How to pronounce phonotactics
Say it like FOH-nuh-tak-tiks. Phonotactics has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce phonotactics. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FOH
- nuh
- tak
- tiks
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Phonotactics pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- nuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- takGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- tiksKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of phonotactics
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: FOH-noh-tak-tiks.
What does phonotactics mean?
- A branch of phonology that deals with the restrictions a language applies to combinations of phonemes.
Where does phonotactics come from?
From phono- (“sound”) + tactics (“organization, arranging”).
Questions about saying phonotactics
How do you pronounce phonotactics?
Say FOH-nuh-tak-tiks. The American pronunciation is /ˈfoʊnəˌtæktɪks/. In British English it is /ˈfəʊnəʊˌtæktɪks/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in phonotactics?
Phonotactics has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOH). Broken into parts: FOH · nuh · tak · tiks.
Is phonotactics pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈfəʊnəʊˌtæktɪks/ (FOH-noh-tak-tiks).