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Fun Easy English Classroom January 8
 

Classroom
Today


Introduction to
American English
pronunciation
American English Pronunciation Introduction

Today in the Fun Easy English classroom you will learn about American English pronunciation. Knowing a lot of vocabulary, and using perfect grammar MEANS NOTHING if nobody can understand you. Pronunciation is the most important part of your English language study. Today you will be introduced to the basics of American English pronunciation.
Hey if you cannot understand something on this page,
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Pronunciation: Introduction

American English pronunciation is all about using the proper mouth, lips, and tongue positions in order to correctly produce the basic 44 sounds of the English language.
Your vocal cords are also an important part of pronunciation producing both "voiced" and "unvoiced" sounds. With "voiced" sounds you CAN listen to and feel your vocal cords vibrating when pronouncing the sound. With "unvoiced" sounds you CANNOT listen to or feel your vocal cords vibrating when pronouncing the sound.

In addition, many of the sounds in English can be spelled a few different ways making it more difficult to learn correct pronunciation. For example the sound "aw" as in the word raw, can be spelled with a, au, aw, o, and ou.
Fun Easy English Pronunciation Lessons
Video: Pronunciation Introduction
 
Video: Pronunciation Comedy Introducing Akiko
From YOUR Teacher: English Pronunciation

Learning English pronunciation is definitely where you should focus much of your study time if you want to speak English correctly.

After all, using perfect English grammar and knowing a lot of vocabulary MEANS NOTHING if nobody can understand you.
 
Additional Lessons
About These Lessons

The following classroom lessons are great for students who want additional conversation, listening, and reading practice.
  • Conversation Lesson - Beginner Level. Let's Learn English conversation lesson with a conversation video, a video script, audio listening practice, video speaking practice, video pronunciation practice, a new words section, and a writing activity.
Conversation Lesson 8 - Are You Busy?

In this lesson Anna wants to apologize to her co-workers. She learns what they do at the same time every day.
Lesson Video

Watch the video and then do the activities on this page.
Video Script

Anna: Hi, Anne. Are you busy?
Anne: Hi, Anna. Yes. At 10 a.m. I am writing. Every day I do my morning show. Sorry!
Anna: Okay. See you later, maybe.
Anne: Maybe I’ll see you later.
Anna: Hi, Jonathan. Are you busy?
Jonathan: Yes, I’m busy. When the studio light is on, I am recording my evening show.
Anna: Right. Sorry about yesterday.
Jonathan: No worries.
Anna: May I see the studio?
Jonathan: Um, maybe another time? Right now I am busy.
Anna: Sure. Okay, ’bye.
Jonathan: ‘Bye.
Anna: Hi, Amelia! Are you busy?
Amelia: I’m a little busy.
Anna: I want to say I’m sorry for yesterday.
Amelia: It’s okay, Anna.
Anna: Well, I am sorry.
Amelia: It’s okay, Anna. Come by this afternoon.
Anna: Okay.
Caty: Anna.
Anna: Yes, Ms. Weaver.
Caty: Are you busy?
Anna: Yes, Ms. Weaver. I am busy.
Caty: My office. 5:00 p.m.
Anna: 5:00 p.m.
Caty: Come in.
Co-Workers: Surprise!
Anna: A party! Awesome! And I still have my job! Phew!* Until next time!
* Phew! is a sound used to show that you are relieved, tired, or hot
Listening

Now practice listening to only the audio portion of the conversation.
Speaking

In this video, learn to say the new words. Learn to talk about three times of the day.
Pronunciation

In this video, you ​learn how Americans make hesitation noises, like um, to give themselves more time to think of an answer. You can also learn how to use emphasis when you apologize and accept an apology.
New Words
  • afternoon - n. the middle part of the day : the part of the day between noon and evening
  • apologize - v. to express regret for doing or saying something wrong : to give or make an apology
  • evening - n. the last part of the day and early part of the night
  • job - n. the work that a person does regularly in order to earn money
  • later - adj. happening near the end of a process, activity, series, life, etc.
  • light - n. a source of light (such as an electric lamp)
  • maybe - adv. possibly but not certainly
  • morning - n. the early part of the day : the time of day from sunrise until noon
  • now - adv. at the present time
  • studio - n. the building or room where an artist works
  • surprise - n. an unexpected event, piece of information, etc.
  • yesterday - n. the day before today
Activity

What do you do every morning? You can see some examples in the Activity Sheet. Do the activity and practice talking with a friend about when you are busy. Write about it in the Facebook Comments section below. Click lesson activity to get the printable PDF version. The page opens to a new window.
Conversation Lessons

Study all 52 English conversation lessons. Let's Learn English conversation lessons each with a conversation video, a video script, audio listening practice, video speaking practice, video pronunciation practice, a new words section, and a writing activity. These lessons are for beginners.
Source: Voice of America
 
Additional Information
Avoid Ineffective Study Methods

The complete lesson includes an audio program explaining this topic, the script for the audio program, a words in this story section, and other important information.
Click for the complete lesson
Audio Program

Listen to the audio program explaining this topic.
 
Improve Your Pronunciation by Training Your Ears

The complete lesson includes an audio program explaining this topic, the script for the audio program, a words in this story section, and other important information.
Click for the complete lesson
Audio Program

Listen to the audio program explaining this topic.
 
Improve Your Long-Term Memory by Spacing Practice

The lesson includes an audio program explaining this topic, the script for the audio program, a words in this story section, and other important information.
Click for the complete lesson
Audio Program

Listen to the audio program explaining this topic.
 
Hey Students,

Use this dictionary and reference to look up any words you do not understand in Fun Easy English.

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