transcription in english. reduced sounds
Hello) Some sounds become reduced. " When you are tired of London, go down to the sea for a week or a fortnight. " how is the word "or" in this sentence ? reduced or not? short or long?

Question

transcription in english. reduced sounds
Hello) Some sounds become reduced.  "  When you are tired of London, go down to the sea for a week or a fortnight. " how is the word "or" in this sentence ? reduced or not?  short or long?

Answer

I agree with Martyn.  Having said that, we wouldn't always reduce the vowel sound in "or". Doing so could give rise to confusion between "or" and "are". Reduction of the vowel sound in "are" is much more standard.  So, in order to keep your life simple and sound clear, I recommend saying "or" without any reduction.

Answer

It probably depends on the speaker's pattern of speech. I personally would not reduce it and would pause slightly after "week". However if it were reduced, the words "week or" would probably sound (if I spoke them) like the word "weaker".

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