When you speak English, are you struggling to break the accent barrier? You want your listener(s) to understand you. However, you don’t know where to begin.
English Pronunciation Tips for Speakers of 10 Different Language Backgrounds
Below I’ve listed 1-2 tips for speakers of 10 different language backgrounds. These are my typical recommendations at the start of any English Pronunciation Skills program:
Spanish Speakers of English
Articulate and voice the voiced consonant sounds at the end of words. Also, make sure to articulate the voiced consonant stops (/b/, /d/, and /g/) in the middle of words. After all the consonants are the spine of spoken English.
Chinese Speakers of English
Open your mouth more to enunciate the clear vowel sounds in words and make sure to articulate your word endings.
Thai Speakers of English
Produce the final consonants so that the listener knows where one word finishes and another begins.
Vietnamese Speakers of English
Project your voice to produce a steady amplified sound. Also, make sure to produce the final consonant sounds at the end of the key words
Italian Speakers of English
Concentrate on shortening the /ə/ sounds in words more. The alternation between the stressed and unstressed syllables in words (and sounds in phrases and sentences) is critical in English rhythm.
Japanese Speakers of English
Concentrate on how you are articulating the /r/ and /l/ sounds. They should not be pronounced as a soft /d/ where you tongue flaps against the ridge of your mouth. Also, pay careful attention to how you’re producing the /t/, /d/, /s/, and /z/ sounds before the /I/ and /i:/ sounds. /t/eam should not sound as /tʃ/eam, /d/eep as /dʒ/eep, /s/ee as /ʃ/ee, and /z/ip as /dʒ/ip.
Korean Speakers of English
In addition to the /r/ and /l/ sounds, concentrate on enunciating the clear vowel sounds of the stressed syllables. That is, make sure to move your mouth and incorporate small pitch changes into the stressed vowel sounds.
Tamil Speakers of English
Slow down. Tamil is one of the fastest spoken languages. Slow down!
Polish Speakers of English
Concentrate on shortening the /ə/ sounds in words more. The alternation between the stressed and unstressed syllables in words (and sounds in phrases and sentences) is critical in English rhythm. Also, incorporate a little more pitch change to produce the stressed sounds.
Brazilian-Portuguese Speakers of English
Concentrate on shortening the /ə/ sounds in words more. The alternation between the stressed and unstressed syllables in words (and sounds in phrases and sentences) is critical in English rhythm.
Want a little help to put these pronunciation tips into action?
On Monday, October 30, I’m hosting a live studio event: Ask Me Anything Studio: Navigating English Pronunciation Challenges in the Global Workplace. During this event, you can ask me questions about…
- how to produce a specific sound,
- ways to slow down your speech so that your listener(s) can follow you from point to point with more ease
- techniques to help you project a louder and more confident sound
- specific stress patterns
- recommendations for your language group that might not be listed above (Sarah has worked with speakers of over 15 language backgrounds.)
- whatever would help you when it comes to presenting or interacting more effectively in spoken English.
If you want a no-fluff live virtual studio event where you can engage with and learn from a seasoned English Language Speech & Communication Skills Coach, click HERE to register for Ask Me Anything Studio: Navigating English Pronunciation Challenges in the Global Workplace.
