Good English pronunciation is the goal and the single desired outcome for any language learner. In addition, it is an excellent indicator of the level of language proficiency. Therefore, the skill of correct pronunciation should be given a lot of time and patience. But first you need to stock up on the necessary knowledge.
Features of the articulatory apparatus
In order to work on the pronunciation of any language, you need to know about the structure of the human articulatory apparatus. And, most importantly, to master it perfectly. The sound system of the English language is completely different from Russian, and you do not need to believe in the common misconception that there are sounds that are pronounced exactly the same. This is not so, even if the letter has similarities with Russian, it is only in spelling, and in pronunciation from English to Russian it is impossible to replace Russian letters.
As for the English language, such organs as tongue, lips, palate, alveoli (the greatest number of sounds are formed with their help) take an active part in its creation.
The hard and soft palate is also actively used, while forming sounds that are absolutely not typical for Russian speech.
Pronunciation of sounds
As already mentioned, the pronunciation in English and Russian is different. Therefore, you need to consider the main difference in the pronunciation of sounds. But first you need to remember their classification:
What are the main differences:
- deafness - sonority: this is a trait that determines the meaning of words, so voiced ones do not lose their positions and are not drowned out: feed - feed - feet - legs.
- those sounds that are front-lingual in Russian - in English - dental: [t] tone - tone; [d] desk - desk; [n] nose - nose; [l] lamp - lamp.
- longitude and brevity of pronunciation of vowel sounds are also meaningful: sleep [sli:p] - sleep - slip [slip] - slip; live [liv] - live - leave [li: v] - leave; sheep [i:] - sheep - ship - ship.
- in English there are vowels that are formed from two (diphthongs) and three (triphthongs) sounds, and are indivisible: fly [ai] - fly; fire [aiə] - fire.
- most sounds are pronounced with lips slightly extended to the sides: see [si:] - to see; ten [ten] - ten.
there are sounds whose articulation is absolutely not characteristic of the Russian language: [ðθ] - the tip of the tongue is between the teeth: [w] - the lips are pulled into a tube and the sound is pronounced в; [r] - pronouncing the sound p, the tongue assumes a position as with the sound w;[ŋ] - the back of the tongue rises to the soft palate; [ə:] - the tongue drops, pronouncing something between e and o.
Features of intonation
The pronunciation of English words in a sentence requires compliance with a certain intonation, which is very important in English speech. In some cases, incorrectly used intonation of a sentence can distort or even spoil the meaning of the entire statement as a whole. Therefore, you need to familiarize yourself with the basics of correct intonation.
- Proper use of a falling tone. It is characterized by a smooth convergence of intonation down. Inherent in assertion, certainty, completeness. Used at the end of: exclamatory sentences, affirmative and negative declarative sentences, special interrogative sentences, imperative sentences. Must be used in a greeting at a meeting, to highlight appeals or attachments in sentences, in disjunctive and subordinate questions.
- Rising tone. This type of intonation is the opposite of the previous one, and expresses uncertainty, doubt, uncertainty. Used in: common wide sentences to highlight additions and turns, general and disjunctive questions, words of farewell, imperative sentences with a request.
Self-improvement of pronunciation
English pronunciation is a delicate matter, but promising, because it hasthe holder will be more likely to achieve their goals through a good level of language. Improving your pronunciation, according to experts, is very important to deal with from the beginning of learning the language. After all, it is much easier to learn from scratch than to relearn and redo already formed skills. For these purposes, you can use different resources, while the more the better.
Pronunciation Resources
To work on the language, as in a war, all means are good, and most importantly, there is just a sea of them now. Here are some ways:
- Watch movies in original
- Songs and poems in the original
- Communicating with native speakers
- Programs that check the correct pronunciation, etc.
Tips
It is also important to remember that learning should be fun. Therefore, you need to choose what is most suitable on an individual basis. But you need to take into account the advice of experts:
- systematic and regular in classes;
- diversity in resources: books, recordings, videos, live chat;
- listen, watch, repeat and speak English as much as possible;
- use only English transcription;
- read aloud only;
- learn new words immediately with correct pronunciation, intonation and stress.
When working on English pronunciation, you need to remember that everything is possible and try to become more familiar with English culture. This will help you better navigate the language.
