In a previous blog I talked about my vocabulary learning techniques.
This time around I am going to look into pronunciation. I have to admit this is a topic I didn´t think of a lot in the past. Sure I talk English in school and with my foreign friends, but it is not something I analysed before.
It all started when we had to read two dialogues in class and our Professor recorded us. When I later heard my recording I realized I hated my voice - and I know I am not the only one.
When I got the feedback, my Professor pointed out that I have a problem with the “ th” sound. I never realised it before because like I said I never spent any time analysing myself. But when I listened back it became clear that there is room for improvement. So I decided to practise it, and what better source for that than Youtube :)
This Video really helped me because like he sad - when practising sounds, never be afraid to exaggerate. At first, even though I was alone and in my room I felt kind of stupid but in the end it really helped and it was kind of fun. So go ahead and try :)
I would strongly advise you to go through her videos. The explanations she provides are great and it makes learning easy.
Since I am not a native speaker it is natural that I have an accent. This is the feedback I got :
I can detect your accent, so practice shadowing some of your favorite actors/actresses and try to sound more like them. It may help to be a bit of an actress yourself and try to get into the role of a native speaker. Record a scene from a show or movie and try to perform it until you sound exactly like the person you want to model. Be sure to record yourself and be critical. How close are you really? Can you speak quickly and accurately? Go on, it's fun!
At first I thought, well I am definitely not going to do that! But then I thought about it. If it helped with the “th” sound it should definitely help me with my accent. So I tried it and I have to admit that it was fun ( but don´t tell my Professor that ;) ). Don´t worry I didn´t turn my room into a stage but I did try to put as many emotions into it as I could. And it is very difficult at first. But if you start with one sentence and practise it until you master it it becomes very easy in time. I am not saying that I got rid of my accent entirely but I think if I stick to this strategy it will get better in time.
And since I talked about accents here is a funny video which always makes me laugh. :D
