Wednesday, June 16, 2010

pronunciation of the article "a"

Many accent students are confused about the correct pronunciation of the article "a." Why do some people say /ei/? You can pronounce it both ways, either as /ɘ/ or as /ei/. It just depends on how quickly you are speaking and whether you pause before the "a." /ei/ is usually used in slower speech and for special emphasis.

So, there's no right or wrong, but you will hear most people say: /ɘ/.


4 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a helpful blog - keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

Hi Lisa. There are many people who have recently started teaching English online via SKYPE using just a microphone and a pair of headphones, you think you might start doing that in the future? I think it would be great because you're a real teacher and most of these guys are just amateurs.

Ciao

Paolo

Charlie Dee said...

hi ms, you know what? you are the best accent teacher in the world! i have a copy of your mastering the american accent. i bought it to our national bookstore cuz it's more expensive in the internet. i wonder if your video program is available in the local store now. i would want to buy. and also, i would love to see you in youtube again. actually, i always look forward in your youtube channel cuz your style is very unique. i mean there is this thing that makes me learn that i can't feel from other teacher. maybe your method is just really unique. and oh.. about teaching on skype that another commenter just said?// YOU DESERVE MORE THAT THAT. I KNOW THAT YOU ARE FOR CORPORATE, EXECUTIVE..... THEY SHOULD KNOW YOU CUZ THIER LIVES WILL REALLY CHANGE ONCE YOU TEACH THEM...

KERBIE said...

YES... THIS BLOG IS HELPFUL IN A WAY THAT IT HAS ENDED MY CONFUSION ON HOW TO USE CORRECT PRONUNCIATION OF THE ARTICLE "A".