A typical English problem faced by non-native speakers is the incorrect pronunciation. Many students ask themselves how they can improve pronunciation. Pronunciation is important in the English language. Dialects may differ from place to place, but clear and correct pronunciation is critical in getting one’s message understood. Proper pronunciation ensures a native speaker understands the words and can comprehend the message being transmitted. Mispronunciation of words in English results in a breakdown in communication as the meaning and intent of the message may alter dramatically or lose altogether. Words such as “affect” and “effect” are a prime example of this.
A direct effect of improper pronunciation is that those who mispronounce English words may be construed as illiterate or less literate. It may affect an individual’s performance either at school or work. It could also lead to discrimination as well. A critical aspect of proper pronunciation is enunciation where one must use the aspects of phonics to correctly articulate words. Students who are looking to improve pronunciation have a range of options at hand, all of which can be classed into two major groups i.e. classroom learning and self-learning.
Classroom learning offers students the option of practicing their pronunciation in the presence of a group of peers. However, this may have adverse effects due to the increasing pressure of performing in front of an audience of one’s peers. The ideal way to improve pronunciation is constant practice and use. This method is perfectly facilitated by the internet. Online learning resources provide an excellent source for students as they enable students repeatedly to hear the words they wish to pronounce enunciated in the correct form as many times as they require without having to feel uncomfortable. It is this sense of comfort and ease of learning that sites such as English Club TV offer. Students can visit www.tv-english.club and peruse the numerous shows offered, each carefully designed and narrated by Native hosts to ensure students learn the proper pronunciation and enunciation of English words.