Is there a rule to identify which is the correct pronunciation for words with -th- spelling (mother- think), this /θ/ or this /ð/?
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3and then there's foothill – Jim Apr 01 '13 at 04:39
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As Matt says, there are no strict rules. However, there are patterns:
- word-initial is usually /θ/ (thin, think) except in function words (this)
- word-medial is usually /ð/ in native vocabulary (mother) and /θ/ in loanwords (Athens)
- word-final is usually /ð/ in verbs (breathe) and /θ/ in nouns (breath).
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3It's easier to list examples than to give a rigorous definition: than that the thee their theirs them themselves then there these they thine this those thou though thus thy thyself – May 16 '13 at 15:50
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No. There is no rule - as "th" can become either /θ/ or /ð/ depending on the word:
thin /θɪn/
this /ðɪs/
mother /mʌðər/
think /θɪŋk/
On the plus side, the audible difference between /θ/ and /ð/ is so small that normally when speaking getting them mixed up will go unnoticed.
