DAY 1 – Introduction to American English
Play the video and practice your American vowels, consonants, and dipthongs!
American English Phonetics:
- Vowels:
- /æ/ as in “cat”: This is a short, low vowel sound, as heard in words like “cat” or “hat.”
- /ɑ:/ as in “car”: This is a long, low vowel sound, as heard in words like “car” or “bar.”
- /ɔ:/ as in “dog”: This is a long, mid-back rounded vowel sound, as heard in words like “dog” or “caught.”
- /ɛ/ as in “bed”: This is a short, mid-front vowel sound, as heard in words like “bed” or “let.”
- /i:/ as in “see”: This is a long, high front vowel sound, as heard in words like “see” or “tree.”
- /ɪ/ as in “sit”: This is a short, lax high front vowel sound, as heard in words like “sit” or “big.”
- /ʌ/ as in “cut”: This is a short, mid-central vowel sound, as heard in words like “cut” or “luck.”
- /ʊ/ as in “put”: This is a short, high back rounded vowel sound, as heard in words like “put” or “book.”
- /eɪ/ as in “say”: This is a long diphthong, starting with a mid-front vowel sound and gliding into a long high front vowel sound, as heard in words like “say” or “way.”
- /oʊ/ as in “go”: This is a long diphthong, starting with a mid-back rounded vowel sound and gliding into a long high back rounded vowel sound, as heard in words like “go” or “no.”
- /aɪ/ as in “buy”: This is a diphthong, starting with a low front vowel sound and gliding into a long high front vowel sound, as heard in words like “buy” or “pie.”
- /aʊ/ as in “now”: This is a diphthong, starting with a low back rounded vowel sound and gliding into a long high back rounded vowel sound, as heard in words like “now” or “how.”
- /ɔɪ/ as in “boy”: This is a diphthong, starting with a mid-back rounded vowel sound and gliding into a mid-front vowel sound, as heard in words like “boy” or “toy.”
- /ju:/ as in “you”: This is a long, high front vowel sound followed by a semivowel glide, as heard in words like “you” or “music.”
- Consonants:
- American English has a variety of consonant sounds. Here are the basic consonant sounds commonly used in American English:
- These are the primary consonant sounds in American English. However, it’s important to note that some consonant sounds may be influenced by neighboring sounds and can vary slightly in pronunciation depending on the word or regional accent.
- Additionally, American English includes consonant clusters, where two or more consonant sounds occur together in a word. Some common consonant clusters in American English include “st” as in “stop,” “bl” as in “blue,” “tr” as in “tree,” and “sp” as in “spot.” Mastering consonant clusters can greatly improve your overall pronunciation and fluency in American English.
- /p/ as in “pen”
- /b/ as in “boy”
- /t/ as in “top”
- /d/ as in “dog”
- /k/ as in “cat”
- /g/ as in “go”
- /f/ as in “fan”
- /v/ as in “van”
- /θ/ as in “think”
- /ð/ as in “this”
- /s/ as in “sit”
- /z/ as in “zip”
- /ʃ/ as in “she”
- /ʒ/ as in “measure”
- /h/ as in “house”
- /m/ as in “man”
- /n/ as in “no”
- /ŋ/ as in “sing”
- /l/ as in “love”
- /r/ as in “red”
- /w/ as in “well”
- /j/ as in “yes”
- Diphthongs:
- Diphthongs are a type of vowel sound in which the tongue starts at one position and glides to another within a single syllable. In American English, there are several diphthongs that are commonly used. Here are some examples:
- /eɪ/ as in “day”: This diphthong starts with an “eh” sound and glides into a long “ee” sound, as in the word “day.”
- /aɪ/ as in “light”: This diphthong begins with an “ah” sound and transitions into a long “ee” sound, as in the word “light.”
- /ɔɪ/ as in “boy”: This diphthong starts with an “oh” sound and glides into an “ee” sound, as in the word “boy.”
- /aʊ/ as in “house”: This diphthong begins with an “ah” sound and transitions into an “oo” sound, as in the word “house.”
- /oʊ/ as in “go”: This diphthong starts with an “oh” sound and glides into a long “oo” sound, as in the word “go.”
- /ɪə/ as in “near”: This diphthong starts with a short “ih” sound and glides into a schwa sound, which is a neutral vowel sound, as in the word “near.”
- /eə/ as in “care”: This diphthong begins with an “eh” sound and transitions into a schwa sound, as in the word “care.”
- /ʊə/ as in “tour”: This diphthong starts with an “oo” sound and glides into a schwa sound, as in the word “tour.”
- /aɪə/ as in “fire”: This diphthong combines the sounds of the “ah” vowel, the long “ee” sound, and a schwa sound, as in the word “fire.”
- /aʊə/ as in “hour”: This diphthong combines the sounds of the “ah” vowel, the “oo” sound, and a schwa sound, as in the word “hour.”
- Diphthongs add complexity and variety to the pronunciation of words in American English. It’s important to pay attention to the gliding movement between the two vowel sounds to pronounce them accurately. Practice and exposure to native speakers can help you become more comfortable with producing these diphthong sounds.
EXERCISE 1:
Read the passage aloud, paying attention to the specific sounds and practicing the correct pronunciation. Focus on clarity, intonation, and rhythm. Recording yourself and comparing it to native speaker models can help you identify areas for improvement. Play the audio sample below for guidance.
“Sam and Kate went on a hike to the lake. They packed a bag with sandwiches, fruit, and a big jug of lemonade. The sun was shining brightly as they walked along the path, enjoying the beautiful scenery. They spotted a group of ducks swimming in the water, and Sam tried to imitate their quacking sounds.
