Monday 20 September 2010

One of my On-Line ESL learners, Boris from Russia, was very amused by my explanation of the importance of good pronunciation, and suggested I should publish it.

Well here goes! Some of my in class students will be familiar with my explanation, but for those of you who have not seen it, this may be amusing.

So, How important IS correct pronunciation? It can be quite important.

Situation 1. T v Th

Guys, You are talking to a beautiful girl and you want to make a comment on her appearance, so that she feels complimented.

You stare lovingly at her mouth and say, with poor pronunciation,

YOU HAVE SUCH BEAUTIFUL TIT.
But you meant to say
YOU HAVE SUCH BEAUTIFUL TEETH.

Oh MY!


















Situation 2. s V Sh

You go to a restaurant and you are going to really impress all your friends with your excellent English and you say to the waiter,

CAN WE SHIT OVER THERE?
But you meant to say
MAY WE SIT OVER THERE?

Oh MY!












Please pay attention when your teacher wants you to practice pronunciation- Sure it can be boring, but the results of NOT paying attention to it can be embarrassing.


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