Polish Language: Pronunciation of "Ch" Explained"

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the pronunciation of the "ch" sound in the Polish language, particularly in different contexts such as when followed by a vowel or at the end of a word. Participants explore historical and modern pronunciations, as well as specific examples.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that "ch" is pronounced similarly to the "j" in Spanish when followed by a vowel, but questions its pronunciation at the end of words.
  • Another participant asserts that "h" and "ch" are always pronounced the same in modern Polish.
  • A different participant challenges this by discussing the pronunciation of "zamarzł" and suggests that "ł" may not lose its voiced quality in certain contexts.
  • There is a query about the pronunciation of the name "Marzena," with a participant suggesting it is pronounced "Mażena," which is confirmed by others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the pronunciation of "ch" and "h," with some asserting they are identical while others question this and provide examples that may contradict the claim. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the nuances of pronunciation in specific contexts.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the historical context of "h" and "ch" sounds, as well as the implications of voiced and voiceless consonants in Polish pronunciation. Some assumptions about pronunciation rules may not be fully explored.

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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