close juncture: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/TechnicalTechnical/Academic (Linguistics, Phonetics)
Quick answer
What does “close juncture” mean?
In phonetics and phonology, the normal, uninterrupted transition between sounds or syllables within a word, without a pause or break.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In phonetics and phonology, the normal, uninterrupted transition between sounds or syllables within a word, without a pause or break.
The standard, connected manner in which speech sounds are produced in sequence, forming the typical flow of spoken language. It contrasts with 'open juncture', where a pause or break occurs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties within academic linguistics.
Connotations
Purely technical, descriptive term with no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language; used exclusively in linguistics contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “close juncture” in a Sentence
The [phoneme/syllable] is in close juncture with [another phoneme/syllable].[Word/phrase] exhibits close juncture.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “close juncture” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The close juncture between /t/ and /r/ in 'train' is typical of RP.
- Analysing close juncture helps distinguish 'night rate' from 'nitrate'.
American English
- Close juncture is a fundamental concept in American structuralist phonology.
- The absence of close juncture can signal a word boundary.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in linguistics papers, phonetics textbooks, and phonological analysis to describe sound linking.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in phonetic transcription and phonological theory.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “close juncture”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “close juncture”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “close juncture”
- Confusing it with the adjective 'close' (pronounced /kləʊs/).
- Using it in non-linguistic contexts.
- Misspelling as 'close junction'.
- Assuming it means the opposite of 'distant'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Related but not identical. Linking/liasion often refer to specific phonetic processes (like inserting /r/). Close juncture is the broader, default state of seamless connection between sounds within a word or phrase.
Only if they are studying linguistics or phonetics. For general language learning, awareness of connected speech and linking is important, but the technical term itself is not necessary.
Say 'nitrate' naturally. The /t/ and /r/ flow together without a break—that's close juncture. Now say 'night rate' carefully, with a tiny pause or glottal stop—that's open juncture.
Yes, especially in rapid, fluent speech. For example, 'get out' is often pronounced with close juncture between the /t/ and the /aʊ/, making it sound like 'ge tout'.
Close juncture is usually technical/academic (linguistics, phonetics) in register.
Close juncture: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkləʊs ˈdʒʌŋk.tʃə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkloʊs ˈdʒʌŋk.tʃɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CLOSE-knit family where everyone is connected without gaps – sounds in CLOSE JUNCTURE are tightly connected without pauses.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEECH IS A CONTINUOUS STREAM. Close juncture represents the smooth, flowing water of the stream.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'close juncture' specifically refer to in phonetics?