Different countries or places make use of different type of languages, but the English language is considered as prime or basic language used by the majority of people all over the world. But the pronunciation of each word in English is different and varies according to the place. It is the trickiest task which could be trapped by only few people.
Different accent of English language has different speaking styles and tones. It is due to the method of using that particular word, phrase or sentence. The techniques of pronouncing will also help in improving the confidence of an individual. Also, learning pronunciation can be the hardest part of learning English based languages. It will also help you in learning making different sounds of the same word. Most of the people get confused in pronouncing “way” which is exactly similar to “weigh”, but some words like bomb, comb, and tomb are pronounced differently. There are certain tips or techniques through which one can improve the pronunciation of different words, they are using in their routine life.
1. Listen – Ears plays an important role in learning any language as it works similar to your vocal chords. If you wanted to learn the key skills of being a better speaker, you need to practice listening. The process of listening can be performed in different ways, including:
a. Listen to native speakers – At the social place or situations, try to observe the pattern, accent and tone of the native English speakers while they are together. This cannot be achieved through the textbook learning.
b. Listen to radio, movies and podcasts – It is important to listen to the way of saying of the people, even if you close your eyes with movies or TV. Try to concentrate more on podcasts or radio jocks.
c. Listen to yourself: Try to observe the way of speaking between you or any native speaker after closing your eyes and speaking. Focus fully on how you are speaking something to yourself.
2. Notice your tongue – The position of your tongue resulted in the pronunciation or tone of any word. When an individual start speaking something, it will become difficult for them to change the movement and tone of their tongue after the decades of speaking one language, as every language instructs the tongue to do different things. Therefore, it requires huge practice. Start with practicing the position and sound of your tongue when you pronounce “L” from the word “light” and “R” from the word “Right”.
The sound of “L” is generated by putting your tongue behind the front teeth which helps in touching the roof of your mouth. But the sound of “R” is made with the movement of tongue towards the middle of the mouth by making it rest over there. Your lips get rounded if you will pronounce the letter.
3. Sound it out – Syllables or sounds are comprised of words. It is considered as the trickiest process to find the number of words in syllables. For this, there is an introduction of easy exercise with which an individual can count the number of sounds in a particular word. This exercise involves placing hand beneath your chin and allows a person to speak a word and count the number of times their chin touches their hands. Each and every touch of this exercise is known as syllable.
Every syllable has a different sound and the breaking up of words into the syllables helps in finding the sound of each and the whole world. It is considered as the building block that helps in bringing the word together.
There are some common syllables that allow the fast learning and make them pronounce better. Almost every syllable contains some vowels in them. In English language, “y” is considered as the 6th vowel and it sounds exactly similar as the word “I” sounds like. It is important to practice your pronunciation with one syllable and different sounds and allow the learner to prepare a word formation by putting them together.
4. Record yourself talking – For the improvement of pronunciation and vocabulary, the practice of English language is considered as the surefire. An individual can record himself/herself and listen to their own voice again and again for the purpose of identification where there are possibilities of improvement. Also, you can do is to find the recording you like the most, whether it is a audio or any podcasts. Now, try to record the sample of speaking the same audio. Now, listen to both recordings and see the difference in the tone and pronunciation.
5. Visualize – A research have been conducted which shows that the process of visualization is considered as the most strong and powerful method and styles of learning. You can close your eyes and start visualizing by saying a word you wanted to say. Now, concentrate and focus on the sound you have made. Check the position of your lips, tongue and mouth. You can complement the recordings you have made as it is considered as the easiest technique that can be practice anytime.
6. Use a mirror – An individual should practice their pronunciation while standing in front of the mirror. He/she can observe the shape of their lips and mouth when they are speaking or pronouncing certain words. This practice will help the person in self-analysis. Also, you can compare your method of speaking and movement of your lips from the videos prepared by the native English speakers doing the same thing.
7. Sing – A person can feel less stressed and relax, if he/she will sing popular songs or the songs of their interests about their pronunciation. In this exercise, there is no need for the individual to come up with their own sentences and require catchy melodies which could go along with it. Also, the method of singing will help the person so that they can conquer their doubt and the feeling of self-consciousness by practicing general pronunciation.
8. Practice makes perfect – The learning of English language considers the process or part of pronunciation as the hardest process. An individual would find themselves the part of these sounds in very less time with lots of dedication, practice and perseverance.
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