When you speak English, which is more important – correct grammar or good pronunciation? Many teachers will tell you that pronunciation is more important.This is because, when someone listens to you, they can understand what you want to say even if you make mistakes. However, it is more difficult if the listener cannot understand your pronunciation.
So how can you improve your pronunciation if you study alone? Going Global, the BBC World Service programme which looks at the development of English as a global language, spoke to Dr Jennifer Jenkins from King’s College in the University of London.
Before you read the extract Think about your own pronunciation of English.Which aspects do you think are important? What sounds do you find difficult to say?
I would suggest that there are four important things to focus on if you want to improve your pronunciation. First of all, it is important to be able to make the consonant sounds – the vowels are not as important. But don’t worry about the ‘th’ sounds as in ‘think’ and ‘this’. People will understand you even if you can’t say these sounds. Secondly, you need to pay attention to groups of consonant – consonant clusters – at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of words. So you need to make sure, when you refer to the place ‘McDonald’s’ that you say ‘McDonald’s’. Next, although the quality of vowel sounds isn’t so important, you need to try and get the difference between long and short sounds, like the difference between ‘live’ and ‘leave’. Finally, focus on getting the stress right. Remember that the main stress – or loud sound – falls on the most important word or words for your message.
So how can you improve your pronunciation if you study alone? Going Global, the BBC World Service programme which looks at the development of English as a global language, spoke to Dr Jennifer Jenkins from King’s College in the University of London.
Before you read the extract Think about your own pronunciation of English.Which aspects do you think are important? What sounds do you find difficult to say?
I would suggest that there are four important things to focus on if you want to improve your pronunciation. First of all, it is important to be able to make the consonant sounds – the vowels are not as important. But don’t worry about the ‘th’ sounds as in ‘think’ and ‘this’. People will understand you even if you can’t say these sounds. Secondly, you need to pay attention to groups of consonant – consonant clusters – at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of words. So you need to make sure, when you refer to the place ‘McDonald’s’ that you say ‘McDonald’s’. Next, although the quality of vowel sounds isn’t so important, you need to try and get the difference between long and short sounds, like the difference between ‘live’ and ‘leave’. Finally, focus on getting the stress right. Remember that the main stress – or loud sound – falls on the most important word or words for your message.
- According to Dr Jenkins, what are the four most important things to try to get right to help improve your pronunciation? Try to say this in your own words.
- a, e, i, o, u are all ____________ . b, c, d, f are examples of ___________ .
Answer
- a) Focus on consonant sounds, but don’t worry about ‘th’.
b) Try to make all the sounds in a consonant cluster.
c) Think about the difference between long and short vowel sounds.
d) Focus on putting the stress on the words which carry the meaning in your sentences. - a, e, i, o, u are vowels.
b, c, d, f are examples of consonants.
Long vowels: food, cart, seat
Short vowels: foot, cat, seat
So, if you would like to improve your pronunciation, try to focus on the four areas which Dr Jenkins suggests.
Consonant sounds Which English consonant sounds are difficult for you to say? Try to be aware of which sounds can cause problems for you.Why are they difficult? It may be that you are not accustomed to making the shape of the sound with your mouth.Try to work out how the sound is made by repeating it to yourself.
Consonant clusters Are there groups of consonant sounds in English words which you never find in your own language? Try to identify which consonant clusters are difficult for you – then try to say this combination of sounds to yourself.
Long or short vowels? The length of a vowel can make a big difference to the meaning of what you say. For example: Long vowel: leave When do you leave? Short vowel: live Where do you live? Find the stress If you put the stress in the correct place in a sentence, you can overcome many of the problems with individual sounds.This is because the listener will hear the words which carry the message of what you want to say – and won’t notice some of the other problems.To find the stress, think to yourself ‘Which words are most important for the message to be understood?’.
TASK
Long or short vowels
The pairs of words in the list below have similar vowel sounds.The main difference is that, in one of the words, the vowel is longer than in the other. Can you identify which one is l-o-n-g and which is short in each pair?
a) foot / food b) cart / cat c) sit / seat
Find the stress
This task will help you to identify stressed words. Listen to the BBC World Service news headlines.As you listen, write down the key words you hear. If you have a cassette recorder, you could record the headlines and replay them to check your answers.
Consonant clusters Are there groups of consonant sounds in English words which you never find in your own language? Try to identify which consonant clusters are difficult for you – then try to say this combination of sounds to yourself.
Long or short vowels? The length of a vowel can make a big difference to the meaning of what you say. For example: Long vowel: leave When do you leave? Short vowel: live Where do you live? Find the stress If you put the stress in the correct place in a sentence, you can overcome many of the problems with individual sounds.This is because the listener will hear the words which carry the message of what you want to say – and won’t notice some of the other problems.To find the stress, think to yourself ‘Which words are most important for the message to be understood?’.
TASK
Long or short vowels
The pairs of words in the list below have similar vowel sounds.The main difference is that, in one of the words, the vowel is longer than in the other. Can you identify which one is l-o-n-g and which is short in each pair?
a) foot / food b) cart / cat c) sit / seat
Find the stress
This task will help you to identify stressed words. Listen to the BBC World Service news headlines.As you listen, write down the key words you hear. If you have a cassette recorder, you could record the headlines and replay them to check your answers.
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