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Gabriel Sowrian's Posts (63)
I'm reposting this blog as per the request of a new member of MyEC. Enjoy, girl!
Hello, my dear friends!
Do you ever wish you were able to play a musical instrument? The truth is we all do, don’t we? (Hope I’m not bending the truth!) Unfortunately, there could be some justifiable grounds for your dream failed to materialize. Perhaps you don’t have the means to own, for example, a piano as it costs you an arm and a leg. If you are one of those disappointed souls, the following instruments are coming to you for absolutely free! This is the moment you've been waiting for all this while. Please don't think that this is a childish prank, my friend. I'm deadly serious!! I know what is crossing your mind right now! Believe me, I’m not .insane and they are neither just images of musical instruments nor e-toys! They are ‘real’ and you can use them straight away. The only difference is that they are ‘virtual’.and you use either your computer keyboard or mouse to operate them.
Well, what are you waiting for? Go on; give them a try! I’m sure you’ll have fun!
Lite Piano
How to use the Lite Piano:
Click the ‘question mark’ (?) on the top right-hand corner of the piano.
This will show you the characters.(letters, numbers and symbols) matched
with the keys on your computer keyboard that correspond to the piano.
Press an associated key on your keyboard to make the sound of that note
on the piano.
For a start, try to play this series of musical notes: (Use your computer keys)
GHJG`GHJG`JKL` JKL` LQLKJ `G` LQLKJ `G `GSG GSG
Practise the song a few times. Can you guess the song from the tune?
Now, for a change, try playing the song with the 'choir' tone! How's it?
For more 'tones', click the option 'Full Version'. There are 4 different
tones under 'Sounds'. Learn the Song, Play and Reset functions too!
Player Piano
How to use the Player Piano:
Press the ‘Play’ button. A song will be played. This song is the default.
Press the ‘Songs’ button to pick .another song from the list of songs.
Press the ‘Play’ button to listen to the song that you've just selected.
[You. can hide the play list by clicking the ‘songs’ button again. This will enable
you to see the piano keys.]
The characters that you see on the top of the Player Piano are the musical
notes of the song that is currently being played.
Now,. delete the musical notes of the current song. Copy the musical notes
that I have given above for the Lite Piano and paste onto the Player Piano's
‘musical notes box’.
Press the ‘slower (+)’ button and set the ‘Interval’ to 375.
Press the ‘Play’ button. Ok! You sould able to guess the song this time.
Click the ‘question mark (?)’ to learn more about 'Interval' and other things.
Here's another song for you to practise. (Set 'Interval' to 400 or 425)
GGLLQQL KKJJ`HHG `GGLLQQL KKJJ`HHG ‘KKJJ`HHG ‘KKJJHHG `GGLLQQL KKJJ`HHG
Do you know the name of the song?
Use the Player Piano and Lite Piano to play the song with your computer keyboard keys. If you are using the Player Piano, just look at the musical
notes you pasted on the top and play accordingly. Isn't it much convenient?
Advanced Piano
This is MY FAVOURITE:
This piano has more things to offer than the earlier two!
Press the button 'Notes' to display the characters .in reference to your pc keys.
Press the 'down arrow' button to display the musical notes of a song and start
playing. The arrow displays a different song every time you press it.
Experiment the functions of the various buttons on the piano by.pressing.them
one at a time. For example, under 'loops' (the tiny green buttons) you can choose a
suitable rhythm to accompany your melody.
Virtual Guitar
Aren't you sure how to tune a guitar? I've a virtual 'Guitar Tuner' for you :-)
Click HERE and you know what I'm talking about!
Virtual Drum Set
Bass has 4 columns of loops; Drum 6 columns and Synth 4 columns.
I've a suggestion of four different combination of .loops for you to try!
Bass Loop Drum Loop Synth Loops
1. Row: 3 Column: 3 Row: 3 Column: 4 Row: 1 Column: 2
2. Row: 5 Column: 4 Row: 5 Column: 5 Row: 5 Column: 2
3. Row: 4 Column: 3 Row: 2 Column: 5 Row: 4 Column: 2
4. Row: 5 Column: 1 Row: 3 Column: 3 Row: 1 Column: 3
plus
Row: 5 Column: 6
You can use any combination as the accompanying music while you are
playing the piano. Adjust the sound of the mixer to an acceptable volume.
Reggaetone Mixer (2)
Voice Recorder
.
You could use this device to record your voice or singing and do an instant
playback of your recording.
1. Click on the button ‘Record Sample From Mic or Input’
2. You’ll be requested access to your microphone. Click the ‘Allow’ button.
(If the first click doesn’t work, click again (and again, if necessary!)
3. Now you can begin singing as the tool has started to record.
4. Click on the ‘Stop Recording’ button once you’ve finished singing.
5. Click on the ‘Play Recording’ button to listen to your recording.
6. If you want to record another song, you have to refresh the blog.
Note: Your recordings will not be saved permanently. Enjoy recording your voice!
Please take note that there is/are …
… extra information about the .above instruments;
… more virtual musical instruments for you to play;
… lyrics and keyboard guide to some familiar songs.
You could find all these on the below comments .section.
I have to do so as the space on the blog is constrained.
If you're in doubt or have a query, don't hesitate to ask me!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The BEST Virtual Piano
This online virtual piano was added to the blog on October, 13th. 2012
What you see below is NOT a widget. It's only a screeshot of the piano!
Click on the image of the piano to open the web page on a separate window.
For your info, over 8 million people are using this online virtual instrument.
Online Virtual Piano
Guide to the Piano:
Click on the "MAIN MENU" button for all the options open to you.
1. Key Assist Off - Click on this button to display the letter/number keys of your
computer that correspond to the piano keys.
2. Music Sheets - Notes (computer keys) to some songs for you to play.
(Hold and Drag the music sheet to the top of the piano with your mouse
so that it will not cover the piano keys.)
3. Record Keys - Pressing this button will allow you to record the notes you play.
4. Play Song - You can play back the notes (song) that you have recorded.
Note: I'll post in the comment box some videos that teach us a few songs.
If you see a video with this logo, just remember that it's applicable solely for
the 'Online Virtual Piano' and not other virtual pianos as the computer keys
used are different.
.
~* GS *~
September, 26th. 2012
September, 26th. 2012
Note: You're invited to participate in our ongoing pronunciation class right HERE on EC!
Don't forget to click the 'Like' button if you find the instruments interesting!Hi Tara!
I’m a Honeybee! I would like to nominate myself for the Mascot of EC. I have the following grounds for wanting to be considered for the post. Please peruse at your leisure!
1. A honeybee is part of a colony - a closely-knit family, like the EC community, to be precise! Our colony consists of a queen, drones and workers.
2. The colony wouldn’t have come into existence without our benevolent sovereign, the queen. The way I see it, you have your own caring sovereign, Mr Josef Essberger who created EC and living a life of selfless to a virtual community.
3. The might of our colony lies in our drones’ capable hands. Similarly, the rise of EC is left in the care of your lovely Administrator, obliging Moderators and friendly Teachers whose contributions are of immeasurable importance for its growth.
4. Our workers are akin to the learners of EC. Our workers have to work hard for their own good and the colony. In the same way, your learners of English have to work hard for their own betterment and the people around them as they will be serving the community they live in, after all.
