Which term covers both joining sounds and inserting sounds between words to ease pronunciation?

Which term covers both joining sounds and inserting sounds between words to ease pronunciation?

• A. Linking
• B. Intrusion
• C. Assimilation
• D. Elision

Answer: (A)

In connected speech, we smooth pronunciation by linking sounds across word boundaries. This includes both tying the end of one word to the beginning of the next and sometimes inserting a tiny sound to bridge the gap so the flow is easier to pronounce. Linking is the broad term that covers these adjustments, so it’s the best choice because it describes the overall process of making speech flow smoothly between words. Other terms describe more specific phenomena: intrusion refers to the actual inserted sound; assimilation is when sounds change to become more like nearby sounds; elision is the dropping of a sound.

In connected speech, we smooth pronunciation by linking sounds across word boundaries. This includes both tying the end of one word to the beginning of the next and sometimes inserting a tiny sound to bridge the gap so the flow is easier to pronounce. Linking is the broad term that covers these adjustments, so it’s the best choice because it describes the overall process of making speech flow smoothly between words. Other terms describe more specific phenomena: intrusion refers to the actual inserted sound; assimilation is when sounds change to become more like nearby sounds; elision is the dropping of a sound.