Improve your English pronunciation easily: tips and tools

The pronunciation of a language and particularly English is not obvious to everyone. However, it is a great added value to evolve in a professional and also personal context with our hyperconnected world and linked from one end to the other by new technologies. Once the language is well acquired, it is also necessary to practice it regularly in order not to "forget" it and thus avoid losing its oral fluency. 

That's why we give you the best tips to improve your English pronunciation easily.

Advice

1. Getting rid of prejudices

• There is no age to learn a language! Although it is easier when you are younger, don't be discouraged! Adults have several assets to learn: discipline, interest and motivation, the ability to analyze information and the ability to control their attention, etc. While children absorb knowledge like sponges, they are not able to analyze and see cause and effect relationships. The most important thing to remember is motivation, if you are motivated, learning will flow. 

• Memory is also something that can be worked on at any age. In addition, to understand half of a written text, you only need to know the 100 most frequently used words! Avoiding bad memories? If you are learning English from scratch, I have good news for you: you only need to learn 100 of the most frequently used words to understand half of the entire written text! 

• Having trouble finding the time? It's all about motivation! Firstly, in learning English, it is not the length of time, but the frequency of lessons that is more important. Secondly, this is just an excuse, where there is a will, there is a way: impose a regular learning program on yourself!

2. Practice English unconsciously

• Change the interface language of your cell phone, computer and other devices to English. This will help you learn new words and phrases and get used to interacting with English text.
• Read and memorize the lyrics of your favorite songs and sing along!

 3. Develop your vocabulary 

• When looking for the translation of an unfamiliar word, look it up not only in the dictionary, but also look it up by searching images on Google. Pictures often give a better idea of what a word means than a text description.

• Watch short, practical vocabulary building videos on YouTube. Five minutes of video at breakfast 😉
  Install apps on your smartphone that will teach you a few words each day. Choose from our list of the most used English learning apps.

• If you already understand enough English text, use the English-to-English dictionary instead of the English-to-foreign language dictionary.

4. Learn English on video

• Watch recordings of English-language television shows on YouTube. They are short and funny. Try the Conan O'Brien or Stephen Colbert Show.
• Search YouTube for recordings of conferences like TED. The speakers usually speak clearly, but in a lively language. You will not only tighten your language, but also learn something new.
• Watch your English series (we did an article on this topic: How to learn English by watching Netflix?

5. Read in English

• If you are still new to English, read books for young children. They are short and written in plain language.
  
• Read comics in English, the popular ones are better - about Batman, Superman, Garfield, etc. There is not much text in comics and the pictures help to understand what is going on.
  
• Did you know that there is Wikipedia in plain English? The articles are written there with simplified grammar and a set of words. Read the topics that interest you or start with articles in your favorites.
  
• Read foreign magazines or articles on their websites. For example, you can read The New Yorker and Vogue. Find the right magazine for you!
  

It is always easier to start with books you have already read in your native language. 

6. Listen to English radio

• Be sure to listen to native speakers, even if you are just starting to learn a language. It is less important to understand everything than to get used to the sound and rhythm. Don't worry, you will gradually begin to understand the native speaker's speech.
  
• Watch or listen to news recordings such as the BBC and CNN. The newscasters speak in standard accents - British for the BBC and American for CNN.
  
• Listen to podcasts. This is a great way to learn and get your ear used to the language. Try a new format: audio series. These are soap operas without video footage or sets, but with music and sound replacing the visual component.

7. Immerse yourself in an English-speaking environment

• When planning a vacation abroad, think of an English-speaking country - England, the United States, Malta, Ireland, Scotland or South Africa. And you'll rest, and you'll learn English.
  
• Live abroad with other people. Instead of a hotel, rent a room on Airbnb or Homestay. And if you're going to study abroad, choose a homestay. You'll benefit from extra language practice and learn the language faster.
  
• Take language classes in the country where it is spoken! You can take English classes abroad at any level and at any age. Many people don't even think about the opportunity to learn a language abroad, and yet! English in London or Malta is effective, interesting and not as expensive as you might think.

8. Speak English as often as possible (practice practice practice!)

• First, find someone you can talk to often. You need constant communication practice. Think of a pen pal, for example! Or make English-speaking friends via social networks! The other person will appreciate your willingness and will gladly forgive you for mistakes without unnecessary requests.
• You can already speak English when you have some basic knowledge of the language and know at least two tenses, for example Present Simple and Past Simple. It is not necessary to know all the grammar at once. 
  Look for speech clubs in your city. But remember: to be effective, you must be proactive and not only listen to others, but also speak more yourself: proactivity!
• Classes with a professional teacher and a native speaker are still the most effective option. He or she should have a good accent, because you will adopt it unconsciously. 

Tools

1. BoldVoice

New application specifically dedicated to the pronunciation of the English language. The application is available only on mobile and has a powerful artificial intelligence system to capture the exact phonetics to help you progress at your own pace. 

2. Duolingo

Great application on the principle of gamifications, which is extremely pleasant: learning while having fun! The application alternates between oral and written expression, which makes you progress in your learning path while having a really nice design! 

3. Memrise

Application available in mobile and computer versions, it also works on the principle of gamification with daily objectives, the application is free and top!

4. Babbel

The leading application on the market, or at least one of the most successful worldwide, Babbel is an excellent tool for learning a foreign language. 

➡️ Read our Magazine article on the 3 best mobile apps to learn English in 2021 and find out their prices, terms and other juicy details🌟.