Good English pronunciation is the goal and the only desired result for any person learning the language. In addition, this 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 luggage of the necessary knowledge.
Features of the articulation apparatus
In order to work on the pronunciation of any language, you need to know about the structure of the articulation apparatus of a person. And, most importantly, to own it perfectly. The sound system of the English language is completely different from Russian, while you do not need to believe in a common misconception that there are sounds that are pronounced exactly the same. This is not so, even if the letter bears a resemblance to Russian, it is only in spelling, and in pronunciation from English to Russian it is impossible to replace with Russian letters.
As for the English language, such organs as language, lips, palate, alveoli actively participate in its creation (the greatest number of sounds are formed with their help).
Hard and soft palates are also actively used, forming at the same time sounds that are absolutely not characteristic of Russian speech.
Pronunciation of sounds
As already mentioned, the pronunciation in English and in 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 - sonorousness: this is the defining feature of words, therefore voiced people do not lose their positions and are not muffled: feed - feed - feet - legs.
- those sounds that in Russian are front-language - in English - dental: [t] tone - tone; [d] desk - desk; [n] nose - nose; [l] lamp - lamp.
- the longitude and brevity of pronunciation of vowels is also meaningful: sleep [sli: p] - sleep - slip [slip] - slide; live [liv] - live - leave [li: v] - leave; sheep [i:] - sheep - ship [i] - ship.
- in English there are vowel sounds that are formed from two (diphthongs) and three (trifthongi) sounds, and are indivisible: fly [ai] - fly; fire [aiə] - fire.
- most sounds are made by lips slightly elongated to the sides: see [si:] - see; ten [ten] - ten.
there are sounds whose articulation is absolutely not characteristic of the Russian language: [ð, θ] - the tip of the tongue is between the teeth: [w] - the lips are pulled into a tube and the sound is pronounced in; [r] - pronouncing the sound p, the language assumes a position as with the sound w; [ŋ] - the back of the tongue rises to the soft palate; [ə:] - the language is omitted, 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, improperly used intonation of a sentence can distort or even spoil the meaning of the whole utterance. Therefore, you need to familiarize yourself with the basics of correct intonation.
- The correct use of the downward tone. It is characterized by a smooth convergence of intonation down. Inherent to the statement, certainty, completeness. Used at the end: exclamatory sentences, affirmative and negative narrative sentences, special interrogative sentences, imperative sentences. It is necessary to use it in a greeting at a meeting to highlight appeals or applications in sentences, in dividing and subordinate matters.
- Rising tone. This type of intonation is the opposite of the previous one, and expresses uncertainty, doubt, uncertainty. Used in: widespread wide sentences to highlight additions and turns, general and separation questions, goodbyes, imperative sentences with expressions of request.
Self-improvement in pronunciation
English pronunciation is a delicate, but promising business, because its owner will have more chances to achieve their goals through a good level of language. According to experts, it is very important to engage in improving your pronunciation from the beginning of language learning. Indeed, it is much easier to learn from scratch than to retrain and remake already formed skills. For these purposes, you can use different resources, and the more the better.
Pronunciation Improvement Resources
To work on the language, as in war, all means are good, and most importantly, they are now just a sea. Here are some ways:
- Watching movies in the original
- Original Songs and Poems
- Communication with native speakers
- Programs that verify the correct pronunciation, etc.
Advice
It is also important to remember that the learning process should be fun. Therefore, you need to choose what is most suitable individually. But you need to consider the advice of specialists:
- systematic and regular classes;
- diversity in resources: books, records, videos, live communication;
- as much as possible to listen, watch, repeat and speak English;
- Use only English transcription
- read only aloud;
- learn new words immediately with the 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 to better navigate the language.