505. Why "don't you" turns into "donchu" in spoken English: American English Pronunciation

505. Why "don't you" turns into "donchu" in spoken English: American English Pronunciation

Author: Hadar Shemesh March 19, 2026 Duration: 11:09

Have you ever listened to a native English speaker and thought… wait, that sounds funny! 

You HEAR one thing, but you SEE  something completely different when it's written.

Today, I'm going to share with you a linguistic feature of English called coalescence (also known as fusion). 

It's one of the most common processes in spoken English. Once you understand it, a lot of things that used to sound confusing will suddenly make perfect sense, AND know this will help you understand native speakers so. much. better. 

To practice more, download the free practice sheet here → https://bit.ly/4sTJH8O 

For more information about consonants, check out my consonants masterclass → https://bit.ly/4sZkkTb


Hadar Shemesh hosts The InFluency Podcast, drawing from her own journey from an intermediate English speaker to a recognized pronunciation expert and fluency coach. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a practical, empathetic guide for anyone who feels stuck in their language learning. Hadar's conversations and solo episodes delve into the tangible strategies that actually work for acquiring an American accent, building unshakeable confidence, and moving beyond textbook English to authentic, fluid speech. You'll hear a blend of mindset shifts, technical pronunciation breakdowns, and stories from a global community of learners. The focus is always on the human side of fluency-how it connects to identity, courage, and communication. Each episode of this podcast feels like a direct coaching session, offering actionable steps that address the real frustrations and aspirations of students and teachers alike. Hadar's approach demystifies the process, making the path to speaking English with assurance feel not only possible but deeply personal. Tune in for a resource that understands the journey because the host has lived it, creating a space where progress is celebrated over perfection.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

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