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Greetings!
This month's issue includes helpful hints to make your grammar more effective. Also, learn how to pronounce the "l" sound, as in the word "lake" and find out our "idiom of the month". This month we answer your questions regarding our video conferencing accent reduction classes in our "Question and Answer Corner".
| How to pronounce the "l" sound |
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The "l" sound, as in the word "lake", is what we call a "liquid" consonant. Just like liquid changes to fit it's container, the "l" sound changes just a little bit when it is next to different sounds.
To make this sound, open your mouth and place the tip of your tongue just behind your top front teeth. The rest of your tongue should be relaxed so that it doesn't touch anything. With your tongue in place, try saying "lah". As you say it, you will feel your tongue tip gently push away from the roof of your mouth.
Most people find that it is the most difficult to pronounce this sound at the ends of words, such as in the word "ball". If your native language is Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, for example, you may be omitting this sound at the ends of words. If your native language is Hindi, Farsi, or Arabic, for example, you may be saying this sound with your tongue tip too far back in your mouth.
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Once in a blue moon is a common expression which means not very often. If you enjoy skiing, for example, but only get to participate in this sport occasionally, you might say "I love skiing, but I only get to go once in a blue moon". Here is another example: "Once in a blue moon I go skiing".
Where did the expression "once in a blue moon" come from? A blue moon is said to occur when there are two full moons in the same month. This does not happen very often, only about 41 times in a century, hence the expression.
Will the moon actually turn blue? Probably not. The moon will still be its usual grey color, however there have been rare occurences when the moon has actually turned blue. It is caused when dust or smoke gets high into the Earth's atmosphere.
So, the next time the situation fits, try to use this term, even if it's only "once in a blue moon!"
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| Question and Answer Corner |
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How much will my speech improve with accent reduction classes?
How much you improve depends on your current level of English, how easily you learn new languages, and how long you have been speaking English.
However, if you dedicate approximately one hour per day of practice and use your new skills in daily speech, you will reduce your accent by a minimum of 60% by the end of your program. Many people improve much more than that!
Do you only work on pronunciation?
Pronunciation is only one area of spoken English. Depending on your specific needs, we may address grammar, stressing and intonation, idioms/expressions, speaking rate, presentation skills, and writing, as well. Any goals you have will also be included in your program.
How long will it take my speech to improve?
Improving your speech takes hard work and daily practice. Others will notice a significant improvement in your speech within a few weeks. If you don't practice your speech every day, you will still improve, however the improvement will not be as great.
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Keeping Grammar Simple |
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Many non-native English speakers fall into the same trap when speaking: they try to use long, complex sentences that they have not yet mastered in terms of grammar. What happens is that they make many grammar errors, and the sentences they are trying to say become jumbled or confusing to their listeners. They might hear, “Could you repeat that?”
Remember this one important rule when speaking: KEEP IT SIMPLE. Speak in sentences using grammar you have mastered. If shorter, more simple sentences are what you can form well, then these sentences structures are what you should use. If you try to speak in long, complex sentences that you still have difficulty forming, you will make mistakes and confuse your listener. Always stick to what you know.
Right about now you might be saying, “If I speak in shorter, more simple sentences, people will think I don’t know English or that I’m stupid.” This is not true! In general, when you are speaking, Americans won’t notice when you’re speaking in shorter, more simple sentences if your grammar is correct. They’ll think you speak very good English. They will notice, however, when you make mistakes in grammar, or when they are confused by what you’re saying.
Remember, listeners expect to hear people speaking with correct grammar, regardless of the length or complexity of the sentences being said. Listeners don’t focus on the complexity of what you say, but how you say it.
It is important to speak in sentences using grammar you feel comfortable with, and that you have mastered. Practice increasingly longer, more complex sentences as often as you can with the help of people and friends around you. Ask for corrections when you make mistakes, and you will learn more quickly. The more you use more complex sentence structures, the easier it will become.
Practice makes perfect! |
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