Every language has its tricky sounds, and for English learners, there are a few that tend to cause the most trouble. The first step to improvement is knowing what your troublemakers are! Know Your Enemy Do you find yourself struggling with any of these common problem areas? Don’t Despair, Repair! Let’s use the “th” sounds…
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Pronunciation Series #3: Master the Physical Side of Sounds (It’s Like Exercise!)
Get ready to work those speech muscles! Just like exercise shapes your body, specific exercises can help you shape your pronunciation. Let’s break it down… Your Amazing Speech Machine Think of your mouth, tongue, and breath as a team. Here are the key players: Introducing the IPA The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) looks a bit…
Pronunciation Series #2: It All Begins with Your Ears
Think learning pronunciation is all about moving your mouth? Think again! The secret ingredient to improving your own spoken English is to become a better listener. You might be thinking, “But I do listen to English already!” While that’s true, there’s a difference between passive hearing and active listening. Passive vs. Active Listening Why Active…
Pronunciation Series #1: Why Pronunciation matters (And why it doesn’t have to be scary)
Ever feel tongue-tied when speaking English? Like the words don’t quite come out the way you intend? You’re certainly not alone! Pronunciation can be a tricky hurdle for many learners. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be intimidating, and mastering clearer pronunciation is absolutely achievable. In fact, it can have a transformative…
English: A Language with a Wild History
Hey language lovers! Did you know that the English we speak today is the result of centuries of invasions, changing sounds, and borrowed words? It’s a fascinating story, so let’s dive in! The Germanic Roots First things first: English has its roots in the languages of Germanic tribes like the Angles and Saxons who settled…
Beyond Basic Skills Series _ Motivation and Consistency
Beyond the Basics: Mastering Motivation and Consistency in EnglishThe road to English fluency can feel long and winding. High-level English users know the secret: staying motivated and consistent, even when the going gets tough. These are the essential ingredients that fuel your learning journey and propel you towards your goals. Keeping the Flame of Learning…