English Pronunciation: Master the /w/ Sound
What you'll learn
- Accurately pronounce the /w/ sound in isolation and in combination with different vowel sounds.
- Learn to articulate the /w/ sound within words, phrases, and sentences.
- Understand the use of the lips, muscles, airflow, and resonance.
- Practice linking words together using the /w/ sound.
Requirements
- Some basic understanding of the International Phonetic Alphabet
Description
Learn to articulate the /w/ sound with precision. This course includes a series of exercises to help you develop confidence in articulating words and phrases that contain the /w/ sound.
The /w/ sound requires careful coordination and controlled movement of the lips. Non-native speakers can have a tendency to open their lips too quickly, resulting in a ballistic movement that affects their ability to articulate this sound correctly. This course emphasizes slow, deliberate practice to build the necessary muscle memory and control to articulate the /w/ sound with precision.
We begin with an introduction to the /w/ sound, it's usage within vocabulary, as well as its function as a glide vowel in connected speech. You'll learn how to position the articulators correctly, focusing on the rounding of the lips and the controlled flow of air that allows the /w/ sound to resonate correctly. The course progresses through a series of structured exercises, including placement drills, articulation practice, word repetition, and phrase repetition exercises. We'll also practise the /w/ sound as a glide vowel that allows natural connected speech.
Having taught English pronunciation for years, I've observed that the /w/ sound is often a stumbling block for learners. It's a sound that requires dedicated attention, more than a passing mention in a broader pronunciation course. That's why I created this focused mini-course, to provide detailed instruction and targeted practice needed to truly master the /w/ sound. Let's begin!!
Who this course is for:
- Non-native English speakers who wish to master the /w/ sound of Received Pronunciation.
Instructor
- 4.9 Instructor Rating
- 27 Reviews
- 246 Students
- 2 Courses
My interest in English pronunciation began over 10 years ago while working at an English pronunciation school in Tokyo. I gained valuable insight into the struggles that non-native speakers experience in developing natural fluency.
Helping students was challenging, but at the same time, it made me think about developing effective methods to help non-native English speakers acquire natural pronunciation and rhythm.
I have always been interested in languages and the thought process involved in language acquisition. It's not just about studying but also developing the correct mindset. You have to consider the whole thought process. How do native speakers of a certain language think? How do they process information? How do they develop the ability to read, write and speak?
I majored in mathematics, and perhaps it is for this reason that I like to apply a logical thought process and reasoning to language acquisition. My second language is French, and my third language is Japanese. Analyzing the patterns of behaviour of native speakers has helped me acquire the skills necessary to work as a Japanese-English translator.
I also studied a little Korean during my time in Japan. Although my studies of the Korean language never got that far, understanding the phonetic alphabet (known as Hangeul) made me think more about how we can accurately replicate the sounds of native speakers of any language.
My teaching method follows a logical process and utilizes techniques that are influenced by my experiences in teaching and studying.
My course aims to give students the correct tools and guidance to think and function like a native English speaker.