To keep in touch, please subscribe to my mailing list.
This website was created to help people improve their American English pronunciation. At the core is a series of videos explaining in detail how each sound is created, as well as a blog.
Click the +1 icon!
Though I highly recommend learning via video :), sometimes a book is a nice resource to have. I especially like this one:
SAY vs SAYS
American English Pronunciation :: SAY vs. SAYS
Video Text:
In this pronunciation video, you're going to learn how to avoid some common mistakes in pronouncing words related to the word 'say'.
The verb 'to say': I say, you say, we say, they say, has the 'ay' as in 'say' diphthong: ay, ay, say. But, in the third person, you add an S, and the diphthong changes to the EH vowel. He says, she says. So here it is the 'eh' as in 'bed' sound, and the final S is pronounced as a Z. He says, she says, I say. The EH vowel is also used in the past tense of the word: said.
So it is the S sound, the 'eh' as in 'bed' vowel, and the D sound. Said, said: I said, you said, he said, she said, we said, they said. So, make sure you avoid saying like 'he says': No, in that case, it changes to the EH sound. He says. That's it, and thanks so much for using Rachel's English.
Bookmark/Search this post with
Just announced! Rachel will hold an 8-week group course in April and May. See courses page for details and to sign up -- the class is limited to 30 and slots are going fast!
Less than 15 slots left.
If you cannot view the videos, click here.
Check out this site ...
... I think it is a GREAT resource for studying pronunciation. You can slow down videos without the pitch changing, you can loop sections, you can look up words. It's an amazing resource, and I've enjoyed playing around with it.
Write on my Facebook page to tell me what you think!
Get fun IPA gear here!