Spanish is a phonetic language, which means that words are pronounced as they are written. This is an important advantage for people who want to learn Spanish, because you don’t have to guess what the correct pronunciation is. However, some sounds in Spanish can be tricky because they are absent or infrequent in English. Heart of language offers tips to verbalise your Spanish pronunciation.

Vowels

Spanish vowels are short and pure, and are always pronounced with the same sound:

  • A as in “father” (papa)
  • E as in “bed” (mesa)
  • I as in “machine” (sí)
  • O as in “more” (sol)
  • U as in “food” (luz)

Consonants

Some Spanish consonants differ from their English counterparts:

  • R: A rolled or trilled sound. Start by practicing with your tongue against the roof of your mouth, and try to create a vibration. This may take time, so be patient.
  • LL and Y: In many regions, these are pronounced like the English “y” in “yes,” but in others, they might sound like “j” in “judge.”

C and Z: In Spain, “C” before “e” or “i,” and “Z” are pronounced like the “th” in “thin,” while in Latin America, they sound like the “s” in “see.”

Tips for effective practice

  1. Listen and imitate: One of the best ways to improve pronunciation is to listen to native speakers. Watch Spanish films, listen to podcasts or listen to Spanish music. Pay attention to how words are pronounced, especially how vowels and consonants are pronounced. Imitate the sounds as best you can.
  2. Online resources: An online Spanish course, language apps and YouTube videos can help you improve your Spanish pronunciation
  3. Slow down: When practising, speak slowly to focus on correct pronunciation. Dividing words into syllables can help you master tricky sounds.
  4. Practise with a native speaker: If possible, practise speaking with a native speaker. They can give you immediate feedback on your pronunciation so you can correct yourself right away.
  5. Record yourself: Recording your speech allows you to listen to your pronunciation from an external perspective. Compare your recordings with those of native speakers and look for areas for improvement.
  6. Focus on difficult sounds: Some sounds, such as the rolling ‘r’, can be particularly tricky. Spend extra time practising these sounds, both individually and in words. For example, practise rolling your ‘r’ by repeating words like ‘perro’ (dog) or ‘carro’ (car).
  7. Understand regional variations: Spanish is spoken in many countries, each with its own accent and pronunciation rules. While it is important to be aware of these differences, focusing on a specific variety of Spanish (e.g. Castilian, Mexican, Argentinian) can give you more clarity.
  8. Consistency is key: Like any skill, improving your pronunciation requires regular practice. Set aside time every day to practice, even if it’s just a few minutes.

 

At Heart of Language, you will learn Spanish from real Spaniards; the ideal way to perfect your Spanish pronunciation. Moreover, every lesson is recorded, so you can listen back to everything you learnt in the past lesson at home.

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