La liaison

It says in 9.6 (The past with être) that

“Just keep in mind that you are always unlikely to hear la liaison used between the tu or vous forms (es or êtes) and a vowel sound that follows them.”

This is followed by a sentence where the french speaker does not use a liaison between “vous” and “êtes” in the sentence

“Est-ce que vous êtes allé….etc)”

However, only a few paragraphs down the sentence “Vous êtes venues” is pronounced with a liaison.

I find this confusing. I have never heard “vous êtes” without the liaison. And if this is to be avoided, why does the second example have it? Is there a difference between the two sentences that explain why one should use liaison ande the other one not? Which in that case?

I might add that the first sentence if pasted into Google translate is indeed pronounced with a liason by the automatic voice. If that counts.

I believe you misunderstood. You're unlikely to hear la liaison used between es or êtes and a vowel sound that follows them. The absence of la liaison in Est-ce que vous êtes allé …   just added to your confusion. Why it's not there is a mystery. I've never seen that liaison described as anything other than mandatory. The same applies to nous,, ils and elles.  If it's not mandatory, exercising the option must be the domain of a very unusual few.

Google Translate is a very useful guide to generic pronunciation - especially when the tutor audio is not clear, you hear more than one pronunciation for the same word, something just sounds weird, etc.

Thank you for your feedback! I realize that you are indeed correct. The instruction should be interpreted precisely as you say, and I misunderstood that. The mystery then is only that the speaker omitted the liaison between “vous” and “êtes” in the example. 

Maybe the speaker also misunderstood the instruction and acted accordingly! :-) 

In fact, Google translate used a liaison not only between “vous” and “êtes” but also between “êtes” and “allé” in the sentence mentioned. There seems to be some allowance for individual preference.

“ Maybe the speaker also misunderstood the instruction and acted accordingly! :-) ”  

haha! That's as good an explanation as any.

“ Google translate used a liaison not only between “vous” and “êtes” but also between “êtes” and “allé” in the sentence mentioned. There seems to be some allowance for individual preference. ”

" …  you are always unlikely to hear la liaison used between the tu or vous forms (es or êtes) and a vowel sound that follows them.”

You are always unlikely to see me roll my eyes and shake my head when I read stuff like this.