5. There is, undeniably, a general perception that we are hostile towards others. I’m totally surprised by the vehemence of such view about us. People must understand that we don’t bother others unless we are bothered by them. In the circumstances, we are forced to use the ‘Stings’ for our sheer protection. I don’t see anything wrong with that! To my amazement, you have a small army of your own protectors called ‘Spambusters’. They are always ready to shield the club from unsuspecting dangers in the form of spammers.
6. We are always energetic and there would be no lack of enthusiasm when it comes to going far distances to achieve our goal, “collecting nectar”. My advice to EC members is that you must always willing to go to any extent to master the English Language. You’ll be surprised to see how far you could go if you are persistent in your quest.
7. It must be stressed that we owe the success of our colony to the untiring team work displayed by everybody at all times. I hope it is not too much to ask EC members to follow our footsteps and work together as a team for the mutual benefit of your club members.
8. It may seem to you that it is very easy for us to collect that much of honey that you all normally see in our honeycomb. Actually, we carry the nectar from the (ground) lower level where the flowers are to the top of the tree, a higher level where we usually build our beehive. It’s indeed a gradual progress! You can’t achieve anything in life just in the blink of an eye. That applies to your learning of English as well. You have to move from one level to another. It’s up to you to set the bar!
9. After all these teamwork, dedication, etc. we all share the honey as a reward. Similarly, one day you’ll be rewarded with something pleasantly sweet – the mastery of English. I hope EC members will always emulate our achievements. Good luck!
10. Oops, by the way, did you notice that the colours of my ‘suit’ match with the colours of EC logo? What an interesting coincidence!
~* Gabriel Sowrian *~
April 7, 2014
From
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~* GS *~
. .
Hi, there!
Today is an exceptional day for the founder of My.EnglishClub.Com, the Administrator and all the Members of the club as MyEC crossed the 100,000 Members Milestone. I think it’s an honour and privilege for us to congratulate MyEC on this special occasion!
How lucky we are to have MyEC, a site that is dedicated to promoting lifelong learning – mastering English in particular! As we all know, it espouses the notion of equal opportunity for all in the language. The interesting thing is the club is opened twenty-four seven and available free of charge for beginners and advanced learners alike wherever they are! One can just pick the area that he has to improve and work on it. There are many Native Speakers, English Language Teachers and Advanced Learners who are perfectly willing to help us. I like the Be a Newscaster chapter of Audio Speaking Group, Voice Bloggers Group, Video Gallery and few other groups or activities that focus on pronunciation and spoken English. As a matter of fact, they act together as a virtual Language Laboratory! It helps us to learn English language by listening to audios, watching videos and recording ourselves. I’m sure you are as grateful as I am to this wonderful Club.
MyEC, your 100,000 Members Milestone is an important occasion and it means a lot to us to be included. Thank you so much for all of your hard work and to bear witness to your passion was an unexpected perk. We never could have asked for a more dedicated site and words cannot express how grateful we are to have you here. It’s a pleasure and a privilege to be part of the family. Congratulations on this exciting achievement! You are a great asset to this online community. We really value your contribution!
.
...
Dear Mr Josef,
According to the old adage, one can pay back the loan of Gold. But one dies forever in debt to those who are Kind. It's indisputable that we owe you a great debt of gratitude for creating this phenomenal site. While this thank you is long overdue, it is still deeply, deeply heartfelt.
We vividly see how painstakingly you've worked with this website to its present elegance. We also witness your unselfish and noble actions on each and every radiant page. Thank you for providing such a warm, educational, fun platform for us the learners and teachers alike. Words cannot convey how grateful we are for your tremendous contribution. It's the gospel truth! We'll definitely reciprocate your kindness by telling our friends what a great site you're running. It's people like you who make a true difference in this world! Sir, once again we'd like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Keep up the good work!
Dear Tara,
You are not only the Administrator of the club, but also a friend and mentor to all the members. You always go above and beyond by helping us with our learning strategies and teaching approaches. We’d like to thank you most sincerely for taking the time to correct our mistakes and make sure we’re on track for the pursuit of excellence in English. The key to our success rests in people like you, who embody the spirit of greatness by saying, "Yes you can!"
You have such an exemplary and kind heart, and we cannot thank you enough for all you did (and continue to do) to help us with our English! Tara, you have no idea how much your support and guidance mean to us! It’s no exaggeration to say that you’re the life of the club. Thanks again for your inspiring dedication and tremendous example to us. God bless!
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[ye
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Note: Click on the 'Square Button' found below the Hi-Fi System to stop the song before pressing the "Play Button" of the video at the bottom for a spectacular fireworks display! Watch it in full screen mode. I guarantee that you'll love it!
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Today I'm going to recite a simple but powerful poem that has inspired millions of people during their time of despair since the late 1940’s! It’s called “Footprints in the Sand”. Mary Stevenson wrote it at a very young age in 1936. She was born in 1922. She lost her mother at age six. The burden of raising 8 children fell on her father. Most of her childhood was spent during one of America’s toughest and most trying times, The Great Depression! She was inspired to write “Footprints in the Sand” after many unpleasant things affected her young life. She shared handwritten copies of it with those whom she felt were in need of some words of comfort to gain strength during those difficult times. You could follow the link I’ve given to learn more about her! Thank You. Happy Listening!
FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND
One night I dreamed I was walking
Along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints.
Other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed that
During the low periods of my life when I was
Suffering from anguish, sorrow, or defeat
I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord, "You Promised me,
Lord, that if I followed You,
You would walk with me always.
But I noticed that during the most trying periods
Of my life there have only been
One set of prints in the sand.
Why, When I needed You most,
You have not been there for me?"
The Lord replied,
"The times when you have seen only
One set of footprints
Is when I carried you."
cdcdcdcdcdcdcdcdcdcdcd
~* GS *~
June 15th, 2012
Note: If you have a similar poem that had inspired you or could motivate others, why don't you share it here with the rest of us?! I would be very glad if you come up with a voice recording on top of the text. Thank you!
.
..........While I was browsing the Net earlier, I came across this gut-wrenching story about a young girl, Sahar Gul who was sold into marriage at a tender age of 12. The article tells us about the horrifying experience the defenceless girl went through in the hands of her in-laws! Besides being left to starve, to our utter shock, she was chained in a basement and beaten with red hot iron pipes. Guess what? The gruesome torture didn’t stop there! They pulled out all her fingernails when she refused to prostitute herself for them.
..........Read the rest of the story HERE! Some of you may not able to open the page as it is blocked by a few countries. If at all you managed to open it, please don’t forget to sign the petition. Avaaz – meaning “Voice”, is an online activist network that tries to collect 1,000,000 signatures to show that the world is against such barbaric act! I’ve done my part! What about you?
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---------- (o) ----------
..........For I cannot think that GOD Almighty ever made them [women] so delicate, so glorious creatures; and furnished them with such charms, so agreeable and so delightful to mankind; with souls capable of the same accomplishments with men: and all, to be only Stewards of our Houses, Cooks, and Slaves. ~ Daniel Defoe ~
---------- (o) ----------
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Song: One Woman
Average Faces of Women from 40 Countries
They are no different for me as fellow human beings!
Only those with a heart of stone would hurt these women!
