Very many immigrants from the former USSR are distinguished by problem phonetics. Even after several years of living in an English-speaking society, some manage to pronounce sounds incorrectly. Therefore, it is so important to learn from foreign language patterns, ideally with a native teacher. However, grammar and vocabulary can be mastered independently, generally without a mentor. This is a matter of motivation. But the phonetics of the English language is mastered only with a teacher. Distinguish between practical and theoretical components. For "users" the first is enough, for teachers both are required.
No need to drown!
There are several problematic sounds by which the Russian-language is easily calculated. The sound from the words th ink, bir th day, Th ursday breaks all records. In the last two, the mistake is not fundamental: they will understand you, although it sounds awful. But the first word, by the way, very beloved by the native speakers of the Russian language, with incorrect pronunciation is reminiscent of the word sink - "go to the bottom." If the practical phonetics of the English language for your teacher was not in vain at the university, then he will explain that it is not difficult to pronounce this sound - you just need to remember that the tongue should be between the teeth when speaking. To begin with, you can even pronounce it a little exaggeratedly, then it will start to turn out more elegantly: it will be enough just to touch the tip of the tongue to the teeth. The problem of this sound is the problem of carelessness and laziness. If you accustom yourself to consciously and responsibly approach the pronunciation of complex words, train purposefully with them, you will stop “drowning” instead of “thinking”.
The mistake of university teachers
The second sound that creates problems for the English teacher is also in the already mentioned word b i rthday. And in such words as f i rst, b i rd, th i rsty. Phonetics of the English language as a practical discipline recommends pronouncing this sound with a flattening of the language. The most common mistake of Russian speakers is to soften the consonant and pronounce the sound “o” after the softened one. That is, as if the letter "e" is there. Even university professors sin this. To pronounce “e” instead of this is also a mistake, but not so crude and not so direct in your origin. So if it doesn’t work out “beautifully,” say “eh.”
On the brink of physics
And now a little about exclusively teacher discipline. Theoretical phonetics of the English language borders on physical disciplines and is an almost exact science. For example, by the image of the sound displayed on the screen, it is quite possible to determine what the word is pronounced (albeit with errors), the characteristics of the speaker’s mouth and even his nationality (if he is a foreigner). The theoretical phonetics of the English language also works with intonations and explores in which situations certain melodic patterns are most typical. But this is a pragmatic component of theoretical phonetics. The latter also deals with the characterization of sounds and intonations in comparison with the same components of different dialects.
Phonetics of the English language is a useful discipline, but it requires flexibility and an analytical approach. To master the correct melody, at least a minimally developed musical ear is required .