Language of the day: Silent Letters
Silent letters are letters in a word that are written but not pronounced. They can make English spelling and pronunciation tricky for learners, but understanding them can improve both reading and speaking skills.
Why Do Silent Letters Exist?
Silent letters often appear because of:
Historical spelling: Words borrowed from other languages kept their original spelling even after pronunciation changed.
Standardization: English spelling was fixed before pronunciation evolved.
Influence of French and Latin: Many silent letters come from these languages.
Common Examples of Silent Letters
Tips to Master Silent Letters
Learn patterns: Silent “k” usually comes before “n” at the start of a word.
Practice pronunciation: Read aloud and listen to native speakers.
Use word lists: Group words by silent letter for easier memorization.
Don’t overpronounce: Avoid saying the silent letter—it sounds unnatural.
Why It Matters
Knowing silent letters helps:
Improve spelling accuracy
Enhance pronunciation
Build confidence in speaking and writing