Answer Question
Pronouncing the terminal "i" (e.g., merci, ici, oui)
When Caroline and some (but not all) other voices says words like "merci," "ici," and "voici," they often pronounce that final "i" with what I think is called a "fricative" sound. It makes those words sound a bit like they end in an open-mouthed "sh" or -- even more -- like the sound of "ch" in German words like "ich."
Could someone explain this sound/pronunciation? Is it more accurate than just pronouncing the final "i" like "ee"? Does it sound more formal? Less formal? More Parisian?
For an example, listen to the opening dialogue in Fluenz 1, Lesson 29: Oliver's "Oui. Ici."
Could someone explain this sound/pronunciation? Is it more accurate than just pronouncing the final "i" like "ee"? Does it sound more formal? Less formal? More Parisian?
For an example, listen to the opening dialogue in Fluenz 1, Lesson 29: Oliver's "Oui. Ici."