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  ENGLISH EXPLAINED

When we are learning a new language, we often worry about our "accent" and how it will sound. Don't. You see, in any language you may be learning, there are always several accents that are present, including among the native speakers. There are more important issues that should be learned and which will help you be understood when you use them well. Two of them are PRONUNCIATION and ENUNCIATION.

Let's look at them.

PRONUNCIATION 

can be defined as how a particular word should sound when spoken aloud. Pronunciation focuses on the sounds a speaker should use for each part of a word and how they should be put together. Proper pronunciation can be challenging because it’s not always possible to tell how a word should be spoken simply by looking at the way it is spelled. 

Multiple Pronunciations and Spellings

It’s not unusual for words in the English language to have more than one pronunciation, even though there is no difference in spelling. Some words are spelled differently yet are pronounced the same way. For example, you can pronounce the word “read” in two different ways. One of the pronunciations of the verb “to read” sounds the same as “red.” 

Silent Letters

To further complicate pronunciation, many common English words have silent letters.

For example: Love, dove, and glove are examples of the many words that end with an “e” that is silent. Honest and honored are examples of words that begin with an “h” that is not included in the pronunciation.

WHAT IS ENUNCIATION?

Enunciation can be defined as speaking clearly and stating each word fully and distinctly.

This is a function of how an individual speaks rather than how a word should be pronounced.

COMMON ENUNCIATION PROBLEMS

Enunciation problems can take several forms. A few examples include:

Dropping “g” sounds: 

·  Saying things like “He’s goin’ to the store” instead of fully forming the “g” sound at the end of the word “going”.

Blending words improperly:

·   Combining words in a manner that is not correct, such as saying “gonna” instead of “going to”.

Speaking too quickly :

· Talking so fast that words run together so that listeners can’t be sure where one-word ends and another begins.

Muttering:

· Speaking softly, in a manner often referred to as “under your breath” so that other people can’t tell what you are saying.

Mumbling:

· Speaking indistinctly and in a low voice so that words run together and can be difficult for a listener to distinguish.

OVERCOMING enunciation issues involves not only pronouncing words properly but also making sure to articulate (speak clearly) each word and to speak up so that your voice properly projects.

Hope this will help you a bit... Back Soon!

 

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