Learn American Accent Fast.

Summary

In this video, John V Pavar offers valuable tips for improving your American accent by focusing on three essential sounds. He explains the importance of mastering the R sound, which involves rolling the tongue upwards; the Double T sound, which is softened to a 'du' sound in words like 'pretty' and 'better'; and the T plus N sound, demonstrated through words like 'curtain' and 'mountain.' Pavar encourages consistent practice by reading aloud and focusing on these sounds to achieve a more natural American accent over time.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video focuses on improving your American accent by practicing three important sounds.
• 😀 The first sound discussed is the American 'R' sound, which is different from other accents and is pronounced with the tongue rolled upwards.
• 😀 To practice the 'R' sound, roll your tongue upwards and pronounce words like 'word', 'water', and 'American' correctly.
• 😀 The second important sound is the Double T sound, which in American English is pronounced as a soft 'du' sound instead of a hard 'T'. Examples include 'better', 'pretty', and 'butter'.
• 😀 To pronounce the Double T sound correctly, focus on a very soft 'du' pronunciation, as in 'pretty' or 'better'.
• 😀 The third sound is the T plus N sound, which appears in words like 'curtain', 'mountain', and 'rotten'. The tongue should stop at the T sound and then transition smoothly into the N sound.
• 😀 The T plus N sound requires proper tongue placement, with the tongue touching the roof of the mouth when producing the 'T' sound and then moving downward to create the 'N' sound.
• 😀 To practice the T plus N sound, avoid bringing the tongue down too early and focus on stopping at the T sound before moving to the N sound.
• 😀 Consistency is key to improving your American accent, and practicing these sounds daily can lead to noticeable improvements within 3 weeks.
• 😀 The video encourages viewers to practice by reading aloud, focusing on words with the R, Double T, and T plus N sounds, and integrating these sounds into their everyday speech.
• 😀 John emphasizes that with hard work and persistence, these accent improvements will come naturally over time.

Q & A

Why is the R sound important in an American accent?

The R sound is crucial because it plays a major role in distinguishing the American accent from other accents. In American English, the R is pronounced with the tongue rolled upwards, creating a distinct sound that differs from many other English varieties.

How should the tongue be positioned to pronounce the American R sound?

To pronounce the American R sound, you need to roll your tongue upwards. Start by keeping your tongue straight and then gradually curl it upwards while saying 'r'. This technique helps produce the characteristic American R sound.

What is the difference between the words 'word' and 'water' in American English pronunciation?

In American English, the words 'word' and 'water' feature a pronounced American R sound, which is different from other English varieties. For example, 'word' is pronounced 'wɜrd' and 'water' as 'wɔːtər', with the R being rolled and clearly articulated.

What is the Double T sound in American English, and how is it pronounced?

The Double T sound in American English is often pronounced as a soft 'd' or 'du' sound rather than a hard 'T'. For instance, in words like 'better' and 'butter', the T is softened to sound like 'bedder' or 'budder'.

How should one pronounce the word 'pretty' in an American accent?

In American English, 'pretty' should be pronounced with a soft 'd' sound, sounding like 'preddy', not 'pretti'. The T sound is softened to a soft 'du' sound.

Can you explain the difference between 'shutter' and 'shudder' in American English?

'Shutter' is pronounced with a soft 'd' sound (shudder), while 'shudder' features a distinct 'd' sound, as in 'dur'. The key difference lies in the softness of the T sound in 'shutter' compared to the harder 'D' sound in 'shudder'.

What is the T + N sound, and how is it pronounced in American English?

The T + N sound is a combination of the T sound followed by the N sound. In American English, the tongue touches the roof of the mouth to pronounce the 'T' and then smoothly transitions to the N sound, as seen in words like 'curtain' and 'mountain'.

How should one pronounce 'curtain' in an American accent?

In American English, 'curtain' is pronounced with the tongue touching the roof of the mouth for the T sound, followed by a smooth transition to the N sound, making it sound like 'curtn'.

Why is it important to practice consistency when learning these sounds?

Consistency is crucial because practicing regularly helps internalize the sounds, making them more natural. Over time, with continuous practice, you will be able to pronounce these sounds more easily and fluently.

What exercises can help with practicing the American accent sounds?

To practice, you can read out loud from articles or books, paying attention to words that feature the R sound, Double T sound, and T + N sound. Repeating these sounds consistently will help improve your American accent.