This is an activity from Mark Hancock’s great book, Connected speech for listeners.

📕What is fusion:

It’s a feature of connected speech.

When /t/ or /d/ precede /j/, they may create a hybrid sound, like /ʧ/ in Charlie or /ʤ/ in gym. It’s also called yod coalescence.

See Mark’s video here for examples

📃What is fusion dictation:

  • Choose some sentences from the text/audio you used in your lesson or previous lessons that may include fusion.
  • Read them to students producing this feature of connected speech.

Example: What May July to the police?

(What made you lie to the police?)

  • Students write down what they hear. They may look puzzled!
  • Help them ‘break the code‘. Show them the pic below or use the phonemic script (if they are familiar with it).
  • You can also show the badly filled gaps: See Mark’s activity on page 59.
  • Help students notice how fusion works.
  • Next, you can also show them some more sentences which may include fusion. Ask them how they may hear them if the speaker is producing this feature.
  • Examples:
  • Put yourself in my place
  • We met last year.
  • Would you like some tea?
  • Could you pass me the salt?

☝️Remind them..

They DON‘T have to produce the feature.

It’s NOT a rule, just a possible realisation.

The point is to prepare them for what they might hear.

If you found this useful..

You might also want to read this post on intrusion. You should also consider buying Mark’s book. It’s quite affordable with simple and practical activities.

🙏Huge thanks..

to Anthony Green for recording himself reading some sentences for my student! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