As they reached the lake, they saw a boat floating peacefully. Kate suggested they rent a boat and row across the lake. Sam agreed, and they quickly paddled away, their laughter echoing across the water. The wind blew through their hair, and they felt exhilarated.
After some time, they docked the boat and explored a nearby forest. The trees towered above them, casting shadows on the ground. They spotted a squirrel scurrying up a tree and marveled at its agility.
As the day came to a close, they made their way back to the starting point. They were tired but content. Sam and Kate knew they had experienced a wonderful adventure together.”
EXERCISE 2:
Read the passage aloud, emphasizing the diphthong sounds and practicing their accurate pronunciation. Pay attention to the gliding movement between the two vowel sounds. Remember to maintain proper intonation, stress, and rhythm. Practicing with a native speaker or using pronunciation resources can further enhance your diphthong pronunciation skills. Play the audio sample below for guidance.
“The bright sky displayed hues of pink and gold as the sun began to set. Sarah and Mike sat on the porch, sipping hot tea and enjoying the cool breeze. Sarah pointed to a rainbow stretching across the horizon, its vibrant colors capturing their attention.
They reminisced about their recent trip to the coast. Sarah described the breathtaking view of the ocean waves crashing against the shore. Mike recalled the joy of building sandcastles on the beach and collecting seashells.
As they continued their conversation, they couldn’t help but laugh at the memory of trying to fly kites on a windy day. The kites danced in the sky, twisting and turning, as they struggled to control them.
Later that evening, they attended a live performance of their favorite band. The lead singer’s voice soared through the air, creating a magical atmosphere. They swayed to the music, singing along to every word.
Reflecting on the day’s adventures, Sarah and Mike felt grateful for the experiences they shared. With hearts full of happiness, they looked forward to many more joyful moments together.”
Intonation and Stress Patterns:
Intonation in American English is the rise and fall of pitch in order to convey a range of meanings, emotions, or situations. English rhythm requires that some words or syllables receive , definite prominence while others are relegated to the background.
Emphasis is more commonly called STRESS
Play the recording per line item and practice along!
STRESSED AND UNSTRESSED
And And, I’ll tell you something else.
Jean and Beth are coming
As As if I didn’t already know that.
Mine is as good as his.
At At nine o’clock, I want to watch a movie.
He’s at the store.
Had I had to do it.
They had already seen the movie.
Would Would you please hurry?
I would have come.
Will She will do it.
The day will get hotter.
Are Are you sure?
Where are the boys?
Or Or, here’s something else to consider.
Was it two or three months ago?
Play the recording per line item and practice along!
STATEMENT
Stress the nouns and let the tone fall at the end of the sentence.
“Dogs eat bones.”
INTRO PHRASE
Use a rising tone when prefacing a statement.
“As we all know, dogs eat bones.”
QUESTION
A regular question goes up (compared with a statement), but drops back down at the end.
“Do dogs eat bones?“
FIRST HALF, SECOND HALF
The first half of a sentence usually sets up the second half.
“Dogs eat bones, but cats eat fish.“
LISTING
With more than one item in a list, all but the last one have a rising tone.
“Dogs eat bones, rice, and meat.“
REPEATED QUESTION
A repeated, rhetorical or emotional question goes up, and then up again at the end.
“Do dogs eat bones?!“
EXERCISE 3:
Read the passage aloud, paying attention to the specific sounds and practicing the correct pronunciation. Focus on clarity, intonation, and rhythm. Recording yourself and comparing it to native speaker models can help you identify areas for improvement. Play the audio sample below for guidance.
Once upon a time, in a small village nestled in the hills, lived a wise old man named Thomas. He had a reputation for offering sage advice and helping others find their way.
One day, a young traveler named Emily arrived in the village seeking guidance. She was lost and unsure of her path. Emily approached Thomas and asked for his wisdom. With a gentle smile, Thomas spoke, “Remember, my dear, life is a journey with many twists and turns.”
Thomas went on to explain that challenges and obstacles are part of the adventure. “It is in facing these trials that we grow and discover our true strength,” he said. Emily listened intently, captivated by his words.
As the sun began to set, Thomas continued, “Have faith in yourself, for you possess the power to shape your destiny.” His words resonated deep within Emily’s heart. She felt a renewed sense of determination and hope.
With gratitude, Emily bid farewell to Thomas and set off on her journey. As she walked, she reflected on his words, their intonational stress lingering in her mind. “Life is a journey,” she repeated, emphasizing the rise and fall of her voice.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Emily faced challenges along the way, but she never forgot the lessons she learned from Thomas. With each hurdle, her spirit grew stronger, and she embraced the adventure.
Finally, Emily arrived at her destination, a place she once only dreamed of. She realized that her journey was not just about reaching the end but embracing the experiences and growth along the way.
And so, with newfound wisdom and a heart filled with gratitude, Emily continued to explore the world, embracing life’s ever-unfolding story.
SYLLABLE STRESS
In spoken English, if you stress the wrong syllable, you can lose the meaning of a word: “MA-sheen” is hardly recognized as“maSHEEN” or machine.
| 1′-2 | 1-2′ | 1′-2-3 | 1-2′-3 |
| bury | around | vigilance | distinguish |
| judgment | occur | readiness | abandon |
| dollar | submit | mineral | eraser |
| minus | disease | emphasis | delicious |
| nation | deceive | similar | paternal |
| 1-2-3′ | 1′-2-3-4 | 1-2′-3-4 |
| overlook | memorable | mechanical |
| evermore | personally | immediate |
| premature | accuracy | absurdity |
| magazine | amicably | catastrophe |
| guarantee | delicacy | additional |