English pronunciation can be a real challenge for learners all over the world. This is because if we know how to spell a word, it doesn’t necessarily mean we can pronounce it correctly. Spelling hasn’t evolved much, but the way we say words has.
Having good pronunciation isn’t only about saying sounds correctly. It’s also about stressing words properly and using the correct intonation. If you want to improve your pronunciation, you should find a Santa Monica, CA, English language school, where the teachers will give you appropriate guidelines. But you can also check this article, as we share six tips and tricks on how to master your pronunciation. Keep reading to learn more!
HOW CAN I PRACTICE MY ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION?
Pronunciation is one of the most challenging aspects of learning English. Just look at words such as: “though,” “through,” “and ought.” They look like they’re pronounced similarly, but actually, they are not. To get them right, you’ll need to refer to a dictionary.
So how can you tame this beast called “English pronunciation”? Well, it takes time, devotion, and a lot of hard work. First, take a look at the following tips.
LISTEN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
Exposure to authentic speech is one of the most fruitful ways to hone your pronunciation. You can watch TV shows, listen to podcasts and audiobooks, and converse with native speakers at every opportunity.
Try to notice how people speak and how they shape their mouths. Also, pay attention to their intonation and how they connect words in sentences.
PRACTICE SHADOWING
Shadowing is a fun exercise. It includes listening to a phrase or a short sentence and then trying to repeat it in precisely the same way.
While you’re shadowing, pay attention to word stress, sentence intonation, the position of your tongue, and how your mouth moves.
RECORD YOURSELF
After you’ve been shadowing for a while, you can start recording yourself to see how you actually sound.
You can videotape yourself while uttering short phrases, describing a picture, or retelling a story. Then, listen to your recordings and analyze your pronunciation. If you notice some irregularities, take note and work on a specific sound/sound cluster.
MEMORIZE THE PHONEMIC CHART
Learning the International Phonetic Alphabet can be useful as dictionaries use the phonetic transcription of words.
USE A DICTIONARY
When you learn a new word, look it up in a monolingual dictionary to check its pronunciation. Also, many online dictionaries offer audio recordings of each term. You can even choose if you want to hear American or British English accents in some.
This can be particularly helpful if you can’t decipher the phonetic transcription or are unsure how to stress the word correctly.
PRACTICE A LOT
Unfortunately, there is no shortcut to mastering English pronunciation. There is nothing except practice. Sometimes mother-tongue interference hinders our progress because our mouths or tongues aren’t accustomed to specific positions.
That’s why you sometimes need to train your mouth and tongue to move in new ways. You can do this by observing how people talk and practicing in front of a mirror. There are phonetic books that describe how each sound is made, and you might get one and practice it within the comfort of your home.
WHERE IN SANTA MONICA, CA, CAN I FIND A RELIABLE ENGLISH LANGUAGE SCHOOL?
Choosing the right English language learning resources is vital for your success. But with too many coursebooks, websites, and dictionaries available, you sometimes have difficulty picking the ones that suit you best. That’s why you shouldn’t hesitate to come to the College of English Language.
Our native teachers have years of experience under their belt, and they know how to respond to your individual needs. Come to our classroom near the Third Street Promenade, enroll in a course you like, and enjoy learning English with us.
