How to Pronounce English
Education
Introduction
In this article, we're going to delve into the American English pronunciation of the word "English." Many students can read and write English fluently, but often struggle with pronunciation. Thanks for the request! This guide will help clarify the correct pronunciation.
The Two-Syllable Word
"English" is a two-syllable word, with the primary stress on the first syllable. The stress pattern can be visualized as long-short or big-small:
- d d
- English
- English
The I Vowel Followed by NG
When you look up this word in the dictionary, you will encounter the pronunciation marked with the "i" as in "sit" vowel (/ɪ/):
- e
- English
However, this vowel isn't pronounced precisely as shown. In cases where the "i" vowel is followed by NG, such as in "walking," "trying," and "speaking," the pronunciation tightens up slightly. Instead of "e" as in "sit," it becomes closer to "e" as in "she," where the tongue is nearer to the roof of the mouth:
- e e
Here, the tongue tip remains down, with the front part arching up closer to the roof than for a normal "e" vowel. The back part of the tongue touches the soft palate making the NG sound.
The NG Sound With a Light G
Sometimes the letters NG make just the NG sound, like in "sing." In "English," it produces the NG sound followed by a light "g" sound:
- en GG
Your tongue starts touching the soft palate and then pulls away, releasing the back part of the tongue as the front part lifts to form the light "L" sound:
- inle
The light "l" can form in one of two ways: by touching the roof behind the front teeth or pressing up on the bottom of the top front teeth:
- Engle Engle
Unstressed Second Syllable
The second syllable "lish" is unstressed, making it less loud, long, or clear than the first:
- Lish
- Lish
- Lish
When pronouncing the "sh," flare your lips and raise the tongue so the front part is near the roof of the mouth:
- sh
Watch Up Close and in Slow Motion
Let's observe the pronunciation closely and in slow motion:
- The jaw drops for the opening sound "e."
- The tongue touches the soft palate for "ng" and "g."
- The tongue tip touches the top front teeth for the "L" sound and returns for the quick relaxed "i" vowel before forming the "sh" sound.
Summary
In conclusion, mastering the pronunciation of "English" involves focusing on the nuanced vowel sound, the NG and light "g," and the relaxed second syllable.
Keywords
- English
- Pronunciation
- American English
- Syllable
- I Vowel
- NG Sound
- Light G
- Unstressed Syllable
FAQ
How is the word "English" stressed?
The word "English" is stressed on the first syllable, making it a long-short, big-small pattern.
What vowel sound is used in the word "English"?
In "English," the "i" vowel is pronounced closer to the "e" as in "she" due to the adjoining NG consonant.
How do you form the NG sound in "English"?
To form the NG sound, the back of the tongue touches the soft palate, followed by a light "g" sound as the tongue pulls away.
Is the second syllable of "English" stressed?
No, the second syllable "lish" is unstressed, making it softer, quicker, and less clear.