English Language Pronunciation Class Description
Here is a good description of what is involved in a typical English pronunciation (or accent reduction) class or coaching program. Things are usually tailored to the particular English level, industry or work etc. but the main idea is explained clearly here: English language pronunciation includes all the mechanical functions and skills of language sound […]
“Should I Get Accent Reduction Lessons?”
This is a very common question I hear from immigrants and overseas workers as we discuss their coaching options. Though everyone’s case is unique, here is my general advice: If your (heavy) accent is stopping you from being confident, from making friends and/or from making (more) money, then YES. Do some accent reduction for your […]
How do we say this word? – Pizza
As you know pizza is popular around the world, and you have probably eaten it several times this year. But have you ordered pizza in a native-English speaking country before? If you immigrate or study abroad, you probably will have to order it at some point, if not for yourself then for your friends or […]
Accept, except, access, excess, etc.
This is a common speaking mistake. When English words have a double c (cc), we sometimes pronounce the first c as hard, like a K, and the second c soft, like an S. For example: “Accept” is pronounced AKSEPT, not ASSEPT. “Access” is pronounced AKSESS, not ASSESS. That’s a different word with a different meaning, […]
“Squish” the middle vowel in some 3-syllable words
Take a look at these 3-syllable words: Business Chocolate Corporate If we read them as if English was a syllabic language, like Japanese for example, then we would read/pronounce them “bus-i-ness”, “choc-o-late” and “cor-por-ate”, right? But that is not the way we say it, at least here in North America. The way the word is […]
American Accent Reduction Resource
Lynn Bo is the founder of Accent Master. She is an American teacher who has an interesting blog that has videos and podcasts as well as posts regarding accent reduction or accent modification. You may find them useful, if you are interested in studying or imitating pure American English. http://accentmaster.blogspot.com/ I have a slightly different […]
Canadian English Pronunciation
Today, July 1st, is Canada Day – our birthday. I thought this might be of interest to those who enjoy the sound and study of Canadian English. Canadian English (CanE, en-CA) is the variety of English used in Canada. More than 26 million Canadians (85% of the population) have some knowledge of English (2006 census). […]
Try these Tongue-twisters
Tongue twisters are a great way to practice not only correct pronunciation, but delivery as well. I want you to first read these sentences slowly and with care to pronounce them correctly. Then read them a second time at medium ‘normal’ delivery speed. Finally, read them as fast as you can, trying to maintain clarity […]
Content Stress is Best
As a general rule, ▪ Stressed words in a sentence are considered content words. These include nouns (e.g. kitchen, Peter), (most) main verbs (e.g. visit, construct), adjectives (e.g. beautiful, interesting), and adverbs (e.g. often, carefully). ▪ Non-stressed words are considered function words. These include determiners (e.g.: the, a, an), auxiliary verbs (e.g.: is, am, were), […]
Are You Afraid of Phoning?
Have you ever had the chance to call someone, but you didn’t? Maybe you sent an email instead, or maybe you said to yourself “Oh, I don’t need to call, he/she knows what I am thinking.” It is strange but true, many people, not just ESL students and immigrants, have a fear of phoning (in […]