Missing p sound

Brian E.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Missing p sound

Hi, I feel that the “p” sound is completely missing from “pour” in “pour l'infaillible soutien que vous nous avez montré ces dix derniers mois.”.


Is it missing? If so, is this an audio file error, or a genuine French way of speaking at the C1 level?

Asked 1 year ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Dear all,

Having listened to the passage, I hear the -p of 'pour' very clearly so don't think it requires a re-record.

AurélieNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hello everyone!

 

After listening to the dictée again (multiple times), and having other French natives listen to it, I can confirm that the "p" sound is there, we all hear it perfectly, so to use Brian's words here, it is indeed a case of "a genuine French way of speaking at the C1 level" and pronouncing a soft "p" sound. 

If that helps, think of the different ways (and intensity levels) the "r" is pronounced in French, and how in some cases it barely registers to non-French ears (that is, before all the hard-work and practice help them hear it!). 

Bonne journée à tous !

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Agree with Brian that it is not readily heard. I think it is 'lost' due to the editing at that point - it is there, but not clear. 

The 'p' in French usually sounds 'gentler/softer' (to me anyway) at the start of words, which seems to be because it is pronounced slightly differently. 

 https://www.lawlessfrench.com/pronunciation/p/

Anne D.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

I too can’t hear the "p",  either during the test or in the playback at the end. Weird..

Brian E. asked:

Missing p sound

Hi, I feel that the “p” sound is completely missing from “pour” in “pour l'infaillible soutien que vous nous avez montré ces dix derniers mois.”.


Is it missing? If so, is this an audio file error, or a genuine French way of speaking at the C1 level?

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