on a widespread misunderstanding. This is a universal experience: when people hear a language they do not understand, they often *mistakenly believe* that the speaker is *talking too fast*. + +可这就是因误解而生的幻觉。之所以幻觉对方语速快，是因为自己听不懂。听母语的时候，大脑甚至可以以句子为单位处理信息，可突然之间，要退回到音节级别，又因为那声音里充满了自己并不习惯甚至没听过的音素，不习惯的韵律和节奏，当然需要更多的精力…… 听不懂，当然记不住。于是，大脑更不够用，更是误以为对方说话太快。 + +However, this perception is nothing but an illusion born out of misunderstanding. The reason we perceive foreign speakers as speaking quickly is simply because we don't understand what they're saying. When we listen to our native language, our brain can process information on the sentence level. Suddenly, when faced with a foreign language, we're thrust back to the syllable level. With unfamiliar phonemes, prosody and rhythms, we, of course, need more mental effort... If we don't understand, we certainly can't remember. As a result, our brains struggle more, enhancing this illusion of rapid speech. + +其实，全世界的人在说话的时候，不管使用任何语言都一样，都会不由自主地**划分意群**，下意识地**选择轻重**，并且都会有意无意地**适当停顿**，不仅是在句子之间，句子之内也有可以换气的停顿，甚至连单词之内音节之间也都有可能存在也许不需要换气的停顿。没有人说话不喘气。正常语速从来都不可能过快。 + +In reality, all speakers, regardless of the language they're using, instinctively chunk phrases, choose stress levels subconsciously, and take deliberate pauses. These pauses are not only between sentences but also within them, for breathing, and even potentially between syllables within words, without breathing pauses. Nobody talks without taking a breath. A normal speech rate is never excessively fast. + +可是，突然之间，只是因为听不懂、记不住，大脑就像一台同时运行了太多软件的电脑， CPU 过热，内存溢出，恨不得当场死机。于是，不知不觉之间产生了幻觉，就是觉得对方说话快，即便对方正在以再正常不过的语速讲话。 + +But then, all of a sudden, just because you can't understand or remember, your brain starts working like a computer running too many apps at once. The CPU overheats, memory overflows, and it feels like it's about to crash right there and then. Without realizing it, you start to imagine that the other person is speaking too quickly, even though they're speaking at a perfectly normal pace. + +基于上面这个普遍误解的下一个误解，同样微妙，人们常常误以为**语速够快**就能构成**讲得足够流利**。其实，**流利**的构成与**语速快慢**几乎全无关系**。是否流利**更多是发音是否正确，措辞是否准确，句法和用法是否符合习惯，逻辑是否顺畅，等等等等 —— 以及，很多人可能并未意识到的另外一个很重要的东西，叫做**节奏**。 + +Building on the common misconception mentioned above, there's another subtle misperception often held: people tend to equate *speaking fast* with *being fluent*. In reality, *fluency* has almost nothing to do with *the speed of speech*. True fluency hinges on accurate pronunciation, precise choice of words, adherence to customary syntax and usage, smooth logical presentation, and so on. What's more, something many people may not fully realize is the crucial role *rhythm* plays in fluent speech. + +所以，刚开始的时候，**要刻意放慢自己的语速**。记住，流利不靠语速，起码不只靠语速。语速过快，容易出错，越快出错越多。再说，流利也不是一上来就需要追求的东西，速度更不是。 + +So, in the beginning, it's crucial to *deliberately slow down your pace of speech*. Bear in mind, fluency doesn't depend solely on the speed of speech. Speaking too quickly can lead to mistakes, and the faster you speak, the more errors you're likely to make. Besides, fluency isn't something you need to aim for right off the bat, and speed is even less so. + +好莱坞动作明星阿诺德·施瓦辛格口音很重但表达清楚且流利 —— 这是怎么回事呢？一般来说，决定一个人讲话**流利与否**的因素，从听众角度出发，如果能够按照重要性排列的话，大抵应该如下： + +Consider Hollywood action star Arnold Schwarzenegger. His accent is heavy, but he communicates clearly and fluently - how can this be? Generally, the factors that determine whether a person's speech is *fluent or not* can be lined up in terms of importance from the audience's perspective, roughly as follows: + +> - **语意完整** +> - **Complete in meaning** +> - **上下文足够丰富** +> - **Rich in context** +> - **符合习惯** +> - **Conforms to common usage** +> - **逻辑清晰** +> - **Clear in logic** +> - **语法正确** +> - **Correct in grammar** +> - **措辞准确** +> - **Accurate in wording** +> - 节奏 +> - Rhythm +> - 停顿 +> - Stop +> - 轻重 +> - Emphasis +> - 缓急 +> - Pace +> - 韵律 +> - Prosody +> - 高低 +> - Pitch +> - 起伏 +> - Tone +> - 音素 +> - Phonemes +> - 元音 +> - Vowels +> - 辅音 +> - Consonants + +即便是到了相对最不重要的**音素**层面，也有重要性上的先后顺序，**元音比辅音更重要**。然而，绝大多数人在整个练习过程中，在最不重要的层面上就被卡住了…… 越是重要的越没机会练习，越是重要的，越没能力去关注 —— 这才是失败的关键吧？ + +Even at the seemingly least important level of phonemes, there's a hierarchy of importance: *vowels are more critical than consonants*. However, most people get stuck at this least significant level during their practice... The more crucial something is, the less opportunity they have to practice it, the less capacity they have to focus on it. Isn't this the real crux of failure? \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/1000-hours/sounds-of-american-english/4.2-emotions.md b/1000-hours/sounds-of-american-english/4.2-emotions.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..ed2e11b7 --- /dev/null +++ b/1000-hours/sounds-of-american-english/4.2-emotions.md @@ -0,0 +1,33 @@ +# 4.2 情绪（Emotions） + +学习语音的唯一有效方法只有模仿。在模仿的时候，最难模仿的，其实并不是我们已经讲解过的各种重点…… 还有一个可能无法模仿的，和另外一个其实可以模仿的。 + +The only effective way to learn speech is by *imitation*. The most challenging part of this process isn't necessarily the key points we've previously discussed... There are two things that may come to mind: one that might be impossible to mimic, and another that could actually be copied. + +可能无法模仿的是对方的**音质**，因为到最后，每个人的声音都不一样，声线、音域、音量都不一样…… 通常来说，除非是模仿能力特别强的人，才能做到发出和别人同样音质的声音 —— 虽然不是谁都做不到，但，这个要求多少的确有点过份…… + +The thing that might be impossible to mimic is someone else's *voice quality*. In the end, each person's voice is unique - the pitch, range, and volume all differ. Usually, only those with a particularly strong ability to imitate can perfectly replicate the voice quality of another. While not impossible, this expectation can indeed be a bit excessive. + +然而，的确有确实可以模仿的 —— **情绪**。紧张、兴奋、疲惫、失望、恐惧、悲伤、快乐、期待，等等等等。就算不能模仿得一模一样，终归能按照自己的方式去表现同样的情绪 —— 瞬间就能做到八九不离十。 + +However, there is something that can certainly be mimicked - *emotions*. Be it nervousness, excitement, fatigue, disappointment, fear, sadness, joy, anticipation, and so on. Even if you can't mimic these emotions identically, you can certainly express the same feelings in your own way - and instantly get pretty close to the mark. + +用 AI 生成的真人语音，最大的问题在于，它目前还不能做到**情绪饱满**，它只是尽量做到了 “听起来像是真人说话”，虽然已经很好，但就是缺乏情绪表达 —— 它也的确没有什么真正的情绪…… + +The biggest issue with AI-generated human voices is that they currently lack emotional depth. They strive to *sound like a human speaking* and while they do this well, they fall short in conveying emotion - which is understandable, as they don't genuinely feel any emotions. + +各种惊悚片动作片都很精彩，很吸引人…… 可实际上它们真的不是最好的学习材料，因为这类影视内容的对话事实上非常枯燥，警匪片里最常重复的，只不过是 *Freeze! Drop your gun!* 要么就是 *You have the right to remain silent*... 战争片里最常重复的更加迷离，反反复复最多的都是 *Get down!* 或者 *Go! Go! Go!* —— 动作太多，语言就只能太少。至于情绪么，往往更多的只有愤怒或者悲伤。 + +Action movies or thrillers may be captivating, but they are not the best study materials. The dialogues in these movies can be quite dry. Police dramas seem to endlessly repeat phrases like *Freeze! Drop your gun!* or *You have the right to remain silent*. In war movies, you'll frequently hear *Get down!* or *Go! Go! Go!* The abundance of action scenes leaves little room for language. As for emotions, only expressions of anger and sadness tend to dominate. + +这就是为什么**生活情景剧**和**脱口秀**常常是很好的学习材料的重要原因 —— 主要是情绪丰富且饱满。另外，**纪录片**往往都是很好的学习材料。它们的特点是，措辞简单明了，语速慢，吐字清晰，并且情绪饱满。情绪更加饱满的，是各种给青少年甚至婴幼儿看的动画片或者绘本讲解，情绪丰富饱满到夸张的地步…… + +That's why *sitcoms* and *talk shows* often make great learning resources. They are rich in emotional content. *Documentaries* can also serve as excellent study materials, which feature simple and clear wording, slow speech, clear articulation, and full emotions. Even more emotionally expressive are *shows and storybooks for teenagers and toddlers*, where emotions are exaggerated to the extreme. + +如果觉得这些都太尴尬，还有个办法是不断学唱**英文歌曲** —— 每个音节都带着不同的音高曲调，甚至有可能一个词就唱了满满一两个小节，容不得一丝的错误，真的是绝佳的练习场景。 + +If you find these a bit awkward, another approach is to continuously learn English *songs*. Each syllable carries a different tone or melody, and a single word could fill a couple of bars, leaving no room for errors. It's indeed an excellent practice setting. + +语音的功用，如果说有 *20%* 是用来传递对事实的感受的话，那么，剩下的 *80%* 肯定并且只能用来传递情绪，不是吗？一直以来，大家在 “学外语” 的时候，都太理智了，不是吗？理智的确是一种很好的品质，但，有时候，它可能会成为不可逾越的障碍…… 真的很可惜！ + +If we say that *20%* of voice utility is for conveying feelings towards *facts*, then the remaining *80%* must be intended to express *emotions*, right? Perhaps we've been too logical when learning foreign languages, haven't we? While rationality is a good trait, it can sometimes turn into an insurmountable hurdle... which is truly a pity! \ No newline at end of file