Improving Your Pronunciation

Everyone has an accent, including native speakers, and thus, having an accent isn't the problem by itself. Accent only becomes an issue when it affects comprehension. One of the issues comes when learners stress every syllable:

I WANT TO GO TO THE PARTY TODAY.

English is a stress-timed language, and thus, some syllables are stressed and others are reduced to give English its sing-song or rhythm. Some languages have only clear, strong vowels, but the most popular vowel sound in English is the schwa sound. Thus, the sentence above might be pronounced:

i wanna go ta the party tanight.

One of my Websites, Train Your Accent (http://www.trainyouraccent.com), is designed to give students practice with reduced speech. Give it a try.

Randall

Conversation Starters: What would you say or ask?

Many English textbooks start by teaching students basic expressions and questions like, "Hello. What's your name?" The problem with that question and approach it is often completely unnatural to ask someone their name in many situations. For example, imagine you are in an airport lobby waiting to catch your flight. If someone sitting next to you asked you your name, what would you think and how would you respond? Personally, I'd be very surprised and probably ask the person why they wanted to know.

So, if you found yourself in this situation, what kinds of questions or statements could you make to start a NATURAL conversation? Please share your ideas.

Randall

The Olympics: What is your favorite sport?

The Olympics are just around the corner, and people from around the world will participate in the events. So, what is your favorite sporting event and why? Personally, I enjoy the marathon. Having ran one myself, it requires a great deal of endurance, both physically and mentally. No matter how fast people run one, it is still an accomplishment.

Randall

Favorite Place in Your Country

If a friend wanted to visit your country, city, or local area, what would you want to show them? Personally, I an outdoor fanatic, and I love to hike, camp, explore the beautiful rugged scenery in Utah, the state where I live in the US. There are many beautiful canyons where you can go without see a single person during your hike. While many people prefer to visit areas from their cars, I enjoy going deep into the backcountry where there lots of peace and quiet. Here are a couple of pictures I took with family recently. So, share your favorite place in your area. You can see more pictures of Utah at:

http://www.hikinginutah.com/farnsworthcanyon.htm


Randall

Online Shopping Verses Traditional Stores

What are the advantages and disadvantages of shopping online verses going to a traditional store in your neighborhood? For one, if you shop at a traditional store, you can actually touch, handle, and examine the product (perhaps even test it), but you might only see a picture of an item if you shop online. Yes, you might be able to return the product if there's a problem, but some people won't think the effort is worth it.

So, what do you think about this topic? Share your ideas.

Randall

Scary Moments in Your Life

Everyone has probably had scary experiences in your life that changed them, in some cases for the better. Personally, I have a slight fear of heights, and last year, I climbed to the top of a mountain called Lone Peak near my house. The mountain isn't that tall (about 11,000 feet), but the last 300 feet to the top requires great care and hands-on moves with a lot of exposure. In other words, one slip and your gone. I climbed the mountain twice in about a month's time, but the first time, I didn't have the courage to climb 15 more feet to the top. At the same time, I knew my limitations, so I was satisfied with what I did. However, a month later, I climbed the mountain again and reach the very top, as seen in this picture. This experience helped me conquer some of my fears, but it also taught me not to take undue risks: you should do what you feel comfortable in life and just be satisfied with small accomplishments.

So, what about you? Share a scary experience and what you learned from it.

Randall

Learning English: More Than Living Overseas

Currently, I teach at an intensive English program in the United States, and one of the biggest misconceptions among students is that living overseas in the US will automatically be their golden ticket (the secret) to improving their English. Unfortunately, I work with so many students that isolate themselves from the community by only spending their time with friends from their native country. Furthermore, the only real contact these students have is going to the local supermarket or ordering a cheeseburger from McDonalds. Then, these same students wonder why their English isn't improving.

On the other hand, I have worked with other students who have volunteered in the community at schools, homeless shelters, and youth groups, or who have taken music classes, joined health clubs, and visited senior citizen centers. These students really make great efforts to meet people and not only did they improve their English, but they made lasting friendships and learned more about the local culture.

Learning another language won't happen automatically without effort. It takes a lot of work, dedication, and a tolerance of your own mistakes.

So, what do you think about this topic?

Best,

Randall