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---------- (o) ---------
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The making of 'One Woman'
September 22, 2013
~* GS *~
Hi, guys!
This time I’ve chosen a list of 100 Most Beautiful Words in the English Language recommended by Mary, our fellow club member. I went through the list and found them very interesting. I learned a lot of new words, as a matter of fact! (Thank you, Mary!) I’ll make sure that they become part of my vocabulary, of course, with the help of MMT. In my opinion, it would be a plus point if we know the pronunciation of these words. It’s because in order to enable us to use them effectively in our speech we must know their CORRECT pronunciations! Fortunately for me, I don’t face any problem with that as I could read phonetic spellings.
It gives me great pleasure to pronounce those words here! I’d like you to join in in the fun too. Simply say each word after me! I’ve given ample time for you to repeat a word before you hear the next word! Are you ready? Let’s do it!
Use this widget to record and play back your pronunciation of the above words.
Compare your pronunciation with mine. Have fun!
[The widget does not store or save your recording!]
Today (September 19, 2013) I read the poem ‘The Chaos’ by G. Nolst Trenite. This is a classic English poem containing about 800 of the worst irregularities in English spelling and pronunciation. It is said that if you can pronounce correctly every word in this poem, you will be speaking English better than 90% of the native English speakers in the world! Here’s my voice recording of the poem in two parts! You can click HERE to open the poem on a separate window if you want to follow my recitation with the text!
PART 1
PART 2
September 15, 2013
~* GS *~
“It is an unfortunate fact that we can secure peace only by preparing for war.”
~ John F. Kennedy ~
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”
~ Mother Teresa ~
“When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.”
~ Jimi Hendrix ~
“The real and lasting victories are those of peace, and not of war.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~
~ * ~
ONE DAY
Sometimes I lay
Under the moon
And thank God I'm breathing
Then I pray
Don't take me soon
'Cause I am here for a reason
Sometimes in my tears I drown
But I never let it get me down
So when negativity surrounds
I know some day it'll all turn around because...
All my life I've been waiting for
I've been praying for
For the people to say
That we don't wanna fight no more
There will be no more wars
And our children will play
One day [x6]
It's not about
Win or lose
Because we all lose
When they feed on the souls of the innocent
Blood-drenched pavement
Keep on moving though the waters stay raging
In this maze you can lose your way (your way)
It might drive you crazy but don't let it faze you no way (no way)
Sometimes in my tears I drown (I drown)
But I never let it get me down (get me down)
So when negativity surrounds (surrounds)
I know some day it'll all turn around because...
All my life I've been waiting for
I've been praying for
For the people to say
That we don't wanna fight no more
There will be no more wars
And our children will play
One day [x6]
One day this all will change
Treat people the same
Stop with the violence
Down with the hate
One day we'll all be free
And proud to be
Under the same sun
Singing songs of freedom like
One day [x2]
All my life I've been waiting for
I've been praying for
For the people to say
That we don't wanna fight no more
There will be no more wars
And our children will play
One day [x6]
Under the moon
And thank God I'm breathing
Then I pray
Don't take me soon
'Cause I am here for a reason
Sometimes in my tears I drown
But I never let it get me down
So when negativity surrounds
I know some day it'll all turn around because...
All my life I've been waiting for
I've been praying for
For the people to say
That we don't wanna fight no more
There will be no more wars
And our children will play
One day [x6]
It's not about
Win or lose
Because we all lose
When they feed on the souls of the innocent
Blood-drenched pavement
Keep on moving though the waters stay raging
In this maze you can lose your way (your way)
It might drive you crazy but don't let it faze you no way (no way)
Sometimes in my tears I drown (I drown)
But I never let it get me down (get me down)
So when negativity surrounds (surrounds)
I know some day it'll all turn around because...
All my life I've been waiting for
I've been praying for
For the people to say
That we don't wanna fight no more
There will be no more wars
And our children will play
One day [x6]
One day this all will change
Treat people the same
Stop with the violence
Down with the hate
One day we'll all be free
And proud to be
Under the same sun
Singing songs of freedom like
One day [x2]
All my life I've been waiting for
I've been praying for
For the people to say
That we don't wanna fight no more
There will be no more wars
And our children will play
One day [x6]
.
"A song by Matisyahu"
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.My Dear Friends,
I ask your prayers for peace in Syria; for goodwill among nations; and for the well-being of all people. With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray. Let us show our compassion on our brothers and sisters in Syria who suffer from a lot of grief and trouble. I’d appreciate it if you could write your prayer, صلاة, oración, प्रार्थना, pananalangin, 祈祷, cầu nguyện, பிரார்த்தனை, doa, 祈り, молитва, การอธิษฐาน, תפלה, etc. in the comment box. Thank You!
The above screenshot is part of the article published on
National Catholic Register
.
To read the full news, please follow the link:
The following are the expressions given so far by our friends for the game.
If you would like to participate in the game, just click HERE. See you there!
No. Expression Contributor
.
If you don't know the meaning of an expression, look it up in the dictionary.
Try to use the above expressions in your daily conversation and writing.
.
Updated on 27/08/2013
~* GS *~
~* GS *~.
Hello, my dearest EC members!
We learned the difference between the indefinite articles, i.e ‘a’ and ‘an’ and the correct usage of them when we were still in elementary school. Here’s a little test for you! What indefinite article do you use when you name each of the 26 letters of the alphabet?
.
~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~
.
Fill in the blanks with ‘a’ or ‘an’. Can you score 26 out of 26?
This is ___ A. That is __ B. There is __ C. It is __ D.
Show me __ E. Give me __ F. Buy me __ G. Throw me __ H.
Engrave __ I. Sandblast __ J. Emboss __ K. Chisel __ L.
Make __ M. Form __ N. Display __ O. Create __ P.
Delete __ Q. Erase __ R. Drop __ S. Cross __ T.
Bend __ U. Twist __ V. Fix __ W. Hang __ X.
. .
. .Hide __ Y. Bury __ Z.
~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~
Note:
Type your answers in full sentences in the comment box.
[You could also add your voice recording later if you want to!]
Did you know?
The indefinite articles ‘a’ and ‘an’ mean the same thing, i.e. ‘one’.
Example: a mango = one mango
..an apple = one apple
Since both articles denote one noun, why do we need two different articles to do the same job instead of only one? Have you ever asked yourself this question? Do you know the answer? Could someone tell us what it is?
PS. I have changed my blog setting to ‘wait for my approval’ mode! This will prevent one from looking at the answers that are already posted by the previous participants. Sorry for the inconvenience, guys!
August 22, 2013
~* GS *~
..
Hi, guys!
It’s nice to talk to you all once again. I’ve a question for you this time! Are you one of those EC members who would go to any extent to improve his/her pronunciation?
Well! I published a blog about spelling bee a week ago. I gave 26 difficult pronunciations. To my pleasant surprise, the girls (Noaslpls, Yupa, Hala, Galina and Anty) found all the 26 related written words with ease.
Now I would like to invite you to pronounce the words they found. All you have to do is simply record your voice and share with your club fellow members. You can listen to my own voice recording or the online Oxford Dictionary if you are not sure of the pronunciations. I think this is a window opportunity.
Start recording your voice today! Dare to be different!!
