| Have you ever heard Americans speak your native language? Practice imitating their accent. This will help you get in touch with the American mouth movements and sounds. For example, when Americans speak Spanish, you will notice that they often prolong the Spanish o into an /ou/ sound. “Hola amigo” often sounds like: “oula amigou.” Similarly, “my friends Ricardo and Roberto” sounds like: “my friends Ricardou and Robertou.” A similar vowel change often occurs when Americans speak French. The vowel /ɛ/ ends up sounding like /eɪ/. “Je vais au marché” can sound like: “Je veiii au marcheiii.” So, when you speak English, prolong these vowels the same way, and you will be on the right track! |
