CONTENTS. Vowel Sounds in Unaccented Syllables.. Exercises on Vowel Sounds in Unaccented Syllables... LXVI. Tea, Coffee, Sugar, and Chocolate.. LXVII. Generosity and Selfishness..... LXVIII. Generosity and Selfishness, concluded.. LXX. Benefits derived from Animals.... LXXI. Faith in God............... LXXII. Always follow good Advice..... LXXV. Danger of Disobedience.. THE THIRD PRIMARY READER. PART I. EXERCISES IN ENUNCIATION. REMARKS TO TEACHERS. - All that articulate language and tones can effect to influence the understanding is dependent upon the voice addressed to the ear. A just and graceful management of it is, therefore, of the highest importance. An accurate and distinct articulation forms the basis of good reading. It consists in giving every letter in a syllable its due proportion of sound, according to the most approved custom of pronouncing it. "In just articulation," says Austin, "the words are not to be hurried over, nor precipitated syllable over syllable, nor, as it were, melted together into a mass of confusion. They should neither be abridged, nor prolonged, nor swallowed, nor forced; they should not be trailed, nor drawled, nor let to slip out carelessly. They are to be delivered out from the lips as beautiful coins newly issued from the mint, deeply and accurately impressed, perfectly finished, neatly struck by the proper organs, distinct, sharp, in due succession, and of due weight.” To accomplish this, the voice should be frequently exercised upon the elementary sounds of the language, both simple and combined; and classes of words, containing sounds liable to be perverted or suppressed in utterance, should be forcibly and accurately pronounced. (7) TABLE OF VOWEL ELEMENTS. The following table is designed for an exercise upon the vowel elements. It should be performed thus: ā, ä, â, ă, ẽ, ẽ, &c. Care should be taken to give the utmost articulate force of which the voice is capable. The word is placed opposite the letter merely to indicate its sound. In pronouncing the words in the following exercises, special attention should be given to the precise sound of every element Italicized. The teacher can first pronounce the word, and the class repeat it in concert. a (as in fate, and marked by Worcester thus, a). Fame, blame, same, game, sail, obey, survey, cambric, nature, ancient, neighbor, dictator, obeisance, weigh, sleigh, patron, patriot, patriotism, matron, matronly, azure. 1 The elementary sound or power of a vowel may be ascertained by pronouncing a word containing it in a slow, drawling manner. Notice the sound of the vowel as it issues from the mouth, and then utter it by itself with great suddenness and force. |