Exercise 2: Transcribing Softness

Instructions: Transcribe the 13 words below into IPA with pen and paper. Take special note of the palatalized versus unpalatalized consonants as indicated with the under-hook, according to the transcription system used in this course. If you skipped lesson 3, you may have difficulty understanding this exercise, unless you have previous experience working with the International Phonetic Alphabet. Check your transcription with the answer key provided at the bottom of the page, but remember that there is more than one correct system of transcription and some variation is expected. Focus on the accuracy of the palatalized (soft) and unpalatalized (hard) consonants!