How Can You Practice Pronunciation on Your Own?
Minimal pairs are a great way to practice pronunciation on your own.
Minimal pairs are words that sound almost the same, like SHEEP, SHIP, SHAPE.
The beginning and end of the words are the same, just the middle sound changes.
First we will practice hearing the difference, and then we will practice pronouncing the difference.
We will practice with these two sets of words: SHEEP, SHIP, SHAPE and TEEN, TIN, TEN.
Listen while I say them. I will say everything 3 times.
SHEEP, SHIP, SHAPE.
TEEN, TIN, TEN.
Ok, now let's take a little listening quiz for fun.
Which word am I saying?
I said SHEEP.
Which word am I saying?
I said SHAPE.
Which words am I saying?
I said SHAPE, SHEEP, SHIP.
Am I saying SHEEP, SHIP, or SHAPE?
I said, "I like the ship you drew."
Which word am I saying?
I said TIN.
Which word am I saying?
I said TEN.
Which words am I saying?
I said TIN, TEEN, TEN.
Am I saying TEEN, TIN, or TEN?
I said, "There is a ten over there."
Let's celebrate with a song!
These two words are hard I'm gonna say 'em right.
Sheep 'n ship are hard, I'm gonna say 'em right.
Sheep 'n ship are hard, I'm gonna say 'em right.
Sheep and ship, ship and sheep, sheep and ship!
These three words are hard I'm gonna say 'em right.
Teen, tin, ten are hard, I'm gonna say 'em right.
Teen, tin, ten are hard, I'm gonna say 'em right.
Teen, tin, ten. Ten, tin, teen. Tin, teen, ten!
{percent correct}% correct. Great work!
The next step is to practice saying the words.
I suggest using the minimal pair page on believenglish.com.
https://believenglish.com/be-hear-now/
You can also practice on your phone using a notes taking app, or online with different Google voice commands like search or translate.