Pronunciation
Pronunciation is the spoken sounds of vowels, consonants and sound combinations.
Though pronunciation is an integral component of accent, it is the most variable. Note though that pronunciation of certain words, such as cities, varies in the East and the West Coast of the United States.
Problematic Sounds
Consonant sounds Vowel Sounds
CH as in child, much EE as in eat, see
J as in jump, badge I as in it, with
D as in India EH as in edge, set
P as in pass, up AE as in at, ran
F as in fine, if A as in often, not
R as in right, or OO as in book
S as in safe, miss U as in boot
SH as in shoe, wash UH as in up, but
TH as in think, with UR as in early, her
THH as in this, breathe OY as in oil, boy
V as in very, drive
Z as in zipper, is
ZH as in usual
READ THIS!!
Diagnostic Paragraph for Pronunciation
Source: condensed from “The Power of One” by Jane Goodall, Time Magazine, Sept. 2, 2002
This selection contains every sound in the English language. Read the passage carefully, observing the necessary pauses.
The greatest danger to our future is apathy. We must believe that we can do something to preserve our planet. You may be overcome, however, by feelings of helplessness. You are just one person in a world of 6 billion. How can your actions make a difference? Can we overcome apathy? Yes, but only if we have hope. One reason for hope lies in the extra ordinary nature of human intellectual accomplishment. A hundred years ago, the idea of a 747; of a man on the moon, or of the internet remained in the realm of science fiction. Yet we have seen those things and much more. Another reason for hope is the resilience of human nature if it is given a helping hand. Today people improve their lives through environmentally sustainable projects. Hope is most derived from the energy and hard work of young people. Groups of young people are cleaning creeks, planting trees, clearing trash, recycling-and making their voices heard.
We have huge power, we of the affluent societies, we who are causing the most environmental damage. Each of us must work as hard as we can now to heal the hurts and save what is left.
