Pronunciation of 'tandis que' ?

Paul F.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Pronunciation of 'tandis que' ?

The pronunciation of 'tandis que' in this exercise has the 's' pronounced quite clearly (sounds like tandisse que). I wondered if this was an optional way to pronounce it, as I thought that the final 's' is usually silent in this word ? 

Asked 5 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

No, you are correct Paul it is not a liaison but you will hear the ‘s’ pronounced or not... I am so steeped in liaisons at the moment I see them everywhere !

CécileNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Hi Paul,

You will hear both in France so it is an optional ‘liaison’ ...

I personally would pronounce it but some purists are against it.

Look out for a lesson on liaisons which the team is working on ...

Hope this helps!

Paul F.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Thanks for the explanation Cécile. I thought liaisons were only before a vowel or a mute h, so this is a confusing new concept for me with a liaison before a q. I will await the lesson with interest. 

Brian E.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

I had a similar question. Can this be called a liaison when it occurs before “que”?

CécileNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Hi Brian, 

No it is definitiley not a liaison it is just the way some people will pronounce the final -s or not.

Pronunciation of 'tandis que' ?

The pronunciation of 'tandis que' in this exercise has the 's' pronounced quite clearly (sounds like tandisse que). I wondered if this was an optional way to pronounce it, as I thought that the final 's' is usually silent in this word ? 

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