Mastering English pronunciation can be challenging. Here are some key tips to enhance your skills:
1. Focus on problematic sounds:
Pay special attention to sounds that don’t exist in Spanish. These include:
– The /h/ sound: Practice with words like «home,» «happy,» and «hello.»
Sentence: «The happy hedgehog hopped home.»
– The /v/ sound: Often confused with /b/. Practice «very,» «vote,» and «cave.»
Sentence: «The brave veteran visited the village.»
– The /z/ sound: Work on «zebra,» «zoom,» and «zipper.»
Sentence: «The zany zebra zipped through the zoo.»
– The /ʃ/ (sh) sound: Focus on «ship,» «shoe,» and «wash.»
Sentence: «She wishes to wash her shirt.»
Remember, en español estas palabras sonarían muy diferentes. Concentrate on producing these sounds correctly.
2. Mind your vowels:
English has more vowel sounds than Spanish. Listen carefully to the differences between words like «ship» and «sheep,» «hot» and «hat.»
3. Watch your stress:
Unlike Spanish, English words have strong stress patterns. For example, «PHOtograph» vs. «phoTOgraphy.»
4. Use linking:
Connect words in speech. «What are you doing?» sounds more like «Whatayadoing?»
5. Utilise resources:
Use pronunciation apps, YouTube videos, and English media to train your ear.
Remember, la práctica hace al maestro (practice makes perfect). Don’t be afraid to speak and make mistakes – it’s part of the learning process.
¡Buena suerte con tu inglés!
Written by Aimee Wilkinson, Principal at The Harrogate International Academy
