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Definition

According to saundz,
Proper pronunciation can be defined as a reproduction of language sounds in such a way that the intended message is passed easily, and is properly understood by a fluent speaker of the language in question.

It can also be said that good pronunciation is the one that native speakers do not notice.

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Most often than not, many learners of the English language do not pay attention to their pronunciations as closely as they should. Most of them think pronunciation is not as important as grammar and vocabulary. While in fact, in my opinion, pronunciation is really important. There have been many cases of misunderstanding owing to the fact that some words were mispronounced or the wrong intonations were used. For example, pronouncing 'six' as 'sex'.

In addition to the above, good pronunciation gives additional value to those who master it. You don't believe? Why do you think people get amazed when they hear some other people speak in the same English they hear every other day? Do you think it is their grammar, vocabulary or pronunciation? The answer, clearly, is the pronunciation. What makes one person interested in another's English is his/her pronunciation definitely and then maybe the intonation. Wide vocabulary and good grammar comes secondary. Moreover, good pronunciation can help boost one's self-confidence.

Improper pronunciation can also make one's communication ineffective. Pronouncing your words wrongly will make it difficult for your listeners who are listening to you with your strong accent. It makes it irritating for them if they have to keep asking you to repeat yourself and after repeating yourself they still do not have an idea of what you are saying. Consequently, if it takes a lot of effort for others to understand you when you talk, they will avoid communicating with you altogether. In contrast, they will enjoy having a conversation with you if you have a smooth accent that is easily understandable.

Correct pronunciation is important for efficient communication not only in English but in other languages too. Being a very common language and as widespread as it is, English has a lot of regional dialects but they should not be the concern to non-native speakers of English. It should not matter too much to them. In the course of learning how to pronounce words properly, learning phonics can be of great help. This can be done through listening to the sounds and constant practice by repeating those sounds. Doing this can be immensely beneficial in the quest for flawless English pronunciation.

Good pronunciation involves articulating the words properly and this is the main topic in most phonics classes. They say articulation is key. It is an important feature in proper pronunciation. The other important things to consider are the volume and pitch of your voice
when pronouncing, since the message being communicated, needs to be loud enough and properly intoned in order to be considered to be properly conveyed.

Some Specific Pronounciation Tips

1. Listen to others

Listen to mostly native speakers. Do this because the more you listen, the more likely you are to succeed in this quest. There are many avenues from which you could hear and listen to native speakers: songs, movies, news, YouTube videos and so on.

2. Practice!Practice!Practice!

Practice makes perfect.

Even if you have a high command of the English language, you are likely to loose your phonetic skills if you practice less. To avoid that, you should engage in some simple exercises:

• Look up the dictionary for the correct pronunciation of every new word.

• Practice in front of the mirror and be sure to move your mouth (tongue, lips) the correct way.

• Read out loud or in a whisper, and repeat the words you are finding hard to pronounce.
  
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• Recite poems or sing songs, observing every rhythm and intonation.

• Speak English to your friends whose English is good or better compared to yours. Do it for fun and more practice.

3. Don't speak too fast.

If you are still struggling to get your pronunciations right, don't speak too fast.
Take your time to pronounce words and clearly too. Be patient and determined. The journey will surely be tough but your determination and consistency will take you through and the result will be worth it.

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With these simple recommendations, your determination and improving self-confidence will help you tackle difficulties in communicating everyday in English more effectively. The more you get acquainted with correct pronunciations, the better it is for you. And at least, your speech won't leave you embarrassed and torturing for yourself and funny to others.