Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Helen.Deng]

I urgent want to improve my pronunciation .But I do not know what I do! I wish all intent persons who can Provide a lot of good advice.
Thank you!

Your friends!

[Philo Kevetch]

Hello Helen.Deng - I read your PM and would be happy to give you what advice I can. Sorry, I'm a little busy right now. I'll post a response here on Sat. or Sun. Thanks for your kind words! :) Philo

[Philo Kevetch]

Begin at the beginning? A giant step back? :)

Native speakers "hear" English for years before learning the "ABC"s. (Even a parents' "baby talk" is a "lesson" in phonics.) In short, children learn the "sounds" of the alphabet well before they begin to learn the letters of the alphabet. (The alphabet is for writing.)

Many EFL students are introduced to English in the opposite order. If you think your basic phonics needs some improvement, try practic(s)ing with a phonics tape or CD.

The following is a list of some ways to improve pronunciation (some may not be possible and at least one or two, your parents might not approve of :) -

- go to an English speaking country for a year or two and only spend a few hours a week with anyone who speaks your language

- buy an English language guide book (not one from your country in your language) and go "backpacking" ALONE for 6 months or 1 year. (again, only spend a few hours a week with anyone who speaks your language)

- (in your own country) get your own apartment and an English native speaker roommate ( or 2 ) who does not speak your language

- make friends with an English native speaker and talk with them as often as you can (all day/everyday?)

- watch (listen) to an English language TV "soap opera" daily and don't read the captions...if you're reading..you're not listening! (radio is more difficult.. BBC and Voice of America broadcast special programs for non-native speakers)

- do a search on the internet (google?) for "audio books online"
get the book and read along while you listen (some are free )

- Readers' Digest (a monthly magazine/book) offers an edition with a cassette tape included...read along and practice while you listen

Please note....feel free to substitute "any speaker of English" with what you deem to be acceptable pronunciation for the use of "native speaker" in this message.

Let me know what you think. Philo