How to study pronunciation
Step Three sound track

Part 1
Studying pronunciation may be a significant challenge. There are two ways of looking at studying pronunciation. The first way is that studying pronunciation is necessary and helpful. Some people firmly believe this. They believe that if you do not have good pronunciation when you learn new words that your pronunciation will freeze. Once it freezes, the way you speak will remain non-standard.

The second way is that studying pronunciation is neither necessary nor helpful. Some people firmly believe this. They explain that the problem is simply a lack of language knowledge. They argue that as people spend more time studying and practicing, their pronunciation will get better.

Reality probably lies somewhere between these two ways, differing according to each student, each student's style, and each student's environment. 

Part 2
We have divided pronunciation into the little picture and the big picture. Both little and big are equally important.

1. The little picture
The little picture is the sounds of English, the consonants and vowels and the connections between words. The sounds of English are complex because English is a mixture of other languages. Here's an example:

First, you need to know the difference among cow, tow and beau.

Note the words cow and tow. You would think that the pronunciation would be the same at the end because both words end in the letters 'ow.' They are not the same. Plus, beau sounds the same as tow.

The best way to study the little picture of pronunciation is to learn how to pronounce individual words when you initially learn them. An electronic dictionary may help your pronunciation. Listening will help your pronunciation. Recording your own voice and listening to it will help you become aware of your strengths and your weaknesses.

Part 3
2. The big picture
The big picture is the rhythm of English. However, one detail that you need to keep in mind is that English has a number of varieties. Standard American English is usually the language of the news in the United States. People from other parts of the English speaking world - for example: Canada, Britain, Australia, Ireland, Uganda, Nigeria, the Virgin Islands - speak other varieties of English.

If you are a beginner, you may not hear the differences between the varieties of English. If you are intermediate, you will hear some of the differences. If you are advanced, you will hear a significant amount of the differences.

Part 4
The best approach to studying the big pronunciation picture is to become aware of the rhythm of English by listening to good English speakers. Please note that we do not always say native-speakers; we say good English speakers.

Listen to how the voices go up and down, where the pauses are, what words and phrases are emphasized. You need to sharpen your ears in order to improve your pronunciation. After you listen, then you need to mimic.

Good luck!

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