Learning English as a second language is important if English is not your native language. According World Economic Forum English is the most commonly spoken language in the world, Less than 400 million individuals use English as their native language out of a total population of 1.5 billion. Over a billion people speak it as a second language.
English is world widely used as a foreign language. you can know more about the benefits of learning a foreign language on the internet. According to experts, Vocabulary is the main factor in learning any second language. There are several strategies to broaden your vocabulary beyond the fundamentals and perform well on any English proficiency exam.
Read Also: How to improve your vocabulary in English?
pronunciation is not something that we often think about when speaking a language. We tend to say what comes naturally, without really giving it a second thought. However, if you want to sound more natural and less like a foreigner, you should consider improving your pronunciation. After all, native English speakers usually speak with accents that differ, which is why it’s important to learn how to identify and correct your pronunciation mistakes.
According to Professor John Hajeck, “We tend to pick up words but we’re not so influenced by accents.” That is why accents don’t come naturally to people. With so many dialects, accents, and varieties of English, it can be difficult to know where to start. Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone. This article discusses some of the most effective ways to improve your pronunciation, from listening and speaking new words to speaking in a neutral accent. Check it out to get your pronunciation right on track.
How to improve pronunciation in English?
Listen to English Audio Books
This might sound obvious, but you must listen to English audiobooks if you want to refine your pronunciation. Reading is one thing, but when we read words out loud, they are pronounced differently than they are in our heads. What’s more, English is a language that’s constantly changing.
For example, words like “internet,” “programming,” “email,” and “phone” are constantly being introduced into the language. If you want to sound natural and continue to learn the English language, you should listen to English audiobooks.
Audiobooks allow you to get great exposure to different English dialects and accents. You can also listen to stories that help you practice English usage, such as the English fairy tales that are so popular with children.
Watch Videos of English Speakers:
Another great way to identify your pronunciation mistakes is by watching videos of English speakers. Watch English shows, movies, interviews, and news which doubles up as entertainment as well. Listening to native speakers subconsciously makes the mind capture the language structure. Not only will this allow you to hear how other people pronounce certain words, but you can also practice speaking with a neutral accent while identifying your pronunciation mistakes.
Hear yourself:
Often, we speak only to reply or communicate and don’t really notice how we talk. So start with listening to yourself by recording or talking in front of the mirror. Notice your pauses and emphasis, then compare it with native speakers to find the mistakes. Focus on intonation which is the rise and fall of your voice and improve on it to sound more natural. While reading books or magazines, read out loud. Hearing yourself constantly keeps your mind informed about your level and helps in taking action towards correcting the pronunciation.
Practice:
All the tips will turn useful only when you put them into action. So in your next conversation with a friend or a colleague, try to pronounce it correctly. And, there is always a misconception among learners that fluency comes with speaking fast. But it’s not at all true. Giving right pauses is essential and learn to do that while you talk. Always check that you are not just speaking fast but speaking clearly. Clarity is the winner here!
Speak in a Neutral Accent:
A neutral accent is one that’s broad but without any specific qualities. This is the type of accent you want to aim for; it’s not exaggerated, doesn’t change often, and doesn’t stand out as less-than-natural.
If you speak with a neutral accent, you will sound natural and not like a foreigner trying to disguise your origins. You can practice your neutral accent by speaking with no regional traits, such as British English or American English. In many entrance exams, they gauge your speaking skills and if you are confident in your neutral accent, they are sure to accept it!
Find guidance:
If you think it is difficult for you to improve pronunciation all by yourself, you can reach out for a helping hand. There are many trained people out there to enhance your pronunciation. Highly skilled professionals like Englishwise are well-versed in transforming beginners into the best speakers. You can take their courses or one-on-one coaching to level up your basic skills. They train you for exams like PET, and TOEFL and help you clear the test. The presence of a nudge and expert eyes are expeditors of progress. So just go for it for rapid growth!
Conclusion:
Pronunciation in English is hard as it has subtle phonological differences from region to region and from country to country. But once you start paying attention to the little details and put in the time, you can start to train your ear and talk in accent-free diction. Hope the above tips help you in enhancing your pronunciation to a whole new level.
Tanya Wilson
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