Select a documentary of 30 minutes from a standard channel such as CNN, BBC or Animal Planet and transcribe it manually, while accounting for the features of connected speech.

 Unfortunately, as an AI, I cannot directly watch TV channels like CNN, BBC, or Animal Planet. However, I can guide you on how to manually transcribe a 30-minute documentary while accounting for features of connected speech.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Select a Documentary: Choose a 30-minute documentary from a standard channel (CNN, BBC, Animal Planet) that interests you. Make sure you have access to a recording or can watch it live.

2. Prepare for Transcription:

   • Have a pen and paper or a digital transcription tool ready.
   • If using a digital tool, ensure it allows for timestamps and easy editing.

3. Start Watching and Transcribing:

   • Begin playing the documentary.
   • Listen carefully to the narration and dialogue.
   • Transcribe what you hear, paying close attention to the pronunciation and connected speech features.

4. Account for Connected Speech Features:

   • Assimilation: When sounds change to become more similar to neighboring sounds. For example, "handbag" might be pronounced as /ˈhæmbæɡ/.
   • Elision: When sounds are omitted or reduced in rapid speech. For example, "I am going to" might be pronounced as /aɪm ɡənə/.
   • Liaison: When a word ending with a consonant is followed by a word starting with a vowel, and the sounds link together. For example, "an apple" might be pronounced as /ənˈæpəl/.
   • Weak Forms: When function words (like articles, prepositions, and auxiliary verbs) are reduced in unstressed positions. For example, "and" might be pronounced as /ən/ or /n/.

5. Use Phonetic Symbols (Optional): If you're familiar with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), you can use it to represent sounds more accurately, especially when dealing with connected speech features.

6. Review and Edit:

   • After transcribing, carefully review your work and make any necessary corrections.
   • Listen to the documentary again, focusing on sections where you were unsure of the transcription.
   • Ensure your transcription accurately reflects the spoken language, including connected speech features.

Example of Transcription with Connected Speech Features (using simplified phonetic representation):

• Original: "And then the lioness pounced on the unsuspecting gazelle."
• Transcription: "ən ðen ðə ˈlaɪənes paʊnst ɒn ði ˌʌnsəsˈpektɪŋ ɡəˈzel"

Tips:

• Pause and Rewind: Don't hesitate to pause and rewind the documentary as needed to catch every word and sound.
• Focus on Clarity: Prioritize accurately representing the sounds you hear, even if it means deviating slightly from standard spelling.
• Practice: The more you transcribe, the better you'll become at recognizing and representing connected speech features.

Remember, transcription is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. By paying close attention to the nuances of spoken language and accounting for connected speech features, you can create accurate and valuable transcriptions.