Teacher Discussion Forums

first_sino_madness · Joined: 03 Nov 2003 Posts: 4

Hi,

I'm teaching adults in a business environment who are intermediate to advanced (CET 4-8 in PR China). But, I'm stumped trying to find/devise a good strategy for teaching the second syllable pronunciation in 'usually' - similarly for 'casually', 'pleasure'.

I can't type phonetics here, so to try and be clearer it's the sound of 'je' as in 'je suis'.

Any and all suggestions greatfully appreciated.

Cheers
David

Lorikeet · Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2003 7:47 am Post subject:

Well, if you are teaching Chinese speakers, they may have trouble with s and sh. I don't know what sound they are replacing the "je" sound with. However, if they can understand voicing as in the difference between s and z or f and v, you can explain that it is the same difference between sh and zh (or however you want to write it without IP Wink

)

first_sino_madness · Joined: 03 Nov 2003 Posts: 4

Hi Lorikeet,

FWIW s or sh is not a problem here. I live in Shanghai.

What happens is that they try to fudge the sound for 'usually' by using their lips and not their tongue.

So, the sound is 'uwually'. Obviously the answer is to get them to use their tongue. I haven't been successful thus far, so that's why I'm asking for help. I've tried something along the lines that you suggested, but not exactly. So, I'll give it a go.

Any other ideas?

Cheers
David

dduck · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 265

Lorikeet · Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2003 3:36 pm Post subject:

Heh. Depends on what type of pronunciation you are using Wink

For the word "usually" I use the sound mentioned by the speaker initially (the "je" in "je" suis in French, for example.) That sound is the voiced version of the "sh" sound. If that's the one you want, you just have to get them to understand the idea of voicing. (using "f", "v" and/or "s" "z"--they can put their hands on their necks and feel the difference.) Then they can voice a "sh" and voila (well maybe voila.) Anyway, there are other variations of the "usually" pronunciation, for mine is American English.

dduck · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 265

I think we're talking about the same things. I pronounce usually with the french /je/ sound, but when I think of 'sh' I think of /s/ugar or telling someone to be quiet, e.g. shhhhh! Perhaps, the 'sh' is shorter in usually than sugar.

Iain

Lorikeet · Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2003 9:46 pm Post subject:

first_sino_madness · Joined: 03 Nov 2003 Posts: 4

Attila · Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Posts: 16

How about playing Tom Jones singing It's not unusual?

PapaDoc · Joined: 25 Oct 2004 Posts: 1 Location: Shaghai

Most of the sounds that are difficult for Chinese are made more difficult by their tendency to make short sounds. The shortest sound in English is as long as the longest in Mandarin. Many also try to talk quickly to impress others, particularly in Shaghai.

I approach all difficult words with exaggerated long sounds. This makes it simpler for them. They can make big changes more easily than subtle changes. They can always make the exaggeration less later when they have conquered it.

In the case of usually I break it down into three sounds:
1. U (ewe)
2. s (je)
3. ly (lee)

The je can be first approached with a hard j, as in June, and then softened. Get them to try and say Sh simultaneously with J later.

With all pronunciation problems the use of a mirror is a marvellous aid. They can see their face and mouth and compare it with yours. When they attempt the sound, make sure they look at the mirror not you. I carry a small shaving mirror for this purpose.

In Northeast China wave is also an interesting one.
The sounds must be very long at first to get the transition.

In the south thank you becomes sank you because of the lazy tongue syndrome. Make them stick it out so that they can see it in the mirror.

Lorikeet

mooney47 · Joined: 15 Sep 2004 Posts: 8 Location: Guangzhou, Guangdong

Lorikeet