This is your link:
http://my.englishclub.com/profiles/blogs/pronunciations-are-given-can-you-spell-the-words
I would like to end my message with Catherine Pulsifer’s quote:
"Opportunities are presented to us each and every day, but do we see them."
I'LL SEE YOU THERE!
~ * ~
SOME LINKS THAT COULD BE HELPFUL TO YOU
The following are a few of my other blogs.
Click on a title to open the related page!
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.
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HAPPY LEARNING!
Best Regards,
~* GS *~
August 21, 2013
SPELLING BEE
Pronunciation: /mə'nu:və/
Written word.: ...................
Meaning : a) noun - .a .movement performed with care and skill
..b) noun - .a clever plan, action or movement that is used
.to give somebody the advantage
.c) verb - to move or turn something skillfully and carefully
d) verb - ..to control or influence a situation in a skillful but
..sometimes dishonest way
Hi, friends!
I’m sure you would have heard about “Spelling Bee”, a competition in which people have to spell the word after listening to its pronunciation and definition. This is an improvised version of the game that I created especially for those who seriously want to improve their pronunciation.
Okay! First, read the twenty-six phonetic transcriptions and catch what the pronunciations are!
.
Your Task:
1. Choose one of the pronunciations whose spelling is known to you.
2. Post the correct word along with its pronunciation and meaning.
3. Wait for another person to post his answer before you go for the next word.
It’s as simple as that! Have fun!
Click HERE for the online Oxford Dictionary if your hard copy provides no
Phonetic Transcriptions.
You can use this voice recorder to practise the above pronunciations.
Simply record your voice and play back the recording.
The widget will not save your recording!
.
.
August 15, 2013
~* GS *~
Note: The last answer was given on 20/08/2013
With this the challenge comes to and end!
You can check the list of answers HERE.
Now listen to the audio pronunciation of the transcriptions by yours truly!
.gif)
The below list of pronunciation spellings is merely a continuation of the one on my blog "Fun with Phonetic Symbols - #1". Since the maximum characters for the aforementioned blog is used up, I'm forced to open this additional page. To those who are participating enthusiastically in the fun, please refer to the following list as well, in addition to the one on the principal blog! Thank you! Happy learning, guys!
Pronunciation Spelling from No. 166 onward:
encyclopedia
/ɪnˌsaɪkləˈpi:diə/
NINA GABRIEL GALINA
1. /ˈsi:dləs/ seedless 1. /ˈsaɪdl/ sidle 1. /iˈlaɪd/ .elide
2. /pli:/ .plea .2. /ˈi:lənd/ ..eland 2. /klɪk/ click
3. /ˈlɪpɪd/ .lipid ..3. /ˈdaɪələ/ dialler ..3. /kɪn/ ..kin
4. /ˈlɪpi/ .lippy ..4. /ˈsaɪlənsə/ ..silencer ..4. /ˈdi:snsi/ decency
5. /ˈnaɪəsɪn/ niacin 5. /əˈplaɪəns/ .appliance ..5. /di:n/ ..dean/dene
HALA NINA GABRIEL
1. /əˈpi:s/ .apiece ..1. /ˈsɪlɪkən/ silicon 1. /ˈdɪdi/ diddy
2. /ˈpɪni/ pinny .2. /sɪl/ ..sill .2. /ˈdɪdl/ diddle
3. /lɪk/ ..lick ..3. /ˈsɪlkən/ ..silken ..3. /ˈdɪdli/ diddly
4. /ˈspaɪnl/ spinal 4. /ˈdaɪəpə/ diaper ..4. /ˈdɪkə/ .dicker
5. /spaɪ/ ..spy 5. /daɪs/ .dice .5. /ˈdɪki/ dicky
GALINA HALA NINA
1. /ˈdi:pən/ .deepen 1. /spi:d/ ..speed .1. /ˈsɪnə/ sinner
2. /kli:k/ ..clique .2. /ˈsaɪən/ .scion / cyan 2. /ˈsɪlɪkə/ .silica
3. /ˈdi:lə/ ..dealer ..3. /skɪd/ ..skid 3. /ˌpaɪˈaɪd/ pie-eyed
4. /sɪlk/ ..silk ..5. /ˈspaɪsi/ .spicy ..4. /paɪ/ .pie /pi
5. /spɪn/ .spin .6. /ˈsnɪpi/ snippy .. 5. /ˈdaɪsi/ .dicey
GALINA GABRIEL NINA
1. /ˈsaɪki/ psyche .1. /ˈpɪlə/ pillar .1. /ˈpɪkə/ ..picker
2. /snaɪp/ .snipe 2. /sli:k/ .sleek ..2. /ˈkɪpə/ kipper
3. /sɪp/ ..sip ..3. /laɪs/ lice .3. /kɪln/ ..kiln
4. /splaɪs/ .splice 4. /sni:k/ sneak .4. /ˈkɪndrəd/ .kindred
5. /ˈspɪni/ spinney ..5. /ˈslɪpə/ .slipper .5. /kɪp/ kip
GABRIEL GALINA NINA
1. /ˈpaɪpə/ . piper 1. /paɪl/ .pile .1. /sɪks/ six
2. /ˈpi:pl/ .people .2. /spɪl/ spill .2. /ˈsɪkspəns/ .sixpence
3. /plaɪ/ .ply ..3. /ˈpɪksi/ .pixie .3. /ˈli:ki/ leaky
4. /ˈpi:ən/ paean/peon .4. /nɪk/ ..nick 4. /ˈɪndiən/ .Indian
5. /ˈpi:lə/ peeler .5. /ˈspaɪni/ spiny ..5. /ˈɪndi/ ..indie
GALINA NINA GALINA
.
1. /si:l/ .seal .1. /ɪnˈdi:d/ .indeed .1. /pi:k/ ..pique
2. /ˈskɪni/ ..skinny .2. /pɪn/ ..pin 2. /ˈspaɪə/ ..spire
3. /slɪk/ .slick ..3. /ˈnɪpi/ .nippy ..3. /ˈdaɪnə/ .diner
4. /ˈsɪkən/ .sicken 4. /ˈnɪpə/ nipper 4. /ˈni:di/ .needy
5. /ˈdaɪə/ ..dire .5. /naɪs/ nice .5. /ˈpaɪə/ .pyre
GABRIEL GALINA GABRIEL
1. /ˈpɪsaɪn/ .piscine .1. /si:s/ cease 1. /skɪp/ ..skip
2. /ɪˈdɪlɪk/ .idyllic .2. /si:p/ ..seep .2. /ˈsi:sɪk/ .seasick
3. /ˈpɪniəl/ ..pineal ..3. /ˈdɪpə/ .dipper ..3. /ˈpaɪkə/ pica
4. /ˈnɪkl/ nickel ..4. /əˈsli:p/ ..asleep .4. /ˈki:pə/ .keeper
5. /ˈpi:əni/ ..peony ..5. /ˈɪnə/ inner ..5. /ˈlaɪə/ liar / lyre
GALINA NINA HALA
1. /ˈdi:pə/ ..deeper 1. /ɪn/ ..in / inn ..1. /ˈaɪən/ iron
2. /ɪnˈspaɪə/ ..inspire 2. /ˈsɪnəd/ .synod ..2. /si:d/ ..seed /cede
3. /li:d/ ..lead 3. /ˈsi:sləs/ .ceaseless ..3. /spi:l/ ..spiel
4. /dɪˈklaɪn/ ..decline ..4. /ˈdaɪn/ dine .4. /ənd/ ..and
5. /ˈsaɪdlaɪn/ ..sideline ..5. /ˈlɪniə/ linear ..5. /dɪsk/ ..disk / disc
NINA
1. /ˈnɪkə/ .nicker .1. /ˈplaɪənsi/ .pliancy .1. /pɪp/ .pip
2. /ˈsaɪənaɪd/ .cyanide .2. /ˈsaɪklɪk/ ..cyclic 2. /ˈli:niənsi/ leniency
3. /paɪd/ pied .3. /əˈlaɪk/ ..alike .3. /pɪs/ ..piss
4. /i:k/ .eek /eke ..4. /i:l/ eel .4. /ni:d/ .need
5. /di:l/ .deal 5. /ˈsaɪdə/ cider ..5. /ɪl/ .ill
Please post your pronunciations (transcriptions) NOT HERE but
ON OUR principal blog. Thank you!
