Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sigmundsmith]

Distinguishing between pronouncing the 'L' and 'R' is quite difficult for Koreans (and Asians in general).

No matter how many diagrams you show someone about tongue positions, this will only help them so far.

A method that I was shown to instruct EFL students was to use chopsticks (the wooden kind you can get at the local Family Mart).

Separate the two chopsticks and put one in your mouth - perpendicular to you lips (not like a lollipop). Hold the chopstick between your lips (not your teeth). Instruct the students that the 'L' sound requires that the movement of your tongue will flip down and push the chopstick out. Basically, flick it out between your lips. While the 'R' sound has the tongue in the same position as the 'L' at the beginning of the pronunciation but doesn't continue the flick down. So that means when you produce the 'R' sound the chopstick will remain between the lips.

They can practice this at home quite easily if they have a concern about the pronunciation of these letters.