Preview of Session 7

Before you read this unit, take a look at the following statements and decide whether or not you think they are true or false.

• English pronunciation is very easy to learn. The sound- letter correlation in English makes it easy to see a word and pronounce it properly.
  
  
  
• Pronunciation can be difficult for ESL learners because there are 7 different parts of the head that are used to produce sound. If one of these parts is not in the right position, the sound can be altered.
  
  
  
• Each language learner has his / her own pronunciation problems, but there are certain similarities between people who have the same first language.
  
  
  
• Sometimes, pronunciation problems stem from hearing / listening difficulties.
  
  
  
• If individual sounds are produced correctly, you will have no difficulty understanding an ESL learner.
  
  
  
• Native speakers often link words and reduce sounds, which makes it difficult for ESL learners to understand.