August 6th. 2013
~* GS *~
Note: Don't forget to check my other blog "The Power of Phonetic Spellings".
Hi, there!
Obviously, the sounds that make up the spoken words are indispensable from the other aspects of the English language or, more precisely, when it comes to improving one’s pronunciation. Thus, I’ve created the following game that will test how well you understand the relationship between written words and spoken words. Hope you’ll like it!
Okay! First, look at the below word and it's phonetic transcription!
/ɪnˌsaɪkləˈpi:diə/
Now, I want you to form the pronunciations (phonetic transcriptions) of other words using the phonemes (speech sounds) that occur in the pronunciation of the word ‘encyclopedia’.
Here are the guidelines and rules:
1. Form .a set of 5 phonetic transcriptions at a time and post them.
2. Wait for another person to post his set before you post your next set.
3. Each .pronunciation .(phonetic transcription) .must .have the written
word as well.
4. You must use only those .phonetic symbols that you see above.
5. You can use a phonetic symbol in a transcription more than once.
It’s as simple as that! Have fun!
PRONUNCIATIONS contributed and the CONTRIBUTORS
/ɪnˌsaɪkləˈpi:diə/
Gabriel Galina Hala
1. /li:p/ leap .1. /ki:/ key / quay 1. /ni:s/ niece
2. /saɪn/ .sign 2. /ˈsaɪləns/ .silence .2. /pi:/ pea / pee
3. /sli:p/ .sleep ..3. /ˈlɪkə/ liquor .3. /di:p/ deep
4. /slaɪd/ slide ..4. /ˈsaɪkɪk/ .psychic ..4. /skɪn/ skin
5. /pi:s/ peace / piece .5. /ˈlaɪlək/ lilac ..5. /kən/ can
Gabriel Hala Nina
1. /ˈspi:kə/ .speaker .1. /ˈpɪknɪk/ picnic .1. /saɪd/ side
2. /ˈsli:kli/ sleekly 2. /pli:d/ plead 2. /ˈpaɪəs/ pious
3. /ˈaɪsɪkl/ .icicle ..3. /sɪk/ sick ..3. /kli:n/ clean
4. /ˈli:də/ leader .4. /snaɪd/ ..snide ..4. /di:d/ deed
5. /ˈni:dl/ needle ..5. /kɪk/ ..kick .5. /si:d/ .seed
Hala Nina Gabriel
1. /ki:p/ keep .1. /paɪp/ .pipe .1. /ˈaɪlənd/ island
2. /laɪ/ ..lie / lye ..2. /kɪd/ ..kid ..2. /ˈpɪliən/ . pillion
3. /si:/ .see /sea ..3. /ki:n/ ..keen ..3. /ˈsnaɪpə/. sniper
4. /si:n/ .scene / seen .4. /li:n/ ..lean 4. /ˈdaɪəl/ .dial
5. /ˈsaɪəns/ .science .5. /daɪ/ .die / dye 5. /ˈnaɪsli/ ..nicely
Nina Gabriel Nina
1. /sɪns/ .since ..1. /səkˈsi:d/ .succeed 1. /ˈi:ən/ .aeon
2. /ki:l/ .keel ..2. /pəˈli:s/ .police .2. /li:k/ .leak / leek
3. /pi:k/ peak / peek 3. /ˈaɪdl/ ....idol / idle 3. /pi:l/ .peal / peel
4. /ˈsaɪkl/ .cycle 4. /ˈlaɪnə/ ..liner 4. /klɪp/ .clip
5. /ɪˈklɪps/ ..eclipse ..5. /ˈsli:pi/ ..sleepy ..5. /kaɪnd/ ..kind
Galina Nina Hala
1. /skaɪp/ .Skype 1. /daɪd/ .died 1. /pi:p/ .. peep
2. /ˈlaɪsns/ .licence .2. /paɪn/ .pine ..2. /pɪk/ ..pick
3. /ni:/ .knee .3. /ˈpɪnsə/ .pincer 3. /skaɪ/ ..sky
4. /ˈlaɪən/ .lion .4. /ˈsɪndə/ .cinder 4. /pɪl/ ..pill
5. /ˈkaɪndnəs/ kindness ..5. /ˈpaɪlən/ ..pylon 5. /spi:k/ .speak
Nina Gabriel Nina
1. /ˈsɪkl/ .sickle 1. /aɪl/ aisle ..1. /ɪˈpɪskəpl/ episcopal
2. /ˈlɪniəl/ lineal ..2. /ˈnɪpl/ .nipple .2. /ˈkɪdni/ ..kidney
3. /nɪl/ ..nil 3. /ˈsli:knəs/ sleekness 3. /ˈpɪki/ ..picky
4. /ˈsi:nɪk/ .scenic .4. /ˈkli:nə/ .cleaner 4. /ˈli:ən/ .lien
5. /sɪˈsi:d/ secede 5. /ˈpaɪplaɪn/ pipeline .5. /ˈpɪkl/ ..pickle
Gabriel Nina Gabriel
1. /ˈpɪnəkl/ ..pinnacle .1. /ˈpi:ki/ .peaky 1. /səˈplaɪə/ .supplier
2. /ˈnaɪsəti/ nicety ..2. /ˈsɪli/ ..silly .2. /əˈpi:l/ ..appeal
3. /ˈklɪpə/ ..clipper .3. /kɪs/ kiss ..3. /ˈaɪlɪd/ ..eyelid
4. /ˈaɪsɪli/ .icily .4. /ɪnˈsaɪd/ inside 4. /əˈsɪdɪk/ .acidic
5. /daɪk/ .dyke 5. /ɪnˈsɪpɪd/ .insipid .5. /ˈsli:pə/ sleeper
Nina Hala Nina
1. /ˈsɪlɪndə/ .cylinder ..1. /laɪk/ ..like 1. /kɪl/ kill
2. /ˈaɪləs/ ..eyeless ..2. /ˈlɪli/ ..lily .2. /ˌlaɪsənˈsi:/ .licensee
3. /ˈaɪpi:s/ .eyepiece .3. /skɪl/ ..skill .3. /ˈlɪdɪd/ .lidded
4. /laɪn/ ..line .4. /slɪp/ ..slip ...4. /dɪn/ ..din
5. /si:k/ ..seek 5. /sɪn/ .sin 5. /ˈkaɪndli/ kindly
Galina Nina Galina
1. /ˈɪnsɪdəns/..incidence .1. /ˈdɪnə/ .dinner .1. /ˈkɪlə/ .killer
2. /saɪ/ sigh ..2. /ˈaɪlaɪnə/ .eyeliner ..2. /paɪk/ ..pike
3. /aɪs/ ..ice ..3. /dɪˈsi:s/ .decease 3. /ˈsi:saɪd/ seaside
4. /dɪˈnaɪ/ . .deny 4. /ˈlaɪkli/ .likely .4. /nɪp/ ..nip
5. /ˈlɪnɪn/ linen ..5. /ˈni:dləs/ .needless ..5. /ˈlɪndən/ ..linden
Nina Galina Nina
1. /ski:/ .ski 1. /spaɪs/ .spice 1. /naɪn/ nine
2. /ˈkɪkə/ ..kicker .2. /ni:l/ .kneel .2. /lɪp/ ..lip
3. /ˈkɪdi/ kiddie ..3. /slaɪ/ .sly .3. /dɪl/ ..dill
4. /ˈlaɪkən/ .liken .4. /ˈspaɪdə/ .spider ..4. /dɪp/ .dip
5. /li:s/ lease .5. /ˈklɪnɪk/ .clinic 5. /dɪˈnaɪəl/ .denial
Gabriel Galina Hala
1. /səˈdɪlə/ ..cedilla .1. /ˈaɪslənd/ .Iceland ..1. /aɪ/ .eye / I
2. /əˈplaɪ/ .apply .2. /ˈsni:kə/ .sneaker 2. /ˈkɪndl/ kindle
3. /ˈspli:n/ .spleen .3. /snɪp/ snip ..3. /klaɪn/ .cline
4. /ˈklɪnɪkl/ clinical .4. /slaɪs/ .slice ..4. /spaɪk/ ..spike
5. /ˈsɪnɪkl/ .cynical ..5. /ˈsi:sɪknəs/ .seasickness ..5. /spaɪn/ ..spine
The rest of the phonetic spelling are posted HERE due to the memory constraint of the blog!
July 2nd. 2013
~* GS *~
