1 Simple Tip To Sound Australian: /ɑ/ | How To Do an Aussie Accent

Summary

In this episode of Aussie English, the host shares a simple trick to sound more Australian when speaking English: using the short /ɑ/ sound for words ending in -er, -or, -ar, -ure, -our, and -a. He explains the pronunciation differences and provides examples for each category, highlighting common exceptions. The host emphasizes that while Americans pronounce these endings with a distinct /r/ sound, Australians do not curl their tongues, opting instead for a flatter pronunciation. Viewers are encouraged to practice these changes to enhance their Aussie accent.

Takeaways

• 😀 Australian English often pronounces words ending in -er, -or, -ar, -ure, -our, and -a with a short /ɑ/ sound.
• 😀 The short /ɑ/ sound is produced by lowering the jaw and keeping the tongue flat.
• 😀 Common words that end with -a include: area, cobra, coma, and flora.
• 😀 Words that end with -ar include: polar, cheddar, linear, and jaguar.
• 😀 Examples of words ending with -er are: water, laser, maker, and beer.
• 😀 Words that end with -re include: centre, theatre, tyre, and fire.
• 😀 Common words ending in -or are: mirror, actor, alligator, and doctor.
• 😀 Words ending with -ure include: treasure, cure, nature, and structure.
• 😀 The -our endings can be pronounced as /ɑ/ in words like favour, neighbour, humour, and hour.
• 😀 In Australian English, the /r/ sound at the end of words is typically dropped, differing from American pronunciation.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the episode?

The episode discusses a simple trick to sound more like an Australian when speaking English.

What specific pronunciation change does the speaker recommend?

The speaker recommends using the short /ɑ/ sound for words that end with -er, -or, -ar, -ure, -our, and -a.

How is the short /ɑ/ sound produced?

The short /ɑ/ sound is produced by lowering the jaw and saying the sound /ɑ:/, but in a shorter form.

Can you provide examples of words that end with -a?

Examples of words that end with -a include 'area,' 'cobra,' 'coma,' and 'flora.'

What are some words that end with -ar?

Words that end with -ar include 'polar,' 'cheddar,' 'linear,' and 'jaguar.'

What exceptions to the pronunciation rule are mentioned?

The speaker acknowledges that there are exceptions to the pronunciation rule, as is common in English.

How does Australian English differ in pronunciation from American English?

In Australian English, the /r/ sound at the end of words is not pronounced as in American English; Australians drop the jaw and keep the tongue flat.

What are some examples of words that end with -our?

Examples of words that end with -our include 'favour,' 'neighbour,' 'humour,' and 'hour.'

What bonus information does the speaker provide about words ending in -ur?

The speaker mentions that sometimes words with -ur at the end are pronounced as /ɑ/, although they often sound like /ɜ/.

What final advice does the speaker give to the audience?

The speaker encourages the audience to practice these pronunciation changes to improve their Australian English and avoid sounding American.