If you have studied, or are currently studying English, you will certainly know by now, that English is not a phonetic language. This means that the pronunciation of a word does not depend on its spelling! In fact, English pronunciation is based on sounds, not spelling, and some of these sounds, for example th, do not exist in other languages.

Incorrect pronunciation of English words is due to non-native speakers of any language implementing the pronunciation rules, intonation and phonological processes of their own mother tongue while speaking English. There is also a tendency to create new pronunciations for English sounds that are not found in the speaker’s mother tongue.

Every nationality has their own unique pronunciation problems with specific sounds. For example Arabic speakers have difficulties with p and b, the Japanese with l, Korean speakers with z. Most countries have difficulties with th and the Spanish and Italians have problems perceiving the difference between the sounds /I/ and /i:/.

It is important to also be aware that there is not one unique English language! There is British English, American English, Irish English, Australian English, Singaporean English, Indian English etc., etc. And let’s not forget that in every English speaking country the accent and pronunciation will also differ from area to area – just as it does in your own country!

4 Tips

So what can you do to eradicate your pronunciation problems? Well, here are short 4 tips for you to consider.

1. Listen to spoken English as often as you possibly can.

Listen to how native speakers of English pronounce particular words and expressions and then simply copy them. Model your pronunciation of these words on how they say them. You will find that every word definition on the good online dictionaries comes with an audio pronunciation too. Click, listen and repeat the pronunciation many times until you get it right.

2. Learn the phonetic alphabet.

This is so helpful and it helps you to become autonomous in being able to learn the correct pronunciation of a new word immediately. You can download a copy of the phonetic chart here. At the beginning of most good dictionaries you will find a phonetic alphabet page which you can use as a guide to pronouncing any new words you learn.

3. Learn the correct word stress of any new word you come across.

Word stress, or intonation, in English is extremely important. Misunderstandings can often be caused more from the wrong word stress than the incorrect pronunciation of a sound.

Every single English word has its own stress. As an example, let’s look at the word avoid. It has two syllables or parts a and void, however, we only stress, or emphasize, the second syllable –  a’void. The first syllable remains weak. Again a good dictionary will show you which part of the word is stressed by using an apostrophe ‘ before the syllable that must be stressed.

4. Last but not least: Take your time – don’t rush!

If you try to speak too quickly, you will jump words, mix them together and not pronounce them completely or clearly, creating misunderstandings. Slow down and take your time. Eventually, you will find that the more confident you become with your pronunciation, the more your speech will flow at a natural speed.

 

 The Chaos

There is a great poem that demonstrates beautifully the irregularity of English spelling and pronunciation. It was written by a Dutch writer, traveller and teacher called Gerard Nolst Trenité (1870–1946). The poem is called The Chaos. You can download a shortened version of the poem here and listen to it by clicking on this link to You Tube.

If it can make you feel any better I, as a native speaker of British English, didn’t know how to pronounce a couple of the less common words!   🙂

Listen and enjoy the poem but please don’t listen to the author’s advice. Never give up! Continue working and practicing and your improvement is guaranteed.

 

 

Enjoy learning!