12 Vowel Sounds In English (IPA) | Speak English Clearly With Reduced Accent | Pronunciation

Summary

In this video, Sridhan teaches 12 crucial English vowel sounds that can significantly improve fluency, confidence, and clarity. He explains the difference between short and long vowel sounds, providing clear examples to help viewers avoid common pronunciation mistakes. Through interactive repetition exercises, viewers learn how to pronounce sounds like 'bit,' 'bad,' 'cup,' and 'dog,' while also distinguishing between sounds like 'see' versus 'sea' and 'car' versus 'cat.' This video is a valuable resource for anyone looking to refine their English pronunciation skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video focuses on teaching 12 important sounds in English to help learners sound fluent, confident, and clear.
• 😀 The lesson begins with short vowel sounds, starting with the short 'e' sound, which is crucial to avoid confusion with the long 'ee' sound.
• 😀 A common mistake with the short 'e' sound is confusing it with 'ee', as seen in the words 'bit' (not 'beet') and 'best' (not 'beast').
• 😀 The short 'a' sound is another key focus, which can be confused with the 'e' sound; for example, 'bad' (not 'bed').
• 😀 The 'ah' sound, as in 'cup' and 'love', is introduced with tips on how to pronounce it by opening the mouth wide.
• 😀 The short 'o' sound, as in 'dog' and 'wash', is explained, emphasizing how it's different from the long 'o' sound.
• 😀 The short 'uh' sound is taught with words like 'put' and 'good', clarifying its unique pronunciation in English.
• 😀 The video then covers long vowel sounds, starting with the 'ee' sound, which changes the meaning of words like 'see' (not 'sea').
• 😀 The long 'o' sound is also discussed, with an example using words like 'north' and 'bought', explaining how it differs from the short 'o'.
• 😀 The lesson concludes by reinforcing the importance of pronunciation in improving communication skills and the confidence to speak clearly in English.

Q & A

What is the purpose of focusing on the 12 sounds discussed in the video?

The purpose of focusing on these 12 sounds is to help learners sound more fluent, confident, and clear when speaking English. These sounds are essential for accurate pronunciation and improving overall communication skills.

What is the difference between short and long vowel sounds?

Short vowel sounds are brief and more closed, while long vowel sounds are extended and open. For example, the short 'e' sound in 'bit' contrasts with the long 'ee' sound in 'see'.

Why do people often confuse the short 'e' sound with the long 'ee' sound?

People confuse the short 'e' sound with the long 'ee' sound because both are represented by the letter 'e,' but their pronunciation differs. For example, 'bit' vs. 'beat.'

How do you pronounce the short 'a' sound in words like 'bad' and 'cat'?

The short 'a' sound is pronounced with a dropped jaw, as in the words 'bad' and 'cat,' not like the short 'e' sound.

What is the correct way to pronounce the 'u' sound in the word 'cup'?

The correct pronunciation of the 'u' sound in 'cup' is /ʌ/—with an open mouth, similar to the 'a' sound in 'cat,' but different from other 'u' sounds like in 'put.'

What is the long 'oo' sound, and where can it be heard in English?

The long 'oo' sound is represented by /uː/ and can be heard in words like 'pool' and 'cool.' It is not the same as the short 'u' sound found in words like 'put.'

What is the pronunciation difference between 'dog' and 'dawg'?

In standard English, the word 'dog' is pronounced with the short 'o' sound /ɒ/, while 'dawg' is a non-standard or regional pronunciation that alters the vowel sound.

What common mistake do English learners make when saying the word 'best'?

A common mistake is pronouncing 'best' with the long 'ee' sound, as in 'beast.' However, the correct pronunciation uses the short 'e' sound, as in 'best'.

Why is the sound /ɑ/ important in English, and how is it used?

The /ɑ/ sound is important because it is used in words like 'potato' and 'under,' where the jaw drops and the vowel sound is more open. It differs from the long 'ah' sound.

What happens when the short 'o' sound /ɒ/ is pronounced as a long vowel in words like 'north' or 'bought'?

When the short 'o' sound is elongated into a long vowel, it transforms the pronunciation to /ɔː/, as in 'north' and 'bought.' This sound is distinct from the regular 'o' sound.