TLDR;
This video provides a comprehensive pronunciation training session focused on modern Received Pronunciation (RP) accent. It covers various aspects of British English pronunciation, including the schwa sound, the 'O' sound, the glottal stop, the 'Yoo' sound, the 'Oh' sound, the 'Ahh' sound, dropped syllables, commonly mispronounced words, shortened words, and differences between British and North American pronunciation. The session includes modeling, repetition, and shadowing techniques to improve pronunciation accuracy and fluency.
- Focus on modern Received Pronunciation (RP) accent.
- Includes modeling, repetition, and shadowing techniques.
- Covers various aspects of British English pronunciation.
Intro [0:00]
Lucy introduces a pronunciation training session aimed at helping learners pronounce 100 everyday words in a modern Received Pronunciation (RP) accent. The session is structured into 10 categories, each focusing on specific features of British pronunciation and vocabulary. By the end of the session, learners should notice a marked improvement in their pronunciation. The plan involves Lucy modeling each word slowly and then faster, with learners repeating after her. Additionally, the session includes practicing the words together in full sentences using a technique called shadowing, which helps build fluency, practice English rhythm, and gain confidence.
Pronunciation level test [2:06]
Lucy introduces a free, in-depth online pronunciation level test consisting of 45 questions ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Upon completion of the test, participants will receive their results via email, allowing them to assess the clarity and accuracy of their pronunciation and identify areas for improvement. The link to access the test is provided in the description box, along with a QR code for easy access.
The ‘Uh’ Sound: The Schwa /ə/ [2:53]
Lucy focuses on the schwa sound /ə/, a key feature in many British accents, where the letter 'r' at the end of a word or before consonant sounds is not pronounced. In modern RP, letters like 'er' at the end of words sound like "uh." This sound is the most common in English. The lesson includes practice with 10 common words ending in 'uh' or 'er,' with Lucy modeling each word slowly and then faster for learners to repeat. She also notes that the 'r' is usually pronounced when it comes before a vowel sound.
The ‘O’ Sound: /ɒ/ [5:32]
The lesson shifts to the short 'o' sound /ɒ/, as in the word "offer." To produce this sound, one should pull the tongue to the back of the mouth, open the jaw slightly, and round the lips. In many North American accents, this short 'o' sounds more like a long 'o' or 'ah.' The lesson includes practice with 10 everyday words containing this sound, with Lucy modeling each word for learners to repeat.
The Glottal Stop [7:22]
Lucy introduces the glottal stop, a distinctly British sound made by quickly closing the throat and then releasing the air. This sound often replaces the 't' in the middle or at the end of a word and can also replace other consonant sounds. The use of the glottal stop is irregular, and Lucy tends to use it more in fast, informal speech. The lesson includes practice with 10 words where the glottal stop might be used, with Lucy modeling each word for learners to repeat.
Yoo /juː/, Choo /tʃuː/ & Joo /dʒuː/ [9:44]
Lucy explains that in British English, a soft 'y' sound is often inserted before the "ooh" vowel sound in words like "new." Many speakers from North America and other British dialects drop this 'y' sound. Additionally, when the sounds 't' and 'y' appear together, they can combine to make a 'ch' sound, turning "Tuesday" into "Tuesday". Similarly, 'd' and 'y' can combine to become 'j' as in "June". The lesson includes practice with daily words containing these sounds, with Lucy modeling each word for learners to repeat.
The ‘Oh’ Sound: /əʊ/ [11:51]
Lucy discusses the 'o' sound as in "home," noting that its pronunciation varies depending on the region. To pronounce this sound in modern RP, start with the schwa sound "uh" and smoothly glide to an "ooh" sound. When making the 'o' sound, Lucy often rounds her lips slightly at the end. The lesson includes practice with 10 common words containing this sound, with Lucy modeling each word for learners to repeat.
The ‘Ahh’ Sound: /ɑː/ [13:31]
Lucy focuses on the 'ah' sound as in "car," which she uses frequently, though it is less common in the north of England and North America. Many words with the 'ar' sound that are not spelled with the letter 'r' can be pronounced with a short 'a' as in "apple" instead. The lesson includes practice with 10 words that Lucy pronounces with the long 'ah' sound but are often heard with the short 'a' sound, with Lucy modeling each word for learners to repeat.
Dropped Syllables [15:07]
Lucy explains that shortening words by dropping a syllable is common in many accents. She presents 10 words that Brits tend to shorten, which North Americans might not. The lesson includes practice with these words, with Lucy modeling each word for learners to repeat. She notes that these words are not always shortened but often are in fast speech.
Commonly Mispronounced Words [16:39]
Lucy addresses some of the most commonly mispronounced words in English, modeling them in her modern RP accent. The lesson includes practice with these words, with Lucy modeling each word for learners to repeat.
Shortened Words [17:49]
Lucy covers words that are often shortened when chatting with friends and family. The lesson includes practice with these words, with Lucy modeling each word for learners to repeat.
British vs North American [18:48]
Lucy enlists the help of Joel, who speaks with a general American accent, to highlight 10 words that can sound very different in British and North American English. Lucy says the word first, followed by Joel's pronunciation. The words include "route," "vase," "privacy," "data," "vitamin," "leisure," "yogurt," "premiere," "hostile," and "inquiry."
Outro [20:08]
Lucy concludes the lesson, encouraging viewers to share their favorite and least favorite words to pronounce in the comments. She reminds viewers about her free online pronunciation level test, with the link in the description box and a QR code provided.
