Why on Earth is pronouncing words in a foreign language so tough?!

Today we’re going to unclose the world of pronunciation and its connection to fluency in a new language.

If you’ve never tripped over your words or had folks scratch their heads when you’re trying to chat in a new language, well, you’re a unicorn! 

Learning a new lingo can be like a comedy show, with blunders and misfires, but don’t sweat it. Those goofy moments are all a natural part of the journey to boost your language learning with perfect pronunciation to become a fluent, culturally savvy, and more awesome version of yourself.

What brain experts found out about pronunciation and fluency?

Neuroscientists have been digging into this, and here’s the lowdown in simpler terms:

Sounds matter

Your brain’s got to wrap itself around totally different sounds, and that’s no easy feat. Think of it like trying to play a new instrument – you’ve got to get your brain and your mouth to cooperate.

Age matters

Kids have it easier because their brains are like sponges, soaking up new languages. Adults? Not so much. It’s a bit like trying to teach an old dog new tricks, but with words.

Muscle memory

Pronouncing foreign words is like a tongue-twisting dance for your mouth muscles. Your brain needs to be the choreographer, and it takes practice to get those moves right.

Memory overload

Speaking a foreign language isn’t just about knowing the words; it’s also juggling all the pronunciation rules. It’s like patting your head, rubbing your tummy, and reciting poetry all at once.

Stress messes things up

Stress and anxiety can mess with your language game. When your brain’s in “panic mode,” it’s not too interested in perfect pronunciation.

Native Language Habits

Your brain’s best buds with your native language. So when you try to speak a new one, it might throw in some of those familiar sounds, even if they don’t belong.

So, next time you fumble over foreign words, just remember, it’s not you – it’s your brain’s way of saying, ‘Hey, this is kinda tricky!’ 

Why master pronunciation in a foreign language?

When we say “pronunciation”, it isn’t just about sounding like a native speaker, OK? It’s about making yourself understood. 

Sounding like a native isn’t all that important – in fact, having an accent can be quite charming. The key is to pronounce each sound as close as possible to how the natives do.

Pronunciation is the bridge that connects your thoughts to the world, and if that bridge is rickety, the message can get lost.

We’ll show you now all the importance of mastering pronunciation. 

1. Clarity and comprehension

Let’s start with the most apparent reason why pronunciation matters: clarity. Proper pronunciation ensures that your words are understandable to others. Mispronunciations or unclear speech can lead to confusion, miscommunication, and even frustration for both you and your conversation partner.

Imagine ordering your favorite dish at a restaurant, but the waiter misunderstands you because you mispronounced the name of the dish. This simple slip can result in disappointment or an entirely different meal arriving at your table.

Good pronunciation ensures you get what you want and avoid unnecessary hassles.

2. More confidence

Effective pronunciation also boosts your confidence. When you know that you can express yourself clearly, you’re more likely to participate in conversations and take the lead when necessary. Confidence in your pronunciation will help you to overcome the anxiety that often comes with speaking a new language.

3. Cultural awareness

Pronunciation is deeply connected to cultural awareness. It’s not just about the sounds; it’s about the nuances and cultural connotations of language. Learning to pronounce words correctly means understanding the culture they come from. 

This awareness enriches your language skills and allows you to engage more deeply with native speakers and their culture.

Let’s give you some interesting examples of the link between pronunciation and culture, using Japanese.

• Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on politeness and respect. Proper pronunciation is a part of this respect, as mispronouncing words can sometimes unintentionally convey disrespect or lack of understanding.
• Japanese has different levels of politeness and formality. Correct pronunciation is often tied to these levels, and understanding when and how to use them is essential for cultural awareness. Mispronunciation can lead to awkward or disrespectful interactions.
• Japanese has many homophones (words that sound the same but have different meanings). Correct pronunciation helps you distinguish between them, avoiding misunderstandings and potential cultural faux pas.
• In Japan, certain words might be pronounced differently in various regions or may have special connotations that go beyond their dictionary definitions. Japanese people often appreciate when foreigners take the time to learn their language properly, including pronunciation. It demonstrates a genuine interest in their culture and a willingness to connect on a deeper level.

Common pronunciation pitfalls

Now that we’ve established the importance of pronunciation, let’s take a look at some common pronunciation pitfalls that foreign language learners often encounter:

Vowel sounds

English is a notorious example of a language with a complex vowel system – it has approximately 14 vowel sounds!

Many learners find it challenging to differentiate between vowel sounds like /ɪ/ in “bit” and /iː/ in “beet.” So, mispronouncing vowel sounds can lead to misunderstandings, as many English words are distinguished solely by their vowel sounds.

Consonant sounds

Consonant sounds can be tricky, too. For example, in English, the /ð/ sound in “this” and “that” is often mispronounced by non-native speakers. The /θ/ sound in “think” and “thought” is another challenge. Mispronouncing these sounds can affect comprehension.

The Soft “C” and “Z” (Alveopalatal Fricatives) [θ] and [s]: In some Spanish dialects, the “c” and “z” are pronounced as soft, hissing sounds similar to the “th” in the English word “thin” ([θ]). This sound is not present in all Spanish dialects, but in those where it is, speakers of other languages may find it challenging to pronounce accurately.

Some words with the [θ] sound are

Zanahoria

Meaning “carrot.”

Cien

Meaning “one hundred.”

Cinco

Meaning “five.”

