The Pronunciation of the Letter “h“ in French162

##
The French language is renowned for its unique and often challenging pronunciation, and the letter "h" is no exception. Unlike in English, where "h" is always pronounced, in French, it is most often silent. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, and understanding when to pronounce "h" is essential for accurate French pronunciation.


Etymological Origins of Silent "h"
The silent "h" in French has its roots in the evolution of the language from Latin. In Latin, "h" was pronounced as in English, but over time, it gradually became silent in most positions. This change is thought to have occurred around the 12th century, and it became a standard feature of the French language by the 16th century.


Pronouncing "h" in French
In modern French, "h" is generally pronounced only when it appears at the beginning of a word or syllable. This means that in most cases, the "h" in French is silent. For example, the word "homme" (man) is pronounced [ɔm], and the word "heure" (hour) is pronounced [œʁ].
There are a few exceptions to this rule, however. In some cases, "h" is pronounced even though it is not at the beginning of a word or syllable. This occurs in the following situations:
* When "h" is followed by a vowel in the next syllable: In words such as "sauter" (to jump) and "trahir" (to betray), the "h" is pronounced because it is followed by a vowel in the next syllable.
* When "h" is followed by a consonant cluster: In words such as "chambre" (room) and "chercher" (to look for), the "h" is pronounced because it is followed by a consonant cluster.
* In certain interjections: Certain interjections, such as "ah" and "oh," always have a pronounced "h."


The Importance of Pronouncing "h" Correctly
While silent "h" is a common feature of French pronunciation, it is important to pronounce it correctly in the exceptions mentioned above. Mispronouncing "h" can lead to misunderstandings and can make it difficult for native French speakers to understand what you are saying.


Practice Exercises
To improve your pronunciation of "h" in French, try the following exercises:
* Read aloud words that contain "h" at the beginning of a word or syllable. For example, practice saying "homme," "heure," and "habitation."
* Read aloud words that contain "h" followed by a vowel in the next syllable. For example, practice saying "sauter," "trahir," and "hauteur."
* Read aloud words that contain "h" followed by a consonant cluster. For example, practice saying "chambre," "chercher," and "chanson."
* Listen to native French speakers and pay attention to how they pronounce "h." You can find French audio recordings online or in language learning apps.
With practice and attention to detail, you can master the pronunciation of "h" in French and improve your overall language skills.

2024-11-05

---

Previous：Pronunciation of the French “Il“

Next：The Linguistic Nuances of the French “Ui“ Pronunciation