B1 Accent Introduction: Common International English Pronunciations
Welcome! In this lesson, we will develop awareness of International English1. English is a global language, and this lesson will help you understand people from many different countries.
Note: Our computer voice cannot truly sound like a person from France or Germany. For this lesson, we will use it to simulate a few common pronunciation changes to help you practice.
1. The 'TH' Sound (/θ/)
The 'th' sound is difficult for many learners. People often replace it with a /s/, /z/, /t/, or /d/ sound. Let's listen to a standard version of a sentence, and then a simulated international version.
Standard Pronunciation:
"I think this is the right number."
Simulated International Pronunciation:
"I sink zis is ze right number."
Even though the sounds are different, you can use the context to understand the meaning.
2. Vowel Length (e.g., ship vs. sheep)
Another common difference is with long and short vowel sounds. For example, a speaker might use a long vowel for the word "ship," making it sound like "sheep." In this case, you must use context clues3 to know the real word.
Sentence: "Look at that big ship on the ocean."
If you hear this sentence, you know the word must be "ship," not "sheep," because sheep do not live on the ocean. Context is the most important key.
3. The 'R' Sound
The 'r' sound is pronounced very differently around the world. An American 'r' is strong. A British 'r' is often silent at the end of words. A Spanish speaker might 'roll' their 'r'. It is not important to know every accent, but it is important to be aware that you will hear this sound in many different ways.
Quiz: Understand the Meaning from Context
Listen to the sentence spoken with a simulated international accent. Use the context to choose the correct meaning.
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Audio 1: (Listen to the audio)
How many tickets does the person want? (a) A tree (the plant) (b) Three (the number 3)
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Audio 2: (Listen to the audio)
Who is a doctor? (a) My brother (b) My browser
Click to Show Answers
Answers: 1-b (The context of "tickets" tells you it must be the number three). 2-a (The word is "brother," even if it sounds like "brozzer.")
Homework Task
1. Accent Hunt on YouTube: Search for videos of people with different accents speaking English (e.g., "French accent English," "Japanese accent English"). Listen for 1-2 minutes. What sounds are different from the standard American or British English you have learned?
2. Focus on Understanding, Not Judging: The next time you speak with a tourist with a strong accent in Siem Reap, practice patience. Listen for the keywords and use context to understand their message. The goal is always communication!
Vocabulary Glossary
- International English (noun) - Khmer: ភាសាអង់គ្លេសអន្តរជាតិ - English as it is used as a global means of communication between people from different countries. ↩
- First Language Influence (phrase) - Khmer: ឥទ្ធិពលភាសាទីមួយ - When the grammar or pronunciation of a person's native language affects how they speak a second language. ↩
- Context Clue (noun phrase) - Khmer: តម្រុយបរិបទ - A hint found within a sentence or situation that helps you understand the meaning of a word or phrase. ↩