allophones

polap   Mon Dec 31, 2007 9:22 pm GMT
The dictionary tells you pronunciation for words like "sky" and "star" are [skaj] and [star] but in actuality the "t" isn't pronounced as [t]. Why is it so and why doesn't the dictionary say this? If the dictionary doesn't tell you this, then is your choice only to listen to how native speakers say them and to try to imitate them?
polap   Mon Dec 31, 2007 9:24 pm GMT
I forgot to say that the "k" isn't exactly pronounced as [k], either.
furrykef   Mon Dec 31, 2007 9:37 pm GMT
I think the answer is one of phonology. Sounds like "k" and "t" are generally aspirated in English, but they're not aspirated when preceded by an "s" (unless the "s" belongs to the previous syllable, which the dictionary does indicate). Since the rule is regular, and I expect that it would come naturally enough with time, there is little need to distinguish these sounds in dictionaries.

- Kef
Milton   Tue Jan 01, 2008 4:00 pm GMT
sky is not pronounced [skaj] but [skaI].
polap   Tue Jan 01, 2008 10:50 pm GMT
[skaj] is also right. It's diphthong.
Guest   Wed Jan 02, 2008 12:26 am GMT
What about [skahy]? (Think it was deleted before?)
Guest   Wed Jan 02, 2008 6:41 am GMT
Some people say [ska:], don't they?