What is the difference between pronunciation and enunciation?

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 While pronunciation and enunciation are closely related, they refer to different aspects of speech:

๐Ÿ”น Pronunciation

  • Definition: The way in which a word is spoken.

  • Focus: Correct sounds, syllables, stress, and intonation of words.

  • Example: Saying "February" correctly as /หˆfeb.ruห.er.i/ instead of "Feb-yoo-ary."

๐Ÿ”น Enunciation

  • Definition: The clarity and distinctness with which you speak.

  • Focus: Speaking clearly, so each word or syllable is easy to understand.

  • Example: Even if you pronounce a word correctly, if you mumble it, your enunciation is poor.

✅ In Short:

  • Pronunciation is about how accurately you say a word.

  • Enunciation is about how clearly you say it.

Here are some practical tips and exercises to help you improve both pronunciation and enunciation:

๐ŸŒŸ PRONUNCIATION PRACTICE

1. Listen and Imitate

  • Use resources like YouTube, podcasts, or apps (e.g. ELSA Speak, BBC Learning English).

  • Listen to native speakers and repeat after them.

  • Focus on stress, intonation, and sound patterns.

2. Break Words into Syllables

  • Say longer words slowly, like: "com-mu-ni-ca-tion"

  • This helps you get the rhythm and stress right.

3. Use Phonetic Transcriptions

  • Use dictionaries (like Cambridge) to see the IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) of words.

  • Practice tricky sounds like /ฮธ/ (as in think) and /รฐ/ (as in this).

๐Ÿ—ฃ️ ENUNCIATION PRACTICE

1. Speak Slowly

  • Don’t rush your words.

  • Give each syllable and word its space.

2. Tongue Twisters (Fun & Effective!)

Say these slowly and clearly:

  • "She sells seashells by the seashore."

  • "Red lorry, yellow lorry."

  • "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers."

Do these regularly and increase speed only after you're clear.

3. Mirror Practice

  • Speak in front of a mirror.

  • Watch how your mouth moves and focus on clarity.

4. Record Yourself

  • Read aloud and record yourself.

  • Play it back to spot unclear words or weak pronunciation.

✨ Bonus Tip

Try reading children’s books aloud. The simple sentences and clear language make it a great starting point for both skills.


Daily Practice Schedule: Pronunciation & Enunciation

Objective: Improve English pronunciation and enunciation through 15-20 minutes of focused practice daily.

Day 1-2: Listening & Repeating

  • Choose a short audio clip (1-2 mins) from a native speaker (YouTube/Podcast).

  • Listen 2 times.

  • Repeat each sentence slowly.

  • Focus: Word stress, intonation.

Day 3-4: Syllable Practice & IPA

  • Pick 10 new words. Break into syllables.

  • Write their IPA (from dictionary.cambridge.org).

  • Practice saying each word aloud.

  • Focus: Accuracy in sounds.

Day 5: Tongue Twisters

  • Say each 3 times clearly:

    1. "She sells seashells by the seashore."

    2. "Red lorry, yellow lorry."

    3. "Unique New York."

  • Focus: Slow and clear speech.

Day 6: Mirror Reading

  • Read a paragraph aloud in front of a mirror.

  • Focus: Mouth movement, clarity, posture.

  • Record and playback for self-review.

Day 7: Recap & Self-Test

  • Choose 5 sentences.

  • Record yourself speaking.

  • Compare with native speaker’s version.

  • Focus: Pronunciation accuracy & fluency.

Repeat weekly. Add new words/twisters weekly.

Optional: Keep a pronunciation journal of tricky words and your improvements.

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