3 basic pronunciation tips

Speech, Bubbles, Blank, Empty, BordersIntended for:

Spanish speakers learning English at an Elementary or Lower-Intermediate level or those with a higher level but without experience in learning pronunciation. 

 

 

Tip 1

Alfabeto, Carta, Inicial, Antecedentes1- Don’t add an “e” before words that begin with the letter “s” followed by a consonant.

NOT: I’m eSpanish, but I’m Spanish.

How to practise: 

Write a list of words beginning with “s” + consonant or click here to use this Tongue Twister (Stop, stay, smile).

Make long ssssss sounds before the word to get some practice.

ssssstop, ssssstay, sssssmile

Repeat this exercise for a few minutes, several times on different days for a week or two. This way, you will train your brain to do it automatically. 

You will then have to shorten the long “s” sound. From “ssstop” to “stop”. Click on the picture to hear what it should sound like in the end:

Detener, Señal De Tráfico, Advertencia

One final note: you will probably find yourself going back to adding an “e” when you are having conversations. That’s natural, when you are talking to someone, your brain is focussing on many other aspects of communication. Give yourself time and little by little, you will become aware and self-correct it. 

 

Tip 2

Animal, Canino, Dibujos Animados, Perro

 

Shock should not sound like sock.

She does not sound like sea.

 

 

Imagine this:

You are at the cinema. There is a couple constantly whispering near you.

What sound would you make to hush then?

Sssshhhh! 

That’s the sound!

Check out this kids’ video to hear the sound and some examples. It’s fun, simple, and memorable. 

If you prefer a more serious approach, you can practise by using minimal pairs. Here is a website I recommend.

Important to remember: this sound has other spellings apart from “sh” as in the words

  • chef, machine and other words with ch
  • pollution, evolution and most words with the ending -tion
  • sugar and sure
  • ocean, special, precious and other words with c

How to practise: use this popular tongue twister.

She Sells Seashells by the Seashore | Tongue Twisters - YouTube

Or mine

IN THE SHOWER

Bañera, Burbuja, Hombre, Baño, Silueta

In addition to this, make an effort to notice the sound when you listen to native speakers. Progressively, incorporate this sound into your speaking. This will have a significant positive impact on your spoken English.

Tip 3

Flecha, Preguntar, Oms, Qué, ¿Cómo

Where should not sound like the strong form of were as in “Yes, we were”. Where should sound like wear. Click here to listen.

 

If you are a Spanish speaker, here is an easy (and funny) way to approach this sound:

1- Say the feminine word of “ugly” in Spanish: FEA

2- Now, make the “a” at the end weaker. FEa 

3- I hope it now sounds like the English adjective:  FAIR. Click here to compare.

 

How to practise: Repeat this tongue twister until you nail it.

Where? Where? Tell me where!

ThereIt’s over there.

On the stairs.

 


Final notes

Feliz Día De La Madre

My advice is that you incorporate these changes one at a time. Focus on it for a week or so and then, move on to the next. You can do this alone but if you are interested in receiving personalised support to improve your pronunciation, you can book a class with me.

Although I am not a native speaker, I have been where you are now, as a learner, so I understand the struggle. If you think I can help you, send me an email (inglesvitoria@inglesvitoria.com) and we will arrange a pronunciation session or more based on your current needs.

If you prefer to do it alone, you know that there are countless free resources online. Different solutions for different people.

Niño, Imágenes Prediseñadas, Linda

Whatever system you choose, good luck with your pronunciation!

It may seem daunting at first but learning phonetics is a lot more fun than it looks.

And, it will boost your confidence!