The phonetic pronunciation of Alzheimer's is /ælzˈhaɪmərz/.
Understanding the Phonetic Pronunciation
Pronouncing words phonetically means breaking them down into their individual sounds, often represented by symbols from the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). This system ensures a consistent and precise representation of speech sounds, regardless of language or accent.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of 'Alzheimer's'
To pronounce "Alzheimer's" accurately, you can break it down into its core sounds, paying attention to the stress placed on the second syllable (-hai-).
| Part | IPA Symbol | Description of Sound | Example Word |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al- | /æ/ | Like the 'a' sound in hat or cat. | hat |
| /l/ | Like the 'l' sound in look or ball. | look | |
| -z- | /z/ | Like the 'z' sound in zebra or buzz. | zebra |
| -hei- | /h/ | Like the 'h' sound in hand or house. | hand |
| /aɪ/ | A diphthong, like the 'i' sound in eye or my. | eye | |
| -mer- | /m/ | Like the 'm' sound in moon or name. | moon |
| /ə/ | The 'schwa' sound, a common unstressed vowel like the 'a' in above or sofa. | above | |
| -rz | /r/ | Like the 'r' sound in red or car. | red |
| /z/ | Like the 'z' sound at the end of beds or sizes. | beds |
Putting it together, the word flows as: /ælz-HAH-i-merz/.
Key Phonetic Symbols
Understanding common phonetic symbols helps in deciphering pronunciations. Here are some of the sounds you might encounter in English phonetic transcriptions, along with their typical representations and examples:
- /æ/: As in the 'a' sound in the word hat.
- /l/: As in the 'l' sound in the word look.
- /t/: As in the 't' sound in the word town.
- /s/: As in the 's' sound in the word say.
- /h/: As in the 'h' sound in the word hand.
- /aɪ/: As in the 'i' sound in the word eye.
- /m/: As in the 'm' sound in the word moon.
- /ə/: As in the 'a' sound in the word above.
For a comprehensive guide to English pronunciations, including audio examples, you can refer to reputable linguistic resources like the Cambridge Dictionary.
Stress and Flow
In "Alzheimer's," the primary stress falls on the second syllable, -haɪ-. This means that this part of the word is pronounced with more emphasis, a slightly higher pitch, and often a longer duration than the other syllables. Understanding syllable stress is crucial for natural-sounding pronunciation in English.