Word stress and intonation

Getting the stress pattern wrong can make your speech sound unnatural. Intonation, the rise and fall of pitch in speech, is also essential for conveying meaning and emotion. Misplaced word stress or intonation can lead to misunderstandings or make you sound robotic.

Some languages are stress-timed, which means that certain syllables in words are stressed while others are not. Languages that are considered stress-timed include German, Dutch, and many Slavic languages. 

On the other hand, syllable-timed languages are languages in which the timing of speech is more regular, and each syllable tends to take up roughly the same amount of time. This results in a more even, metronome-like rhythm in the language. French and Portuguese are syllable-timed languages. 

Consonant  clusters

English words often have consonant clusters, like in “strength” or “sixth.” These can be difficult to pronounce correctly, especially if your native language doesn’t use similar clusters.

Some examples:

Russian features consonant clusters within words, such as “строитель” (builder), which includes the cluster “стр.”

Icelandic has complex consonant clusters that can appear at the beginning or end of words, like in “flugvél” (airplane).

Silent letters

Some languages have letters that are not pronounced, and pronouncing silent letters in them can lead to confusion.

In German, there are instances where the final “e” is not pronounced. For example, in the word “Name,” the final “e” is silent. Dutch, like German, can have silent letters, such as the “e” in “telefoon” (telephone).

7 tricks for better pronunciation

Now that we’ve identified some common pronunciation challenges, let’s explore ways to improve your pronunciation:

1. Keep practicing

There’s no shortcut to mastering pronunciation. Regular practice is essential. Find time each day to practice speaking the target language, whether it’s reading a book, singing songs, or engaging in casual conversations with native speakers.

2. Listen actively

Pay close attention to how native speakers pronounce words. Listen to podcasts, watch movies, and engage in real conversations in the new language. Mimicking native speakers can help you understand the correct pronunciation of words.

3. Use online resources

There are countless online resources dedicated to improving pronunciation. Websites and apps like Forvo, Pronunciation Dictionary, and many YouTube channels offer audio clips and exercises to help you practice.

4. Record yourself

Recording your speech is an effective way to track your progress. Listen to your recordings and compare them to native speakers. Identify areas where you need improvement and work on them consistently.

5. Seek Feedback

Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from native speakers or language instructors. They can provide valuable insights into your pronunciation and offer specific guidance for improvement.

6. Phonetic transcriptions

Learn to read and use phonetic transcriptions, which represent the sounds of words. Understanding the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) can be a helpful tool for grasping correct pronunciation.

7. Practice minimal pairs

Minimal pairs are pairs of words that differ by only one sound, such as 

밥 | bap

This word means “rice” in Korean

밥 /pap/ – This word means “night” in Korean.

Practicing minimal pairs can help you fine-tune your ability to distinguish between similar sounds.

How pronunciation ties into fluency

The good news: practicing pronunciation can substantially improve fluency! Here’s an example to illustrate how practicing pronunciation can enhance fluency:

Example:

Let’s say you’re learning Spanish, and you’re having a conversation with a native speaker or another learner on the Speaky app. Your native language is English or Italian, and initially, you struggle with the pronunciation of the Spanish “r” sound (which is quite distinct from the English or the Italian “r”). 

Scenario 1: you have almost no pronunciation practice

In this scenario, your “r” sound remains inconsistent and unnatural. When you encounter words with the Spanish “r” sound, you might:

• Pronounce it incorrectly or avoid using the sound altogether.
• Struggle to make yourself understood, leading to communication difficulties.
• Experience frustration and hesitation during conversations, which disrupts your fluency.

Scenario 2: you have active pronunciation practice

In this scenario, you’ve been actively working on your pronunciation by practicing the Spanish “r” sound regularly with your partner on the Speaky app. As a result:

• You can confidently pronounce the “r” sound correctly in words like “perro” (dog) or “rojo” (red).
• Your speech is clearer and more natural, making it easier for others to understand you.
• You experience less hesitation and can express yourself more fluently because you’re not constantly worried about pronunciation challenges.

Now that you have a better grasp of why pronunciation is vital and how to improve it, let’s explore how pronunciation is linked to overall fluency in your new language.

Speed and ease of communication

Accurate pronunciation allows you to speak more fluently. When you can pronounce words effortlessly and correctly, your speech becomes smoother and faster. You don’t have to pause to think about how to pronounce a word, which hinders the flow of conversation.

Reduced misunderstandings

Clear pronunciation minimizes misunderstandings. When you speak fluently with proper pronunciation, your message is more likely to be received as intended, reducing the need for clarification and repetition.

Effective communication

Fluency isn’t just about speaking quickly; it’s about expressing your thoughts and ideas effectively. Pronunciation is a crucial aspect of this effectiveness. When your pronunciation is strong, your communication is more persuasive and convincing.

Listening and comprehension skills

Good pronunciation enhances your listening and comprehension skills. It’s a two-way street. By learning to pronounce words correctly, you become more adept at recognizing them when spoken by others.

Vocabulary expansion

Proper pronunciation opens the door to a broader vocabulary. As you improve your pronunciation, you’ll become more confident in using words that you may have hesitated to pronounce correctly in the past. This, in turn, enriches your vocabulary and fluency.

In conclusion

Did you see?! Pronunciation is not just a detail in your journey to fluency in your target language – it’s a fundamental building block. 

So, don’t shy away from the challenge of pronunciation. Keep in mind while talking to a partner on the Speaky app.