The following is an Online Game! It's entertaining and educational at the same time. All you have to do is read the verse and guess the word that rhymes.
Please remember that you won't be allowed to go to the next verse if you couldn't complete the current one! Okay, I want you to take a screenshot of the highest verse that you could answer and paste it in the comment box along with your correct answer for that verse! I think this game will give you a rough idea how you could write your own verses. So, you see, you could also share you own verses with us! We'll be more than happy to read them. Show the world what you could do! Enjoy!
Those who have completed the Game and earned a Place
in our Hall of Fame so far:
Mardil Gab Galina Gabriel Hala Nina
NOTE: I've already written my first rhyming verse after playing this game! Check it out HERE. It seems anybody could do it! I may write a few more as we along. What about you?
By the way, I’ve published a blog about HOMOGRAPHS. What is a homograph? Why should we learn homographs? If you want to know the answer for these questions, simply click HERE!
July 21, 2013
~* GS *~
Don't forget click on the 'Like' button if you find the game educational!
Phrase Crazy
The OBJECTIVE of the game is to unscramble a well known proverb, phrase or saying by clicking on the letter tiles and dragging them into the blank spaces.
ATTENTION - DO NOT CLICK on the 'Start' / 'Play' / 'Play Now' button that you see in the middle of the screen while the game is being uploaded! Because it will take you to the website instead of starting the game, which I don't want to happen!
STEP 1: Wait for the game to be 'FULLY LOADED'. See the below screenshot!
STEP 2: Click on the 'PLAY GAME' button once it turns from GREY to RED.
STEP 3: Click on the 'INSTRUCTIONS' button and learn how to play the game.
STEP 4: Finally, click on the 'PLAY' button and start playing the game.
Have Fun, Guys!
This is my World Ranking as at March 30, 2013
No. 1 with a score of 201,630 points
NOTE: If you're one of those who has read my blog "How many can you find?", please take note that some of the phrases used here are what you learned there! For your info, a handful of my EC friends helped me to compile a LIST of about 420 idioms, sayings, etc.
A huge "Thank You" to Galina, Marik, Scarlett, Hala, Grace, Asma, Hani, Bright Rubies, Rajesh, Ha Nguyen and Selma! You guys are SIMPLY THE BEST I've ever met! I miss those happy days where we had a lot of fun - mmm... those were the days!
March 22, 2013
~* GS *~
Don't forget click on the 'Like' button if you find the game educational!
Voiced Consonants
Continuants /l/ and /r/
[ Click on the image to see it on a large scale!]
Step 1: Watch the videos - VERY IMPORTANT!
(I've given the transcript for an easy grasp of the speech.)
First, while you are watching a video, make the consonant sound and pronounce
the words as instructed by Alex.
Second, play the video again but this time look at the transcript while listening to Alex.
Again, don't forget to make the consonant sound and pronounce the words.
Voiced Consonant / l /
(Video 1 - Watch in 'Full Screen')
This is a (voiced) consonant sound.
You can hear it at the beginning of the word ‘light’ /laɪt/;
in the middle of the word ‘valley’ /ˈvæli/;
at the end of the word ‘bell’ /bel/
and at the beginning and end of the word ‘level’ /ˈlevl/
Now, you try! Listen and repeat.
light /laɪt/
valley ./ˈvæli/
bell ./bel/
level ../ˈlevl/ Ok!
similar sounds /l/ and /r/
Speakers of some languages may find it difficult to tell the difference between this sound /1/ and another consonant /r/.
Now, listen carefully to hear the difference between the following two words and watch the position of my mouth. light /laɪt/ right /raɪt/ 2X
I make the /l/ sound with the front part of my tongue behind my teeth and I make the /r/sound by making my lips come out and pulling my tongue back - /r/.
Now, listen to some examples and watch the shape of my mouth.
led ./led/ red ./red/
clash /klæʃ/ .crash ../kræʃ/
climb ../klaɪm/ crime /kraɪm/
lice /laɪs/ ..rice ../raɪs/
lock ./lɒk/ .rock ./rɒk/
Now you try! Listen again and repeat after me. (Refer to the above list!) Ok!
extra information about /l/
In English, /l/ at the beginning of a syllable is a bit different from /l/ at the end of a syllable. Listen carefully!
leaf ./li:f/ ..feel /fi:l/ 2X and
let ./let/ tell /tel/ 2X
Did you hear that little difference? Listen again (beginning) /1/ and (ending) /l/ 2X
Now for some speakers of English, this can change the vowel a little bit. Listen again!
loaf ../ləʊf/ .foal ../fəʊl/ .2X and
loot ../lu:t/ .tool ../tu:l/ 2X
Now, this can actually make the /l/ sound disappear at the end of a syllable. So, I can say...
pal /pæl/ or /pæl/
pill ./pɪl/ .- /pɪl/
mile ../maɪl/ - /maɪl/
milk /mɪlk/ .- /mɪlk/
cold ../kəʊld/ - /kəʊld/
To be careful! There’s a bit of difference.
