Pronunciation Training: 3 Ways to speak English MUCH more clearly!

Summary

In this engaging pronunciation bootcamp, Lucy teaches three essential tips for improving English pronunciation. The lesson covers the nuances of -ed endings, explaining how to pronounce them correctly based on the preceding consonant sound. Next, she explores the various pronunciations of -s and -es endings, emphasizing the importance of matching voiced and unvoiced sounds. Finally, Lucy delves into common suffixes that contain the schwa sound, highlighting how correct pronunciation can enhance clarity. Students are encouraged to download a free PDF with additional resources and are introduced to Lucy's comprehensive British English courses designed for all proficiency levels.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lucy emphasizes clear pronunciation as essential for effective communication in English.
• 📚 The lesson consists of three mini lessons focusing on -ed, -s/-es, and common suffix pronunciations.
• 🎓 For -ed endings, the pronunciation varies based on the final sound of the infinitive verb, with specific rules for adding syllables.
• 🔍 Students are encouraged to feel for vibrations in their throat to distinguish between voiced and unvoiced sounds.
• 🛒 For plural forms and third-person singular verbs, the pronunciation of -s and -es can vary, requiring attention to the final sound.
• 🔗 A free PDF accompanies the lesson, providing detailed pronunciation rules and examples for further learning.
• 🚶‍♀️ Lucy encourages shadowing practice, where students repeat after her to improve their pronunciation skills.
• 🌐 The schwa sound is introduced as a common element in suffix pronunciations, particularly in unstressed syllables.
• 📝 Pronunciation errors often arise from attempting to use strong vowels in unstressed suffixes, which should be avoided.
• 🌟 Lucy offers additional resources, including courses for various English proficiency levels, to further improve pronunciation skills.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Lucy's pronunciation bootcamp?

The main focus is to help students pronounce English words more clearly, specifically targeting word endings such as -ed, -s, and common suffixes.

What common mistake do learners make with -ed endings?

Learners often mistakenly pronounce the 'e' in -ed endings, creating an extra syllable, such as saying 'ask-ed' instead of 'asked.'

When do -ed endings add an extra syllable?

An extra syllable is added to -ed endings when the base verb ends in a /t/ or /d/ sound, like 'visit' becoming 'visited' (/ˈvɪzɪtɪd/).

How can students determine whether to pronounce -ed as /t/ or /d/?

Students can determine this by identifying if the preceding sound is voiced (feels a vibration) or unvoiced (no vibration). Voiced sounds take /d/, while unvoiced sounds take /t/.

What are the three ways to pronounce -s and -es endings?

The three pronunciations are /s/, /z/, and /ɪz/. The choice depends on the final sound of the base word.

When do we add the extra syllable /ɪz/ for plural or possessive forms?

We add /ɪz/ when a word ends in the sounds /s/, /z/, /ʃ/, /tʃ/, /dʒ/, or /ʒ/.

Can you give examples of words that follow the /ɪz/ pronunciation rule?

Examples include 'spice' becoming 'spices' (/ˈspaɪsɪz/) and 'dish' becoming 'dishes' (/ˈdɪʃɪz/).

What is the schwa sound and why is it important in suffixes?

The schwa sound (/ə/) is an unstressed vowel sound found in many suffixes. It's important because many suffixes are not stressed and are pronounced with a schwa, improving pronunciation accuracy.

What suffix examples does Lucy provide, and how are they pronounced?

Examples include 'delicious' (/dɪˈlɪʃəs/), 'memorable' (/ˈmɛmərəbl/), and 'pleasant' (/ˈplɛzənt/), which all contain the schwa sound.

What resources does Lucy provide for further learning?

Lucy offers a free PDF with pronunciation rules and examples that students can download by signing up with their name and email.