Replying to [EnglishRyan]:

Regarding word pairs like "rap" and "rape", in addition to the length of the sound, isn't also the "a" in "rap" lower pitched, and in "rape" higher pitched? In the second case I also hear a slight
"i" sound after the "a", like in "in". So in my opinion there are three distinctions in the proper pronunciation.

You have a similar case in the pronunciation of "nation" and "national". In the first case (like in "rape") you really have two vowels pronounced together ("e", even higher pitched than in "very", and "i", also higher pitched than in "in" - more like "ee" in "been"), being the "e" long and "gliding" over into the short "i" sound.

Sorry for the awkward explanation, but couldn't find a better way. I'm "enjoying" a cold and have a cotton ball instead of a brain in my head...

Replying to [EnglishRyan]:

That is an excelllent answer

Replying to [germex]:

Hi germex, thank you for your reply.

You have a great point concerning the pitches of the two words. 'Rap' requires the speaker to open their mouth more vertically, whereas ' ' is much more horizontal and is indeed at a higher pitch. To be honest, I have only read two books on English pronunciation, so I can not make an educated comment in this area beyond these resources and my own personal teaching experience.

I think I follow you on the 'i' and 'a' sound examples, too. To pronounce an English 'i', such as that found in 'bit', the speaker must open their mouth in a horizontal, almost smiling fashion. In 'bat', it is much more vertical. I hope someone who knows better than I can shed some light on the proper terms for these methods of pronunciation...

Get well soon!

Ryan

Replying to [EnglishRyan]:

Hi Ryan,

Luckily I live alone, because my wife would have sent me to the nuts house by now. Everytime the subject of pronunciation comes up, at night I talk to myself, like repeating "rap" over and over again. That teaches me how to use my mouth and throat to pronounce these sounds, and how to describe them to others. - Thanks for reminding me of the horizontal and vertical opening of the mouth; forgot to mention that.

Quoting from [EnglishRyan]:


Replying to [adseaco]:


Hi adseaco,

Hmmm, I am not familiar with this riddle. However, the title is "The Point is Moot". 'Moot' can be used to refer to something that is not practical or perhaps even useless. So, is it possible that the title of this piece is also the conclusion? In other words, the entire poem is intended to be without meaning?

That's the best I can do!

Ryan

Hi Ryan,
It is neither a riddle or a brain teaser.....
This language is the most.....Confusing & Perplexing, without any 'rhyme or reason'.
Consider these..............
tough---through---though---cough---bough...all ending with -ough.
in each case this combination of letters have a different pronunciation.

How are you!
I have a question: I can speak and hear some English, and can communicate with foreigner in English, but I can't hear TV news program, only hear sone words, I am very annoyed, if you can give me some tips,I will be very appreciated.

Replying to [chengcheng]:
Hey chengcheng - thanks for the question.

I have heard the same concerns from many students. One thing to remember is that when a native speaker says a sentence, they do not enunciate each word. For instance, the sentence: "What are you doing today?" can become Wadara-doin-tuday. I imagine that many of the native speakers you talk to in person probably reduce their speaking speed and enunciate their words more to ensure you catch their meaning.

There are a few exercises you can do to overcome this. Firstly (and it appears you are already doing this), listen to as much natively spoken English as you can. Secondly, try reading some books that focus on speaking English sentences natively. A great book is American Accent Training by Ann Cook (http://www.americanaccent.com/) The website has plenty of resources, too.

When it comes to watching TV, try watching the same broadcasts multiple times if possible. Take note of what accent you are listening to. British, American, South African (etc) accents are already so different when spoken slowly, I can totally understand your interpretation problems when they are delivered at a normal pace.

Don't be afraid to copy your native-speaking friends, too. If they ask you "Dija 'av agoo weekend?", try saying it back to them next time.

Good luck!

Ryan

Replying to [EnglishRyan]: How do we try 2 be a native speaker?
what will we do first?

Replying to [defi]: How do I speak English like a native English speaker?

Hi defi,

Well there is no easy answer to that question. I guess one of the first things I would recommend you do is bolster your vocabulary. Read English publications and make a point of writing down any words you do not known along with their definitions. Then try using these words when you speak to others.

Like I advised in another message response, there are a number of things you can do to improve your accent. Listen closely (I mean REALLY listen) to the way a native speaker talks and try to mimic this as best you can. I have read that on average, a human being's pronunciation muscles are fully developed by the age of nine. Thus, speaking any language with the fluency and quality of a native speaker past the age of nine is truly difficult. I am not trying to discourage you but rather point out that this task is going to take major dedication and effort on your part.

Ultimately, you want to be practicing your English as often as you can. This can be much easier to do in some places (i.e. New York City) as opposed to others (i.e. a little town in China). Find yourself a native-speaking teacher or try to make to native-speaking friends (you already got one). ;D

So...your challenge starts now. I am assuming there may be a few words in my response you may not understand - bolster, mimic, etc. Find definitions for these words and write them down so you can use them later.

All the best!

Ryan

Replying to [EnglishRyan]:Very nice example! appreciate your generous offer