Voiced Consonant / r /
(Video 2 - Watch in 'Full Screen')
This is a (voiced) consonant sound.
You can hear it at the beginning of the words ‘right’ /raɪt/ and ‘wrong’ /rɒŋ/;
in the middle of the words ‘sorry’ /ˈsɒri/ and ‘arrange’ /əˈreɪndʒ/.
Now, watch my mouth while I’m saying this sound. My lips come out and I pull my tongue back - /r/. Okay, let’s practise! Repeat after me.
right ./raɪt/
wrong ./rɒŋ/
sorry ../ˈsɒri/
arrange /əˈreɪndʒ/ Ok!
similar sounds /r/ and /l/
To speakers of some languages, it may be difficult to tell the difference between this sound /r/ and another consonant /l/.
Now, listen carefully to the following examples and watch the shape of my mouth. For each example, I’ll say the word with the sound /r/ first.
wrong ./rɒŋ/ .long ./lɒŋ/
royal ./ˈrɔɪəl/ loyal ./ˈlɔɪəl/
misread ./mɪsˈred/ ..mislead /mɪsˈled/
pirate ../ˈpaɪrət/ pilot ../ˈpaɪlət/
pray ../preɪ/ .play ./pleɪ/
.
Now, let's practise! Listen carefully and repeat after me. (Refer to the above list!) Ok!
Linking /r/
Now in Standard Southern English, you won’t usually hear this sound at the end of a syllable or word. Listen to the following examples!
car .../kɑ:/
card ./kɑ:d/
bored ../bɔ:d/
hear ./hɪə/
heard ../hɜ:d/
Ok! Let’s practise this. Listen and repeat. (Refer to the above list!)
Now, you will hear this sound at the end of a word if the following word begins with a vowel (sound). Listen to the following two sentences.
1. This is my car. /ðɪs‿ɪz maɪ kɑ:/
2. My car is blue. /maɪ kɑ:r‿ɪz blu:/
In the first sentence, ‘This is my car.’, you don’t hear the /r/ sound because it’s at the end of a sentence.
In the second example, ‘My car is blue.’, the following word begins with a vowel (sound) /ɪ/.
So, let’s practise this.
car /kɑ:/
car is ../kɑ:rɪz/
my car is /maɪ kɑ:rɪz/
My car is blue. /maɪ kɑ:rɪz blu:/ Ok!
SUPPLEMENTARY VIDEO
(Video 3 - Watch in 'Full Screen')
In this video, teacher Melanie demonstrates how to make the consonant sounds /l/ and /r/. She also describes about the place of articulation for these two sounds.
Step 3: Your Audio Assignment - COMPULSORY
Record the following as per the instructions given and embed your audio player in the
comment box. [If you've never used a voice recorder before, click HERE and learn how
to do it.]
1. .Say the phonemes the number of times they appear.
Voiced consonant /l/:
[Put the tip of your tongue against the tooth ridge!] /l/ /l/ /l/ /l/ /l/
Elongate the consonant /l/ in each word: lent ... lake ... lap ... lime
Voiced consonant /r/:
[Point the tip of your tongue towards the roof of your mouth!] /r/ /r/ /r/ /r/ /r/
Elongate the consonant /r/ in each word: rent ... rake ... rap ... rhyme
2. Read the following minimal pairs.
a) initial /1/ and /r/
leading /ˈli:dɪŋ/ .reading /ˈri:dɪŋ/
lusty ../ˈlʌsti/ ..rusty ../ˈrʌsti/
liver /ˈlɪvə/ .river ./ˈrɪvə/
locket ./ˈlɒkɪt/ .rocket ../ˈrɒkɪt/
lather ./ˈlɑ:ðə/ rather ../ˈrɑ:ðə/
b) /l/ and /r/ in other positions
bloom ../blu:m/ broom /bru:m/
splint /splɪnt/ sprint /sprɪnt/
alive ./əˈlaɪv/ ..arrive /əˈraɪv/
belly ./ˈbeli/ .berry /ˈberi/
flees ../fli:z/ .freeze ./fri:z/
3. Read each sentence twice.
Lenny Lou leopard led leprechauns leaping like lemmings.
/ leni lu: lepəd led leprəkɔ:nz li:pɪŋ laɪk lemɪŋz /
Round and round the rugged rock the ragged rascal ran.
/ raʊnd ‿ən raʊnd ðə rʌgɪd rɒk ðə rægɪd rɑ:skl ræn /
4. Read the following passage.
(Bare in mind that not all written 'r's are pronounced in Southern British English!)
From the start we have shared a strong and supportive love for one another. I promise to nurture and embrace that love, so as we grow our love grows with us. You have always been somebody that I have seen as my equal. I have infinite respect for you and will let no other treat you any differently. We’ve shared joys and troubles during our relationship and continued to support each other with all that we have. I vow that my support will never waver or fade, nor cower during difficult times.
A sample of the audio assignment that I've recorded for you!
You can use this Vocaroo Voice Recorder to practise the above Audio Assignment.
Powered by Vocaroo
[Note: Your recordings will not be saved permanently in this widget!]
This study session is assisted by G & G: Gabriel | Galina
" Learning is never done without errors and defeat."
~ Vladimir Lenin ~
~* GS *~
July 1st. 2013
Click HERE to go (back) to the main contents page at EC Virtual Classroom if you
want to check all the previous and future lessons.
Don't forget to click the 'Like' button if you find the posting useful!
Nasal Consonants
(A Nasal Consonant is a speech sound that is produced by sending a stream of air through the nose!)
There are three Nasal Consonants in English. They are...
the Voiced /m/, /n/ and /ŋ/
[ Click on the image to see it on a large scale!]
-{ Click ' HERE ' for the transcript of my voice }-
Step 1: Watch the videos - VERY IMPORTANT (I've given the transcript for an easy grasp of the speech.)
First, while you are watching a video, make the consonant sound and pronounce
the words as instructed by Alex.
Second, play the video again but this time look at the transcript while listening to Alex.
Again, don't forget to make the consonant sound and pronounce the words.
Voiced Consonant /n/
(Video 1 - Watch in 'Full Screen')
This is a (voiced) consonant sound.
You can hear it at the beginning of the word ‘nice’ /naɪs/;
in the middle of the word ‘funny’ /ˈfʌni/;
at the end of the word ‘son’ /sʌn/ and at the beginning and end of the word ‘none’ /nʌn/.
In English, we make this sound with the tongue behind the teeth - /n/. And when you make this sound, you should be able to feel the vibration in your nose - /n/.
Now, let’s practise. Listen and repeat after me!
nice /naɪs/
funny ./ˈfʌni/
son /sʌn/
none ./nʌn/ Ok!
.
similar sounds /n/ and /ŋ/
It can be difficult to tell the difference between this sound /n/ and another similar consonant /ŋ/ which is made much further back in the mouth. Listen to these examples: son /sʌn/ sung /sʌŋ/
Can you hear the difference? Let’s try! You repeat after me: son /sʌn/ sung /sʌŋ/ 2X
Here’s some more examples. Listen first!
pin /pɪn/ .ping ../pɪŋ/
ran ./ræn/ rang /ræŋ/
thin ./θɪn/ thing /θɪŋ/
wind ../wɪnd/ winged /wɪŋd/
Now you try. Listen again and repeat after me. (Refer to the above list) Ok!
