Ch has three sounds, as heard first in child, second in machine, and third in character. The first is peculiar to itself, the second is that of sh, and the third that of k.
The sound of sh is variously represented:
by sh{,} as in share, shift, shirt, etc.
by ti, as in condition, mention, sanction, etc.
by si, as in tension, suspension, extension, etc.
by ci, as in suspicion. (Also, crucifixion.)
The kindred sound of zh is represented by z as in azure, and s as in pleasure, and by some combinations.
Y is always a consonant at the beginning of a word when followed by a vowel, as in yet, year, yell, etc.; but if followed by a consonant it is a vowel, as in Ypsilanti. At the end of a word it is {al}ways a vowel, as in all words ending in the syllable ly.
Exercises. It is very important that the student should master the sounds of the language and the symbols for them, or the diacritical marks, for several reasons:
First, because it is impossible to find out the true pronunciation of a word from the dictionary unless one clearly understands the meaning of the principal marks;