Ep. 15 - Ways to Improve Your Pronunciation (Atsuko Pt. 2)

This is part 2 of my interview with Atsuko. If you heard part 1, you heard her strong pronunciation. In this episode, I asked her about that. I asked her how she worked on her pronunciation and advice she could give to people who want to improve their pronunciation.

She tells us what she did to practice and gives four (4) great tips that you can try today! In our conversation, she also talks about some tricky words that are typical problem areas for Japanese and other asian speakers, and some funny words as well! 

All this and more in this week's episode of the More Than English Podcast. PLUS at the end, just like always, I break down some of the expressions and vocabulary you will have heard in this episode.

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VOCABULARY and EXPRESSIONS
(The words and terms are in order of when you will hear them)

 Phonemic Script – the chart that shows how to pronounce English words
To master something – (vocabulary) to do something as an expert
            “I had to master the phonemic script to improve my pronunciation.”
To be far from something – (expression) to not be able to do something
            “I was far from being fluent or like a native speaker.”  
Biggest challenge – (vocabulary) challenge is something that you work to overcome
            “What was your biggest challenge in learning English?”
A photo finish – When two racers finish so closely that we need to look at a photo of the finish line.
Sometimes it makes it worse – (vocabulary) when something you do causes a worse situation
“Sometimes it can help, but sometimes it makes it worse.”
Nuance – a subtle detail in how we use our language
To get/be puzzled – to be confused about something
            “I sometimes get puzzled when I try to find an exact translation.”
A term of endearment – (expression) a special way to refer to somebody to show love
“Isn’t ‘gai-jin’ also kind of a term of endearment?”
In fact… – (fluency builder) an introduction to present ‘extra information’.
            “Your pronunciation is one of your strongest areas, in fact, I doubt many people would have guesses you’re from Japan, based on hearing you speak.”
Shadowing – copy a native speaker exactly
            “I used to shadow different speakers like President Obama.”
Enunciation – (vocabulary) pronounce every sound clearly when speaking
            “It’s important to enunciate when you read out loud.”
 
 
Did you catch any other phrasal verbs or expressions you like? Write them here.
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Atsuko’s Tips to Improve Pronunciation
​from the show

1. Record yourself
2. Shadowing
3. Read out loud
4. Talk to yourself