When и sounds like ы

Russian spelling is pretty regular, but there are times when the letter и will sound more like ы! This intermediate tutorial explains when to listen for this change, and explains a few minor mysteries: why шил and был rhyme; why играть becomes сыграть in the perfective; and why a name like Иванович can sound like Иваныч.

Be sure to listen to the end for examples from Бэлла Ахмадулина and Даниил Хармс.

Links for the examples:

Бэлла Ахмадулина, В тот месяц май...
Read by Анна Чиповская:
https://youtu.be/Fcxa5I0vbfs

Read by Айнур Ниязова:
https://youtu.be/F9wjEzPhcEc

Иван Иваныч Самовар
Read by Артём Долгобородов:
https://youtu.be/D2sJxrgUAsw

Read by Даниил Хармс:
https://youtu.be/1N_xFKimqxs

Видео When и sounds like ы канала Russian grammar