1) What is Pronunciation Coaching?
Pronunciation Coaching is a form of linguistic speech training that focuses on fine-tuning a speaker’s ability to speak standard English. It generally involves accent reduction and adopting the more standard sound patterns, sentence constructions, and expressions of Standard English.
2) What is IPA? Do I need to learn it?
IPA stands for International Phonetic Alphabet. IPA is a collection of symbols, each representing a particular sound. Any word in any language can be pronounced by a person who can read IPA. IPA is used to help learners pronounce words accurately, according to how they are spoken by native speakers of the language.
3) I would like to speak with an American accent. How will Pronunciation Coaching help me to achieve this?
Pronunciation Coaching focuses on the actual sounds used in the International Phonetic Alphabet. No accent should be adopted at this stage. Once the sounds and words are produced accurately according to IPA standards, the client can then apply an American accent or any desired accent to his speech.
4) I do not want to speak with a foreign accent. My local accent is part of my identity.
Pronunciation Coaching focuses on pronouncing words correctly. Foreign accents may be reduced but not necessarily eliminated.
For some Singaporeans, the desired output would be clearly articulated, fluently sounding, correctly stressed, intelligible and unambiguous words with a hint of Singaporean-ness. This is classified as Standard Singapore English (SSE). Standard English, or the standard form of any language, is generally the version spoken in schools, institutions of higher education, and formal situations.
(a) Speakers who are learning English as a Second Language (ESL)
Case 1
A person from overseas has joined the company. However, she lacks confidence in speaking English and dreads having to do office presentations. Her pronunciation, grammar, and sentence structures are difficult to understand, and she is extremely stressed by each opportunity to stand out in her job.
(b) Speakers who would like to fine-tune their pronunciation
Case 2
A speaker delivers a speech with tones, stress patterns, and sounds that are heavily influenced by his language of origin. A few mispronounced words are acceptable to most listeners. However, multiple ambiguous pronunciations can be distracting and confusing, and spark inappropriate laughter or derisive comments from certain audiences.
This is particularly so when an utterance carries a different meaning from what was intended, as seen below:
- I had an ache/ egg for breakfast. (‘e’ is pronounced as ‘a’)
- My year/ ear hurts. (‘y’ has been added’)
- You are my whirr/ world. (‘d’ has been dropped)
- I tink/ ting/ think, therefore I am. (‘th’ is substituted with ‘t’ / ‘k’ is substituted with a ‘g’ / ‘k’ is dropped)
- I am afraid of the duck/ dark. (‘ar’ has been shortened to ‘u’)
- Feel/ fill the cup. (short ‘i’ has been lengthened to ‘ee’)
- The ship/ sheep is arriving. (‘i ‘ has been substituted with ‘ee’)
- Be of service to udders / others. (‘th’ has been substituted with ‘d’)
- My hut / heart is strong. (long ‘ar’ has been substituted with short vowel ‘u’)
This can be addressed with personalised Pronunciation Coaching to highlight relevant aspects such as vowel length, dropped word endings, and common sound substitutions.
6) Areas of focus may include
- Grammar
- Sentence Construction
- Clear Articulation
- Intonation
- Liaison
- Word and Sentence Stress Patterns
- Accurate Pronunciation
- Accent Reduction / Addition
7) What happens in Pronunciation Coaching sessions?
In the first session, a general speech and language analysis will be made, followed by immediate practice to improve some of the areas identified. Reinforcement and a new focus will be added to each subsequent session.
8) What changes can I expect to see?
Pronunciation Coaching sessions will equip clients with
- the ability to project confidence
- an actual increased level of confidence
- the ability to read with expression by using vocal variety and appropriate body language
- the ability to articulate words clearly
- an understanding of how to use the International Phonetic Alphabet to facilitate English Language learning
- the ability to pronounce words accurately
- a greater proficiency in spoken and written English