The pronunciation of the letter ‘r’ (or /ɹ/ phonetically) in American English can be challenging for non-native speakers. The American English /ɹ/ can be pronounced in two different ways. For this post we will be looking at the most common way to pronounce the /ɹ/.
Here are some tips and tricks to help you master the pronunciation of the ‘r’ in American English:
- Pay attention to the position of your tongue: The position of your tongue is crucial when pronouncing the ‘r’ in American English. To pronounce it correctly:
- Position the middle part of your tongue lifted close to the roof of your mouth, but not touching it. Pull the tip back slightly away from the teeth, but not too far!
- Slightly round the lips by pushing the lips forward and engaging the muscles in the cheek. If you look like you’re making a kissy face, you’ve rounded too far. Relax a little.
- Practice the /ɹ/ sound in isolation: Practice making the /ɹ/ sound on its own, without any vowels or other consonants. This will help you get a feel for the movement of your tongue and the way your mouth forms the sound.
- Make the sound “aaaaaaaaa” and slowly pull the into position. You will feel the /ɹ/ begin to form.
- Emphasize the /ɹ/ in words: American English often emphasizes the ‘r’ in words, especially at the end of a syllable. For example, in the word ‘hard’, the ‘r’ sound is emphasized. Be dramatic when practicing. Record yourself, listen to it, and compare to the way native speakers pronounce words –mimicing their emphasis.
- Pay attention to the position of the/ɹ/ in words: The position of the ‘r’ in a word can affect its pronunciation. In American English, the ‘r’ is often pronounced more strongly when it comes after a vowel, such as in the word ‘car’. Pay attention to the position of the ‘r’ in words and adjust your pronunciation accordingly. Check out this post on “R-Controlled Vowel Sounds” for more informaiton.
- Practice with tongue twisters: Tongue twisters and common sayings are a great way to practice the pronunciation of the ‘r’ in American English.
- “red leather, yellow leather”
- ” roung and round the rugged rocks the ragged rascal ran”
- “I want to order a hamburger”
Mastering the pronunciation of the /ɹ/ in American English takes practice and patience.Pay attention to the position of your tongue, practice, and ask for feedback!
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