How Can You Improve Your English Language Pronunciation?

There is absolutely no denying that English is the most common language. There are approximately 1.5 billion speakers of the language globally as a result of growing globalisation. Which includes not just the native speakers but millions of non-native speakers as well who use a variety of accents and pronunciations.

Here are some ways that can help you to better your pronunciation

Start with the basics

>> Establish a good command over phonetics

Remember that phonetic table we used to memorise in our childhood? A as in Ant, B as in Banana, C as in Cat and so on. So when you form words you may pronounce Almond as Ah-mund, Heat as Haa-rt, and Wednesday as When-s-day. Students must understand that English language skills are very important especially if you are giving exams such as IELTs or TOEFL.

Tip :- Practise phonetics in front of the mirror, that will help you acquire the right shapes for alphabets and sounds.

Also Read - IELTS Writing Section: All You Need To Know About Scoring Band 7 Or Higher

>> Strengthen vocabulary and fluency through reading

The habit of reading can never get old. Nothing compares to reading the right books. Books not only transport you to a different world, they add tons of knowledge to the information you already have. Reading strengthens vocabulary, reading aloud can help strengthen diction and pronunciation as you constantly hear your own voice. Also, reading aloud helps you adapt to how the words sound and you feel more comfortable pronouncing them.

Another way of adding vocabulary and fluency to your English speaking skills is watching good movies and documentaries. As a student, you can pick up interesting documentaries on National Geographic or Animal Planet and actually experience the wonders of good diction. Remember the most heard voice of BBC documentaries? David Attenborough! The Green Planet, Planet Earth, Life In The Undergrowth are a few of the documentaries you could begin with to learn not just about nature and our earth but also get inspired by his language speaking skills.

Tip:- Spend time listening to your own voice before we begin to understand how we sound. Try to record yourself while reading in order to identify pronunciation errors.

Also Read :- How To Develop A Habit Of Reading The Newspaper

Try fun activities for learning

Our brain absorbs information quicker from songs, movies, books, and English-speaking people in general. Therefore, try seeking a creative approach to learning as much as you can because it can make the process a little fun and yet productive, such as through language learning apps, singing English songs with lyrics, tongue twisters, and games. To truly experience the power of language, you need to have a substantial active vocabulary, which you can develop by immersing yourself in the world of words.

>>Learn to speak with the help of language apps

Applications like Duolingo, ELSA Speak, Cambridge School Dictionary and English Pronunciation Dictionary are great resources to start. They are helpful in teaching pronunciation through various mouth and tongue movements. They could help you strengthen your grasp of speaking as well as your writing capabilities. Due to such mobile apps, learning and practising can take place anytime and anywhere.

>> Repeating Dialogues

In this method, you can listen to someone speaking in English and then immediately repeat their dialogues. It can turn out to be the most convenient and entertaining way of practising, as we all like to watch movies, songs, and our favourite shows. So you can pick any of your favourite shows or even a podcast on YouTube with English subtitles enabled, and attempt to speak by repeating after them. Pay close attention to the dialogue's flow and the way the words are delivered.

>> Games

Games like IPA Bingo, Rhyming Pair Memory Game, Homophone Go Fish, and other verbal games are played by selecting or eliminating words based on criteria such as grouping words with the same vowels or homophonic sounds, which are beneficial to improving pronunciation. Board games like scrabble, boggle, buzzword, and others are also based on a set of rules, such as creating words that can improve vocabulary and boosts confidence to be able to speak up.

Create an English-speaking ecosystem

Pronunciation is not the same as grammar or spelling; to improve speaking skills, one should speak with people more frequently and ask for their feedback.

>> Start At Home

You can always start from home and start conversations with your parents or siblings. Try not to hesitate to convey even the smallest messages in English, as they will support your intentions.

>> Peers With Similar Interests

Being surrounded by individuals who share the same goals could turn out to be the most natural approach to learning. Without hesitation, you can practise speaking and play games such as Odd One Out and Homophone Go, to build your vocabulary and speaking. An environment where you suggest some new words to your friend and they help you with corrections, becomes a part of your daily routine. Surrounding yourself with friends who can contribute to your knowledge and overall growth can not only influence your pronunciation but affect your overall academic progress.

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