Discovering the unique pronunciation of the "ch" sound in Welsh is both intriguing and essential for learners of the language. The answer lies in producing a guttural sound that might remind you of clearing your throat.
Producing the "ch" sound in Welsh
The "ch" sound in Welsh is considered a
voiceless velar fricative, a type of consonant produced by narrowing the gap between the back of the tongue and the soft palate. To accurately mimic this sound, make a sound similar to the "ch" in the
German word "Bach" or the "j" in the Spanish word "jalapeño." Be aware that the Welsh "ch" is distinct from the English sound found in words like "church" or "chair."
Practice with common Welsh words
To help you familiarize yourself with the Welsh "ch," try your hand at these commonly used phrases and words:
1. _Cymru_ (Wales) - pronounced [ˈkəmri] with a soft, guttural "ch" sound at the beginning.
2. _bach_ (small) - pronounced [baχ], where the "ch" sounds like the
Scottish "loch" or German "Bach."
3. _siarad Cymraeg_ (speak Welsh) - the "ch" sound appears in the second word, which is pronounced [ˈkəmraig].
Mastering the Welsh "ch" sound
While it may feel odd or challenging to correctly produce the Welsh "ch" sound at first, practice is key. Listen to native speakers, join a
Welsh language practice group, or use language apps to train your ear and help you perfect this unique consonantal sound.