Pronouncing the French nasal vowel spelled "un" or "um"

Both the traditional and the Parisian-style pronunciations for
"un": un, chacun, aucun, quelqu'un, défunt, lundi
"um": parfum, humble
Exceptions for "um" in final position in borrowed words: maximum, référendum, album

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[kman543210]

Are there any specific perceptions towards the speaker when choosing either the traditional or Parisian pronunciation of this nasal vowel? Will you appear to be pretentious if you use the Parisian style or vice versa? Also, do you see this Parisian change in the vowel spreading to other regions in France? By the way, when did this change start? I now know why I always heard this pronounced differently from different speakers in the past (I thought it was just me not hearing it correctly before)

[frenchsounds]

@kman543210 Bonjour ! Thank you for your questions on this topic. Perceptions vary from speaker to speaker, so I cannot adequately answer questions (1) and (2). My basic rule of thumb is to try to adopt the speech habits of the linguistic community with which you want to identify. (3) It is my perception that the Parisian "un" is spreading, especially in northern and western areas of France, probably through the media. (4) The change was noted in the second half of the 20th century.

[andreskizzo]

so is "un" just like "en" but with rounded lips?

[frenchsounds]

@andreskizzo Bonjour ! The "un" is like "in" "ein" or "ain" but with rounded lips, if you pronounce it in the traditional way. Although "en" can sometimes be pronounced like "in" (e.g. "bien), it is usually pronounced like "an" or "am". My videos on spelling-sound correlations for nasal vowels will give you a more detailed explanation. Merci !

[rafikmh2]

Hello, Many thanks for your extraordinary videos.

I have hard time trying to pronounce the traditional way of UM/UN. I have seen a video of your's explaining how to say it the modern way ɛ̃ (watch?v=QV-auFSTrMY"). can you please post similar video for œ̃. Many thanks in advance

[frenchsounds]

@rafikmh2 Bonjour et merci de votre commentaire ! I'm delighted that you are interested in learning how to pronounce the /œ̃ / in the traditional manner. All you need to do is find the right position for / ɛ̃ / and round your lips. I'll add it to my list of upcoming videos, which is quite long at the moment !

[pecasmarie]

Thank you so much! Your videos are so helpful and your voice and expression really help me. Please keep posting!

[ParkmerAzgin]

Merci beaucoup! C est tres important

[911dustin]

You are my best French teacher!

[visvaldisX]

Your videos are great. To learn French and about France I read the online version of La Depeche from Toulouse. Your pronounciations help me to say the words correctly, at least I hope I do. Thanks!