TeechConsult's GELLpad

Learning pronunciation, Good English Language Learner style!

A super short Q&A with Teech...

Q: "Teech, do you think I should study English pronunciation?"

A: "Of course, my dear student! It is unfortunate that many English classes (and teachers) do not stress pronunciation enough. The sooner you learn pronunciation rules, the better!"

At the bottom of this page, you will find a COOL TOOL that I have developed to help you with your pronunciation of English, but before that...

 

...let me share with you some more pointers on proper English pronunciation:

WATCH A FILM!

Really! Watch this film, entitled 'My Fair Lady'. It is an old movie (1964 I think) but in the movie you will learn many things about proper English pronunciation and the many variations in existence, even among native English speakers in ye olde England.

LISTEN TO THE 'QUEEN'S ENGLISH'!

Listen to English speakers, who speak 'The Queen's English', it remains the official standard of spoken English in the world today. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is the channel of choice for learning proper English pronunciation if you ask me.

BUY PRONUNCIATION TEXTBOOKS!

Learn or improve English pronunciation by listening to the CDs that come with these textbooks. They allow learners to 'pronounce along' and thus familiarise themselves with English words, phrases and sentences. You can progress at your own pace by listening to it as much or as little as you want.

SPEAK A LOT OF ENGLISH WITH OTHERS!

Practice speaking English with someone who speaks well, and don't be afraid of making mistakes, because conversing in English is the most active and direct way to master proper pronunciation.

CREATE MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPEAKING!

Many students complain that they cannot speak well or that their pronunciation is terrible. If you are still in school or college there are many activities that can help you improve AS LONG AS YOU WORK HARD AT IT!

For example, you can arrange group reading sessions with like-minded friends or acquaintances so that everyone benefits and can help one another with the correct pronunciation. The more you read aloud, the more confidence you will build in public speaking and the more your English pronunciation is likely to improve.

 
FINALLY, TRY USING THIS COOL FLASH TOOL TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION. YOU NEED TO TURN ON YOUR SPEAKERS OR RAISE THE VOLUME. I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST IN LEARNING PROPER PRONUNCIATION. ENJOY!!!

Your pronunciation of English really matters... but why?

Firstly:

Rightly or wrongly, the way that you speak is one of the first things that people notice about you. Do you know that people will judge your background, education and social standing just by the way you speak?

Secondly:

Even if you can already communicate well in English if you do not speak clearly enough, people around you will not understand you and they might not even want to talk to you. Why? Because it is just too tiring to try to understand you!

Thirdly:

Listening and understanding go hand in hand. If you do not know how different words are pronounced you will not improve your understanding of English.

 
Some EXTRA pointers to help you with your English pronunciation...