How to Pronounce English Correctly

Phonemes: Learning Unfamiliar Pronunciations from Familiar Words

The first step in learning pronunciation is to start with the most basic phonemes. Each language has its unique phoneme system (such as Japanese's fifty sounds, Chinese's pinyin, etc.). Here, we use the 39 American English phonemes compiled by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU).

An effective method for learning phonemes is to understand these actual pronunciations through words you're already familiar with. For example, if we're familiar with the word "cat," we can learn its phonemes (K AE T). When we encounter unfamiliar words like "bat" or "mat," we can pronounce them correctly based on these phonemes.

The core approach to language learning is to move from imitation to creation, from the familiar to the unfamiliar. Phonemes are the building blocks of English pronunciation; mastering them is like understanding the rules of phonetic reading, allowing you to read many new words by analogy.

★ Here, we introduce 111 basic words to help you become familiar with the pronunciation of 39 phonemes, and based on this, learn the pronunciation of other words.

Vowels

Diphthongs

Consonants

Syllables and Stress

English words are not just combinations of phonemes; they also involve syllables and stress. A syllable usually contains one vowel phoneme, and some long words contain multiple syllables.

In this article, to simplify representation, we will add numbers 0, 1, 2, etc. after the phoneme to indicate the stress position. 0 represents no stress, 1 represents primary stress, and 2 represents secondary stress.

Syllables can be roughly divided into three types:

1. Open syllable: Ending with a vowel phoneme, such as "he" (HH IY1). The vowel in this type of syllable is often pronounced as a long vowel.
2. Closed syllable: Ending with a consonant phoneme, such as "cat" (K AE1 T). This type of syllable usually uses a short vowel.
3. Double or multiple syllables: Composed of multiple syllables, such as "banana" (B AH0 N AE1 N AH0), where the middle syllable is often the stressed syllable.

Stress is another interesting key point. In the English-speaking world, if you stress the wrong syllable, it might make it completely incomprehensible to the listener.

Some words even have exactly the same phonemes, but with different stress patterns, different spellings, and express two completely unrelated words. For example:

• "insight" (IH1 N S AY2 T, stress on the first syllable) means "insight";
• "incite" (IH2 N S AY1 T, stress on the second syllable) means "to incite, to provoke."

Their phonemes are almost identical, only the stress position is different, and the spelling is also different.

This subtle but crucial difference is something that needs special attention in English communication.

Understanding syllable structure and becoming familiar with word stress positions is key to improving English speaking. Many details need to be experienced through listening and speaking, for example:

• "record" (noun) stress on the first syllable: R EH1 K ER0 D
• "record" (verb) stress on the second syllable: R AH0 K AO1 R D

The best way to master the correct stress position of words is to listen and speak more; phonetic writing relies heavily on this rhythm-like feeling.

Recommended High-Frequency Word Syllable and Stress Practice

Here are some common multi-syllable high-frequency words suitable for beginners to practice:

• "family" (F AE1 M AH0 L IY0)
• "banana" (B AH0 N AE1 N AH0)
• "computer" (K AH0 M P Y UW1 T ER0)
• "important" (IH2 M P AO1 R T AH0 N T)
• "remember" (R IH0 M EH1 M B ER0)

These words are both commonly used and have clear syllable divisions and stress positions, making them ideal materials for practicing syllable awareness.

Syllable and Stress Practice Suggestions

1. Try to break down words into syllables, for example: "elephant" → el-e-phant. Use online dictionaries (such as the dictionary feature in the SayWow app) to look up the syllable division and stress of words.
2. Follow along with videos or audio of native speakers, paying attention to their pauses and stress positions.
3. Read words yourself and record them, observing when playing back whether you've ignored stress or mispronounced vowels.

The dictionary feature in the SayWow App provides word lookup, example playback, and the ability to record yourself and compare your recording with the example; this feature is free, and you're welcome to try it.

How Good Should Your Pronunciation Be?

People who speak English as their native language also have a variety of accents. Even within London, there are many variations of the London accent. You don't need to pursue a perfect pronunciation standard; remember that the core purpose of speech is communication, so your pronunciation practice only needs to focus on one core goal: not pronouncing words incorrectly.

For example, "peace" (P IY1 S) means "peace," while "piss" (P IH1 S) refers to "urination." These two words differ only in the length of the vowel, but their meanings are worlds apart. If you say it wrong, you might be misunderstood.

If others misunderstand your meaning, you can't accurately convey your thoughts and fulfill your intention to express yourself.

You only need to evaluate your pronunciation based on the following principles:

• Can AI or dictation software accurately recognize your pronunciation?
• Can you be easily understood when communicating with foreigners?

Don't rush; practicing pronunciation is a gradual process. Persist in listening, imitating, and adjusting to continuously approach natural and accurate pronunciation.

Never hesitate to speak because you feel your pronunciation isn't standard enough, and don't worry about your accent. The most important thing is to communicate; the more you communicate, the more fluently and accurately you can express yourself.