Au Fait

In lesson 14.4, the speaker is pronouncing the t on fait, while it usually is not pronounced, and there is no e after the t. Is there a reaon why the t is pronounced here but not at other times?

In this case, she pronounces the 't' because there's a short pause (comma-type clausing pause), so it functions almost like the end of the sentence where there's joindering of the 't'. So even though the 'v' in vous is pronounced, it's like starting a new sentence off. So the 't' is not joindering the vous, but the "silence" of the end of the clause/"sentence", if you will, as an "emphasized" or signaling pause. By the way, this would happen with "En fait," also.

Bonjour! Oui, exactly! There are few fixed phrases and words in French that do not follow the convention of silencing the last consonant. Words, such as "but" (goal; aim) and "vis" (screw) are examples that do not follow the convention. Unfortunately like many of the French rules there is a frustratingly large amount of exceptions to it and you just have to memorize them. Fortunately there or not too many to learn. Keep up the good work! - Marie-Claire

So, I hear you, but what about fils et fil? fils is pronounced <feece> fil (wire) is pronounced <feel> is that just a local exception, or ?

oops, I put the pronunciation in brackets and they dropped off fils is pronounced 'feece' fil is pronounced 'feel'

Bonjour Lancish! Yes, these are again just exceptions. French is notorious for have rules that have as many exceptions to it. My best advice when learning a new words in French is simply to learn it as it is, do not try to apply it to a rule or any sort of convention. I feel very bad that my language causes so many problems and is such a pain in the neck to learn, but stick with it because I believe its beauty more than compensates. Keep up the good work! - Marie-Claire