How to Pronounce Diphthongs - Learn British English RP Accent - /ɪə/ + /ʊə/ + /eə/

Summary

This instructional video focuses on mastering English centering diphthongs ɪə, ʊə, and eə, guiding learners through the correct mouth shapes and tongue positions needed for proper pronunciation. The presenter emphasizes the importance of sound length and stress, offering practical examples and exercises to reinforce learning. Viewers are encouraged to practice with word pairs while using a mirror to monitor their articulation. The video aims to enhance English phonemic skills in a relaxed and engaging manner, providing valuable techniques for both novice and experienced learners.

Takeaways

• 😀 Centering diphthongs glide toward a central sound, specifically the schwa (ə).
• 😀 The three centering diphthongs focused on in this lesson are ɪə, ʊə, and eə.
• 😀 For the diphthong ɪə, start with the smiling sound ɪ and glide to the more relaxed ə.
• 😀 Practicing with word pairs helps to recognize the movement of lips and tongue for each diphthong.
• 😀 The diphthong ʊə begins with a rounded mouth shape, transitioning to a more neutral position for ə.
• 😀 Emphasizing the first sound in a diphthong is key to proper pronunciation.
• 😀 The diphthong eə starts with a smiling e sound, gliding to the neutral ə.
• 😀 Regular practice using a mirror can enhance awareness of mouth shape and tongue position.
• 😀 The lesson encourages learners to repeat sounds and word pairs multiple times for better retention.
• 😀 Additional resources on closing diphthongs are suggested for further learning.

Q & A

What are centering diphthongs?

Centering diphthongs are vowel sounds that glide towards a central sound, specifically the schwa sound (ə). The three centering diphthongs discussed in the lesson are ɪə, ʊə, and eə.

How does the pronunciation of the diphthong ɪə differ from its individual sounds?

The diphthong ɪə combines the sounds ɪ and ə, where ɪ is pronounced with a smiling mouth shape and a small hump at the front of the tongue, while ə is pronounced with a more open mouth and a flatter tongue.

Why is it helpful to practice incorrect pronunciations?

Practicing incorrect pronunciations can help learners identify and understand the differences between right and wrong sounds, enhancing their phonemic awareness.

What mouth and tongue movements are involved in pronouncing the diphthong ʊə?

To pronounce ʊə, start with a rounded mouth shape for the sound ʊ, then transition to a more open mouth and lower tongue position for the sound ə.

Can you provide examples of words that use the diphthong eə?

Examples of words that use the diphthong eə include 'hair,' 'red,' 'rare,' 'dead,' and 'dared.'

What is the importance of mouth shape and tongue position in pronouncing English diphthongs?

The mouth shape and tongue position are crucial in pronouncing English diphthongs as they affect the sound quality and clarity, helping learners produce accurate English vowel sounds.

How can learners improve their pronunciation of diphthongs?

Learners can improve their pronunciation by practicing in front of a mirror, paying attention to their mouth movements, and repeating sound pairs and words with the diphthongs.

What is the difference between the sounds ɪ and e?

The sound ɪ is produced with a smiling mouth shape and a small tongue hump at the front, while e is a slightly open sound with the lips still smiling, and the jaw is lower compared to ɪ.

Why should learners emphasize the first sound when pronouncing diphthongs?

Emphasizing the first sound in a diphthong helps to achieve the correct sound quality and length, making the pronunciation clearer and more distinct.

What resources are available for further practice on diphthongs?

The instructor recommends watching additional videos on closing diphthongs for more practice and understanding of vowel sounds.