Polish Language: Pronunciation of "Ch" Explained"

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SUMMARY

The pronunciation of "ch" in Polish is consistently similar to the "j" in Spanish when followed by a vowel, as seen in the word "kocham." However, when "ch" appears at the end of a word, such as in "strach," it retains its pronunciation and does not shift to a "k" sound. Historically, "h" and "ch" were distinct sounds, but in contemporary Polish, they are pronounced identically. The discussion also touches on the pronunciation of "zamarzł," clarifying that it should sound like "zamarsł" without losing the voiced quality of "z" before "ł."

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Polish phonetics
  • Familiarity with vowel-consonant interactions in Polish
  • Knowledge of historical phonological changes in the Polish language
  • Basic grasp of Polish vocabulary and pronunciation rules
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the phonetic rules of Polish consonants, focusing on "h" and "ch"
  • Explore the historical evolution of Polish sounds and their modern pronunciations
  • Study the pronunciation of Polish words ending in "ł" and their phonetic implications
  • Practice listening to native Polish speakers to master the nuances of "ch" and "ż" sounds
USEFUL FOR

Language learners, linguists, and anyone interested in mastering Polish pronunciation, particularly those focusing on phonetic nuances and historical language changes.

fluidistic
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Polish language: the "ch"

I'm having a doubt about the pronounciation of the "ch" in Polish. When it is followed by a vowell (like in the word "kocham") I know it's pronounced similarly to the "j" in Spanish or probably some arabic consonant. However when it ends a word (like in the word "strach"), how is it pronounced? Still the same way or like a "k"? Or a mix of both?
 
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"h" "ch" always same
"rz" "ż" same but "zamarzł" "rz" -> "r" "z" no "ż"
try translate.google.pl
kocham, ham, chichot, krzyż OK
zamarzł NOT, beter sounds zamarsł
 
Last edited:


Historically h & ch were different sounds, in modern Polish they are always identical.

Xitami said:
zamarzł NOT, beter sounds zamarsł

Are you sure?

"ł" to spółgłoska sonorna, bez bezdźwięcznego odpowiednika, więc nie ubezdźwięczniająca się w wygłosie. Nie ma powodu żeby "z" przed nią straciło dźwięczność.

Edit: zacząłem się teraz zastanawiać, czy to "ł" nie zanika, zostawiajac "zamars".

Sorry all, translating the phrase above to English is beyond my capabilities
 
Last edited:


Ok thanks guys.
So Marzena is pronounced "Mażena"?
 


fluidistic said:
Ok thanks guys.
So Marzena is pronounced "Mażena"?

Yes.
 


Borek said:
Yes.

Thanks. :smile:
 

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