Connected speech
The natural, continuous flow of spoken language in which words blend together, sounds are modified, and syllables may be reduced or omitted. Connected speech differs markedly from careful, citation-form pronunciation.
Real World
When grime artist Stormzy freestyles, 'want to go' becomes 'wanna go' and 'I don't know' becomes 'I dunno' — standard connected speech patterns, not errors or laziness.
Exam Focus
Never describe connected speech features as 'lazy' or 'incorrect' — frame them as systematic, natural processes to avoid a deficit approach.
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