I am sorry, I wasn't referring to the liaison between "est" and "il" but between the "comment" and "est-il"
In other words, one would not say
"commentet-il" even though one does say
"commentallez-vous" ? I realize that liaison between "comment" and "allez-vous" sounds much better than between "comment" and "est-il"
If I were to say, e.g.,
"Je suis Autrichienne" would there be a liaison between "suis" and "Autrichienne"???
Yes. It could be "optional" but l'Académie Française would definitely say that! :) Yes, I knew what you were referring to with "comment est-il."
Mme
VOUS AVEZ QUEL AGE?
I apologize for the confusion. In French, the liaison is the phonetic linking of words at the end and beginning of consecutive sentences.
Regarding the liaison between "comment" and "est-il," it depends on the specific context and pronunciation. In standard French pronunciation, there is no mandatory liaison between "comment" and "est-il." However, in some regional accents or speech patterns, a liaison might occur, resulting in "commentest-il" pronounced as one continuous sound. However, this is not common in standard French.
On the other hand, the liaison between "comment" and "allez-vous" is permitted and frequently used in standard French pronunciation. It is considered more euphonic and can enhance the flow of speech. Therefore, "commentallez-vous" is pronounced with the liaison.
Regarding the phrase "Je suis Autrichienne," there is no mandatory liaison between "suis" and "Autrichienne." The liaison is typically not used in this case because "Autrichienne" starts with a vowel sound ("o" sound in French). However, some speakers might use a liaison for stylistic or rhythmic reasons, resulting in "Je suisZautrichienne" with a slight "z" sound. But again, this is not the standard pronunciation and is more subject to personal preference or regional accents.