For those who’ve ever heard the phrase “echidna” and puzzled the best way to pronounce it, you are not alone. This distinctive Australian mammal has a reputation that may be difficult to get proper. The secret’s to keep in mind that the “ch” is pronounced like a “ok.” So, the proper pronunciation is “ih-KID-nuh.” As soon as you’ve got bought that down, you can impress your mates along with your information of this fascinating creature.
Echidnas are one in all Australia’s most iconic animals. They’re lined in sharp spines, which they use to guard themselves from predators. Echidnas are additionally egg-laying mammals, which implies that they provide start to eggs as a substitute of dwell younger. This makes them one in all just a few mammals on the planet that lay eggs. Echidnas are fascinating creatures which are distinctive to Australia. Their uncommon look and habits make them a must-see for any customer to the nation.
For those who’re planning a visit to Australia, you should definitely add echidnas to your record of must-see animals. Yow will discover them in a wide range of habitats, together with forests, grasslands, and deserts. And, if you happen to’re fortunate, you may even see one in all these superb creatures within the wild.
Breaking Down the Syllables
The phrase “echidna” is a five-syllable phrase. Here is the best way to break it down:
| Syllable | Pronounced |
|---|---|
| e | /iː/ |
| chi | /kiː/ |
| d | /d/ |
| na | /nə/ |
The stress is on the third syllable, so it is pronounced “eh-KIHD-nə.”
Right Pronunciation
The proper pronunciation of echidna is “ih-KID-nuh”. The emphasis is on the second syllable, and the “e” within the first syllable is pronounced just like the “e” in “finish”.
Widespread Mispronunciations
Adjusting the Tongue Placement
When announcing the “ch” sound in “echidna”, the tongue must be positioned towards the roof of the mouth simply behind the entrance tooth. This can create the tender, hissing sound that’s attribute of the “ch” sound.
Avoiding Aspiration
Aspiration refers back to the launch of a puff of air after a consonant sound. Within the case of the “ch” sound in “echidna”, aspiration must be averted. Which means the tongue shouldn’t be launched from the roof of the mouth after the “ch” is produced.
Stressing the Second Syllable
The emphasis within the pronunciation of “echidna” is on the second syllable. Which means the second syllable must be pronounced barely louder and longer than the primary syllable. The proper stress sample is “ih-KID-nuh”, not “ECH-ihd-nuh”.
Working towards the Pronunciation
One of the best ways to enhance your pronunciation of “echidna” is to apply saying it aloud. You’ll be able to apply saying the phrase by itself or in a sentence. You too can take heed to recordings of native English audio system announcing the phrase to get a greater concept of the way it ought to sound.
| Incorrect Pronunciation | Right Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| EH-chid-nuh | ih-KID-nuh |
How To Pronounce Echidna
The proper pronunciation of echidna is ih-KID-nuh. The phrase is derived from the Greek phrase “ekhidna,” which implies viper or snake. Echidnas are small, spiny mammals which are native to Australia and New Guinea. They’re usually known as spiny anteaters as a result of they eat ants and termites.
Echidnas are distinctive amongst mammals in that they lay eggs. They’re additionally one of many few mammals which have a cloaca, which is a single opening that serves because the outlet for the digestive, urinary, and reproductive methods.
