Pronunciation: Understanding Fast English Speech

Introduction

• Native English speakers often sound like they talk quickly.
• Turning on subtitles usually reveals that you understand all words, but it still sounds fast.
• The issue lies in the weak forms of words, not in grammar or vocabulary.

Problem Statement

• Do you feel scared or embarrassed when speaking English?
• Fear of making mistakes can hold you back from speaking confidently.
• Solution: One-to-one English lessons with a qualified teacher on Preply can help.
  • Offer: 50% off the first lesson with code 'Emma'.
  • Benefit: Improved confidence in various settings (university, work, travel, exams).
  • Consistency: Helps maintain a regular study schedule.
  • Bonus: Free PDF lesson notes for extra practice available in the video description.

Pronunciation Lesson

Why Does English Sound Fast?

• English is actually one of the slowest spoken languages.
• Uses weak forms which make it sound fast.
• English is a stress-timed language:
  • Important words are pronounced loudly and clearly.
  • Less important grammatical words are quicker, quieter, and weaker.

Focus Words for Weak Forms

• List of Words: and, to, for, of, a, the
• Strong forms use clear pronunciation; weak forms are used in sentences.

'And'

• Strong Form: and (pronounced clearly)
• Weak Forms:
  • /ən/ or /n/
  • Commonly heard as /n/

Practice Sentences:

• She bought some apples and oranges from the market.
• They laughed and talked all night.
• They went shopping and then to a restaurant.

'To'

• Strong Form: to (with long 'oo')
• Weak Forms:
  • /tə/ (when the next word starts with a vowel)
  • /t/ (when the next word starts with a consonant)

Practice Sentences:

• I want to eat.
• I want to go.
• I’m going to the shop.
• I want to talk to you.
• I’m looking forward to the weekend.

'For'

• Strong Form: for (British English doesn’t pronounce the final 'r')
• Weak Form: /fə/

Practice Sentences:

• This present is for you.
• I’m looking for my keys.
• I’ve lived in London for three years.

'Of'

• Strong Form: of (with voiced 'v' sound)
• Weak Forms:
  • /əv/ (voiced; next word starts with voiced sound)
  • /əf/ (voiceless; next word starts with voiceless sound)
  • /ə/ (informal)

Practice Sentences:

• He’s a good friend of mine.
• A bottle of water please.
• Who’s the manager of the company?

'A'

• Strong Form: a
• Weak Form: /ə/
  • Note: context is important for understanding.

Practice Sentences:

• There’s a cat in the garden.
• May I borrow a pen?
• There’s a message for you.

'The'

• Strong Form: the (long 'ee')
• Weak Forms:
  • /ði/ (next word starts with a vowel)
  • /ðə/ (next word starts with a consonant)

Practice Sentences:

• Pass me the book on the table.
• Can you see the dog?
• There’s someone at the door.

Conclusion

• Free PDF for more practice sentences and summary is available in the video description.
• Book a lesson on Preply and use code 'Emma' for a discount.
• Encourage engagement: mention where you’re watching the video from in the comments.
• Subscribe for more videos to improve pronunciation and listening skills.
• Thank you for watching and see you in the next lesson!
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