Voiced Consonant /ŋ/
(Video 2 - Watch in 'Full Screen')
This is a (voiced) consonant sound. Now, in English, you’ll never find it at beginning of a word because it only comes at the end of a syllable.
So, you’ll find it in middle of the word ‘anger’ /ˈæŋgə/
and in the middle of the word ‘thanks’ /θæŋks/
and at the end of the word ‘rung’ /rʌŋ/.
Now, we make this sound towards the back of our mouth - /ŋ/. And if you do this sound correctly, you can feel the vibration in your nose - /ŋ/
Now, let’s practise. Listen to these example and repeat after me.
rung ./rʌŋ/
anger ../ˈæŋgə/
thank .../θæŋks/ Ok!
.
similar sounds /ŋ/ and /n/
Now, it can be difficult to hear the difference between this sound - /ŋ/ and another similar consonant /n/. Listen carefully! rung / rʌŋ/ run /rʌn/ 2X
Now, /ŋ/ is made at the back of the mouth and /n/ is made behind the teeth.
Now you try! Listen and repeat: rung / rʌŋ/ run /rʌn/ 2X
Now, let’s have some more examples. Listen first!
tongue /tʌŋ/ .ton / tʌn/
wing ./wɪŋ/ .win ./wɪn/
robbing /ˈrɒbɪŋ/ .robin ../ˈrɒbɪn/
singer ../ˈsɪŋə/ sinner /ˈsɪnə/
Now you try! Listen and repeat. (Refer to the above list) Ok!
Voiced Consonant /m/
(Video 3 - Watch in 'Full Screen')
This is a (voiced) consonant sound. It’s pronounced /m/. I make this sound by closing my lips and letting the sound come from my nose - /m/. I can even feel my nose vibrating. You try /m/.
You can hear this sound at beginning of the word ‘more’ /mɔ:/;
in the middle of the word ‘hammer’ /ˈhæmə/;
at the end of the word ‘sum’ /sʌm/ and at the beginning and end of the word ‘mime’ /maɪm/.
Now, you try! Listen and repeat.
more ../mɔ:/
hammer /ˈhæmə/
sum /sʌm/
mime ../maɪm/ Good!
.
similar sounds /m/, /n/ and /ŋ/
It may be difficult to hear the difference between this sound /m/ and two similar sounds /n/ - the sound that you hear at the end of the word ‘son’ /sʌn/ and the sound that you hear at the end of the word ‘sung’ /sʌŋ/.
Now, listen carefully! Watch the shape of my mouth as I say these words.
sum ./sʌm/ sun /sʌn/ sung /sʌŋ/
rum ./rʌm/ ..run /rʌn/ ..rung /rʌŋ/
Now you try! Listen and repeat after me. (Refer to the above list)
Step 2: Do this activity! - VERY IMPORTANT
Click on the image below for the animation of the speech organs. Watch what happens inside our mouth when the voiced consonants /m/, /n/ and /ŋ/are made in isolation.
Follow these steps if you are not sure where to start from: (refer to the numbers)
1. Click the tab 'nasal' to make the three nasal consonants appear first.
2. Click the phonetic symbol of the voiced consonant /m/ and you'll see the rest.
3. Click the 'play' button to watch the animation of the voiced consonant /m/
4. Click the 'radio button' and 'play' button again to watch the articulation in steps.
5. Click the right 'play' button for the front view of the mouth when /m/ is articulated.
6. Click the 'speaker icon' to listen to the voiced consonant /m/ used in words.
7. Follow steps 2 - 6 to listen to the voiced consonants /n/ and /ŋ/
Step 3: Your Audio Assignment - COMPULSORY
Record the following as per the instructions given and embed your audio player in the
comment box. [If you've never used a voice recorder before, click HERE and learn how
to do it.]
1. .Say the phonemes the number of times they appear.
Voiced consonant: [Press your lips together firmly!] /m/ /m/ /m/ /m/ /m/
Now, use the syllable 'ma' and sing the tune of the song 'London Bridge' (Check my audio!)
Voiced consonant: [Press the tip of your tongue against the tooth ridge!] /n/ /n/ /n/ /n/ /n/
Now, use the syllable 'na' and sing the tune of the song 'Happy Birthday' (Check my audio!)
Voiced consonant: [Raise the back of your tongue!] /ŋ/ /ŋ/ /ŋ/ /ŋ/ /ŋ/
Now, use the syllable 'nga' and sing the tune of the song 'Brother John' (Check my audio!)
Note: If you want, you can sing the tunes of your own choice of songs! I would love to
hear something from your mother tongue.
2. Read the list of words in pairs.
a) initial /m/ and /n/
mail /meɪl/ nail /neɪl/
muffin /ˈmʌfɪn/ ..nuffin /ˈnʌfɪn/
motion ./ˈməʊʃn/ .notion ./ˈnəʊʃn/
moose /mu:s/ ..noose ../nu:s/
mammy /ˈmæmi/ nanny /ˈnæni/
b) ending /m/ and /n/
firm ../fɜ:m/ fern ./fɜ:n/
scam /skæm/ scan /skæn/
gleam ../gli:m/ glean ../gli:n/
time ../taɪm/ ..tine ../taɪn/
dorm ../dɔ:m/ .dawn ../dɔ:n/
c) ending /n/ and /ŋ/
kin /kɪn/ .king ../kɪŋ/
gone ./gɒn/ .gong ./gɒŋ/
stun /stʌn/ stung ./stʌŋ/
fan /fæn/ .fang ./fæŋ/
win ./wɪn/ .wing /wɪŋ/
d) ending /ŋ/ and /ŋk/
tang /tæŋ/ ..tank /tæŋk/
cling ../klɪŋ/ .clink ../klɪŋk/
dung ./dʌŋ/ dunk ./dʌŋk/
thing ./θɪŋ/ think ../θɪŋk/
bang ../bæŋ/ ..bank /bæŋk/
e) ending /ŋgə/ and /ŋə/ (This is an afterthought! Refer to the words below my AudioPal.)
3. .Read the following sentences and paragraph! (Focus on /m/, /n/ and /ŋ/)
* Mary Mac's mother's making Mary Mac marry me.
* I know a nurse anaesthetist who unearthed a nest.
* The king would sing, about a ring that would go ding.
* On a fine spring morning, the sun was shining on mountains and meadows .making
everything nice and warm. Minnie and Maureen, two dumb women, were walking
along the bank of a winding mountain stream without saying anything. Minnie was
wearing rings on her thin fingers and a long string of gleaming diamonds. Maureen
was silently listening to a swinging song sung by a young singer sitting on the bank
of the winding mountain stream.
A sample of the audio assignment that I've recorded for you!
Now, some of you told me that you find it difficult to pronounce the word ‘singer’ without dropping the consonant /g/. You, therefore, end up saying /ˈsɪŋgə/ instead of /ˈsɪŋə/. The following exercise should help you to overcome this problem. Add this to the above audio assignment as e) to No. 2
e) ending /ŋgə/ and /ŋə/
Say the syllables in each word separately first, then put the two syllables together
and pronounce as a single word.
finger /ˈfɪŋ.gə/ ..singer