Tips for Pronunciation

[DmitryL]

The first post claims that 'threw' and 'through' are pronounced identically... I wonder is it really so? Could anybody confirm?

[Josef Essberger]

The first post claims that 'threw' and 'through' are pronounced identically... I wonder is it really so? Could anybody confirm?

Yes, I confirm. The word "threw" (past tense of "throw") sounds the same as "through".

[TrietLe]

I'm teaching English (primarily speaking and listening) to over 40 students in my hometown.

And here are 2 things I've learnt:

1. Tongue Twisters are extremely effective.

The majority of my students struggled with pronunciation.

So I taught them the correct pronuciation followed by many tongue twisters.

Due to the rigorous use of a specific sound in a typical tongue twisters,
students remember the pronunciation almost perfectly.

Thus, after a practice, words with similar pronunciation are no longer
problems for them.

2. Tongue Twisters are fun:

Students love it and I think most of us do.
It's fun to read, listen and play with.

So, I think training with tongue twisters is a wonderful to upgrade your pronunciation while
having some great fun.

[ritzkevin]

I'm an English tutor teaching English online through Skype. One of the tips that I usually give to my students is to exercise their mouth (and even the face) to warm up your articulators when speaking.

[DrNorman]

I have recently put together a video which shows you how to position your tongue and mouth for a range of English consonants.
https://youtu.be/yCaoI2oxEfo
I have another one for vowel pronunciation. You can find it at https://www.advancedenglishlearning.com/page-1075376
Enjoy! I hope you find them useful!
Dr Norman

[CamillaSmith]

Actually, the sad thing is that, when there is attention to this matter, much emphasis is placed on pronunciation alone. This leads to disconnected speech and inability to really apply smooth, fluid, native-like style to communication.

Did you know that the real key is much beneath the surface? Yep, it's inside you.

In order to get an accent and have success with its pronunciation (and be clear), you need to actually get into the character of a target language. That's right. It's part of what acculturation is (changing and adapting into its culture).

Once we allow ourselves to 'be' - look, sound, move, act, react - like a target language, guess what? The accent and pronunciation moves so much easier and it sticks. Partly this is because you've emotionally connected in a positive way.

Latest neuroscience shows us that when we begin with emotion on something, the body automatically starts to memorize this. There's so much to say, but sufficient to say that when the body is in line with, or memorizing, the positive emotion, it sends signals and thoughts to the brain. Now, when you move your articulators (mouth, tongue, muscles, etc.) in a new and different way to sound more like the target language and culture: kaboom! You’ve got it and now you’ve got a basis for new accent, pronunciation and clear speech acquisition.

Cheers and all the very best!

BTW, I’d love to know more from you about what are the biggest challenges or key questions. If you like, just follow the link below.

[Krisi]

that's quite interesting, Miss Smith.

[casual]

Ration never rhymes with nation,
Say prefer, but preferable,
Comfortable and vegetable.
B must not be heard in doubt,
Debt and dumb both leave it out.


In the words psychology,
Psychic, and psychiatry,
You must never sound the p.
Psychiatrist you call the man
Who cures the complex, if he can.

In architect ch is k
In arch it is the other way.
Please remember to say iron
So that it'll rhyme with lion.
Advertisers advertise,
Advertisements will put you wise.

Time when work is done is leisure,
Fill it up with useful pleasure.
Accidental, accident,
Sound the g in ignorant.

Relative, but relation,
Then say creature, but creation.
Say the a in gas quite short,
Bought remember rhymes with thwart,

Drought must always rhyme with bout,
In daughter leave the g h out.
Wear a boot upon your foot.
Root can never rhyme with soot.

In muscle, s and c is s,
In muscular, it's s k, yes!
Choir must always rhyme with wire,
That again will rhyme with liar.


Then remember it's address.
With an accent like posses.
G in sign must silent be,
In signature, pronounce the g.

