When I do a pronunciation assessment, I look at three key areas. The first two are the ones that come to mind when most people think about pronunciation. These are the individual sounds – also called “phonemes” or “segmentals” – the vowels and consonants....
What is the relationship between spelling and pronunciation? I recently saw an article about the pronunciation of the word PHO, a popular Vietnamese noodle soup. Based on the spelling, most Canadians and Americans tend to pronounce the word as FOE (rhyming with the...
You CAN learn to speak clearly and be better understood when you speak English. Do you have difficulties understanding and/or being understood? The ability to participate comfortably in a conversation depends upon language and context. Understanding the culture, being...
What are muscle buttons? In the following video, pronunciation instructor, Adrian Underhill, talks of the key physical elements which we all need to be able to isolate in order to move from habitual mouth movements to adjusting these movements at will. Pronunciation...
What is the language strategy at your company? Does it even have one? If not, they are missing the boat since it is essential when hiring internationally-trained employees who have the skills you want and just need coaching in the specifics of particular aspects of...
