Pronunciation

by Nguyen Kien
(Vietnam)

It's difficult to pronounce words which start with /pr/, /dr/, /fr/ like:
"product (stress on first syllable and the second), profession, drink, friend..." Could you help me in detail? - Thank you

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I will try to help you but it is difficult to explain pronunciation with written words. That's why I'm recording this.

First you need to focus on the R sound...ignore the P,D and F for now.

Imagine that you are making a sound, sort of like a dog with the R...like Ruff or Rough...the sound of the R. When you make this sound your lower jaw drops when you open your mouth and your tongue will pull back and a little upwards in your mouth.

When you are comfortable with the R sound...just ad the P, F or D to it.

/P/
With your lips together, create pressure and let the P sound escape your mouth. There is a bit of pressure when you say it.

Depending on the letters to follow the sound will change.

/Pr/
Professional
Pressure
Prime
Proof
Pride
Provoke
Principle
Prada
Practice


/DR/
Drag
Drug
Drink
Drape
Draw
Dribble

/FR/

Fry
Fries
Friend
Free
Freckle
Fringe
Freak

I hope that helps!
All the best,
Diana

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