Same Spelling, Different Pronunciation
/Some English words have the same spelling, but their pronunciation is different. We give some examples and a simple rule regarding nouns versus verbs.
sharing the life stories of immigrants, expatriates, and refugees to the United States
Some English words have the same spelling, but their pronunciation is different. We give some examples and a simple rule regarding nouns versus verbs.
One of the harder English sounds to make is the 'th' sound. Alan gives tips on the two different pronunciations for this tricky American English pronunciation.
How do English learners make their speech more fluid and natural sounding? By linking adjacent words together. Alan gives some examples.
Learners of English often try so hard to pronounce words correctly that they over-pronounce them and end up sounding like robots. Join Alan for some tips on pronouncing English words smoothly and naturally.
In their daily interactions, Americans speak very quickly. For example, fast food workers say things like, "Freertago?" If you're not prepared, you may not understand what they're asking you. Alan gives several examples of fast speech in English.
This lesson on word stress gives you practice in reducing the first syllable of many common English words. The trick is to employ /ə/ (schwa) as a weak, shortened half-syllable that contrasts with fully stressed syllables.
Alan teaches the pronunciation of Vowel #15 in American English: /oi/. He includes spelling patterns, exceptions, and sample sentences for practice.
Advanced English pronunciation tip: Alan gives nine examples of when native speakers don't pronounce "h" in their speech. A recommendation for sounding less like a robot, more like a native speaker.
Once you've understood the individual sounds of English (consonants and vowels), it's time to focus on the music of English pronunciation. Alan gives an introduction to English rhythms with this lesson on word stress.
An overview of the 24 consonants of American English, part 2. Alan gives examples of the "flowing" consonants. In the previous lesson, he went over the "stop" consonants of English.
Feel Like You Belong is a sometimes serious, sometimes funny, always “touch-your-heart” real conversation about fitting into the American culture. It introduces guests who have made the immigrant journey to the United States. The stories–of both struggle and success–will help newcomers feel more confident in sharing their opinions and expertise, more likely to want to stay in the U.S., be more productive in their jobs, and fully invest in their communities.