Unit 1 · Lesson 7
Sounds new to English
Hear the difference
A handful of letters have no English match, and some pairs sound alike to new ears. Mixing them up can change the meaning, so practise them side by side. Tap a pair to hear it.
Pairs to practise
Heavy and light
Seven letters are always heavy: خ ص ض غ ط ق ظ, gathered in the phrase خُصَّ ضَغْطٍ قِظْ. A heavy letter fills the mouth: the back of the tongue rises and the vowel after it sounds deeper. Every other letter is light, apart from ر and the ل of the name Allah, which you will meet in the tajweed unit.
PRACTICE
Tap an answer to check yourself.
Which phrase gathers the heavy letters?
Which letter is the breathy h from the throat?
Which letter is heavy?