Please remember, say towards
Just as if it rhymed with boards.
Weight's like wait, but not like height.
Which should always rhyme with might.

Sew is just the same as so,
Tie a ribbon in a bow.
When you meet the Queen you bow,
Which again must rhyme with how.

In perfect English make a start. Learn this little rhyme by heart

[Kitsich]

Try this ultimate test of pronounciation from http://www.vocabularywiki.com/English_Pronunciation ....

The Chaos

by G. Nolst Trenite' a.k.a. "Charivarius" 1870 - 1946

Dearest creature in creation

Studying English pronunciation,

I will teach you in my verse

Sounds like corpse, corps, horse and worse

I will keep you, Susy, busy,

Make your head with heat grow dizzy.

Tear in eye your dress you'll tear,

So shall I! Oh, hear my prayer,

"

My advice is--give it up!

(",)

Tried with students. Very difficult, rarely turns out accurately.

[StevenMorris]

Following mentioned are some point that can help you to improve your pronunciation:

Open Your Ears to Youtube & Podcast Pronunciation - There are a lot of very helpful, well-done youtube channels that focus on pronunciation. Beyond our very own Youtube Channel, RealLife TV, which teaches pronunciation in dynamic ways. Other recommended online website to improve English pronunciation skills is Pronouncing American English.

Listen to Podcasts Every Day - Podcasts Teaching Pronunciation: There are some phenomenal podcasts dealing with pronunciation. Podcasts are free, downloadable audio programs that you can put on your mp3 player. It is an excellent option because you can listen in your car or on the bus while you’re stuck in traffic, or whenever is most convenient for you.

Focus on the Music Behind the Words - Whether you pay attention to it or not, the musical element of a language is essential to good pronunciation. You don’t need to become a musician or listen to more music in English (although both of these could help), but you should pay attention to the intonation of native speakers. It is the melodic pattern of the language that is so fundamental to communication and human connection.

Record Yourself Speaking - Record yourself reading out loud on a tape recorder or a computer. At first, it will be really difficult to listen to your own voice. Relax, as you will get used it to pretty quickly.

[BloomingMarvelous]

There is some helpful advice on the use of commas here English Punctuation Rules.

[ShrutiSane]

Before learning any language try to listen to it improves. So first learn to listen, notice how your mouth and lips move and pay attention to your tongue. Listen to English songs and watch English movies it helps you to improve English fastly.

[AmyWils]

I saw that someone mentioned it already, but tongue twisters worked pretty good for me
Also, a good idea to practice pronunciation is to record yourself. It helped me to understand what I`m saying not that perfect.
I`ll write again if I`ll have any ideas. The topic is great and useful!

[Ellen Wooo]

Thanks for sharing!

[talkenglish]

I think this post it really usefull to improve pronunciation and fluency, tongue twisters worked pretty good for me
It was so much fun if you play with friends :)

[alexeyalex]

I think for better pronunciation there should be more practice.
You can try mobile apps, for example this one: https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... ion.tembry
There you can rate your current level and start improving your skills..

[michaeledgetech]

A great tip from my experience is to make regular use of English when speaking. According to studies, having regular conversations in that language is helpful for anyone learning a language. Movies, TV shows, news, and interviews with English subtitles are a few examples of video material. It will assist you in improving your command of everyday English. You should listen to podcasts, music, interviews, and other media in addition to reading books, periodicals, and newspapers. It will improve both your listening and reading skills when used in tandem. Your vocabulary will also get better. Reading free write ups and articles is a good way to improve pronunciation as sentences which are constructed using punctuation will define the tone of pronunciation and we will be able to pick up as we read along.

[GameEnglish]

Pronunciation starts with listening. If you can't hear the subtle differences between words, it will be very difficult for you to say them yourself.

If these words are spoken individually, can you hear the difference?

steal still
warm worm
play pray
trouble travel
collection correction
sheep ship
fast first