American Pronunciation

If you're interested in learning American pronunciation, most likely English is your second language.

Maybe you're a businessman; you recognize that the best way to be understood in the global village is to speak English the way Americans do. Or perhaps you're a student seriously considering migrating to the States. You may also be an employee of an American company which outsource business processes to your country.

It's likely you're already fluent in the language, but need help sounding like a native.

If this is the case, consider the following tips on how to develop pronunciation that Americans will understand:

1. Get exposure.

   American pronunciation is best learned in vivo, not from a textbook! So put yourself in the company of Americans that you know, or at least watch a lot of US TV programs. Pay close attention to the way words are pronounced, and the way phrases and sentences are delivered. If you're exposed to native speakers - better yet, if you interact with Americans on a regular basis, you'll have an easier time learning American pronunciation.

2. Know the basic phonemes of American pronunciation.

   For example: the schwa. Schwa is a reduced vowel sound common in the English language, and is usually found in unstressed syllables. For example, the "u" in "supply" is a schwa; the vowel is not enunciated as strongly as say, the "u" in "unilateral".

   The schwa sound is problematic for many non-English speakers because the phoneme is rarely found in other languages. More so, the schwa sound changes depending on the consonants that surround the vowel with the schwa sound. Familiarization of various schwa sounds is needed to master the phoneme.

3. Have your pronunciation assessed by a professional pronunciation/ accent trainer.

   The sounds that are problematic for one person are not necessarily problematic for another; it's best to get individualized assessment on areas of strength and areas for improvement. This advice is particular important when availing of programs offered to the general population. Problematic areas are usually influenced by native language, even native dialect.

   For example: those from Middle Eastern nations usually have problems pronouncing the American "r" because the letter "r" in Arabic is produced differently. Chinese, on the other hand, have trouble with the American "l", and the Japanese have no "l" in their alphabet at all!

4. Gradually move on to intonation.

   Pronouncing syllables is one thing, but sounding like a native while delivering words and sentences is another! Learn the tone pattern typical of specific communication. For example, the same word can have a different intonation pattern depending on whether it's used as a noun or a verb, the same sentence would sound differenty when used for a declarative or interrogative purpose.

   Different accents within the United States also create differences in intonation pattern. It's important to be aware of these differences in order to put the proper stress and inflection in one's communication.

5. Get help.

   There are many resources available today that can assist a person interested in developing or improving his or her American pronunciation. For starters, there are downloadable audio files that teach pronunciation. The great thing about these files is that they can be listened to at one's leisure. But if you're looking for something that is more directive, you can enroll at a workshop that teaches pronunciation. There are courses available on the web, and likely courses available in your local speech center.

Learning American pronunciation is a key step to better communication with native American speakers. If your American audience or colleagues have trouble understanding you, it might be time to learn the way to pronounce words the way they will understand.

Pronunciation resources

• Phonemes for American pronunciation from Carnegie Mellon University.
• Phonemes YouTube video.
• Learning more about pronunciation.