Forming sounds into language is something we learn. It's done by the muscles that push air out of our lungs, up our throat, and out of our mouth and nose.

English is a language where the vowel sounds - the long sounds of the alphabet - are made starting at the bottom of the throat or neck.

For example, take a deep breath and say the letter, "a." As you do this, put your finger at the bottom of your throat and feel the place where your letter "a" comes from. Just open your mouth and the "a" sound is made.

The sound "e" is formed just above the "a" on your throat. Here, you have to widen your cheeks, like a big smile, to get the full sound.

"I" is formed as you move your jaw downward. Included at the end of the "i" sound is a slight "yuh." This mouth opening is more from top to bottom where the "e" is from side to side.

With "o," the sound is made almost at the top of your throat. Your mouth is open, forming a round sound with your lips.

The "u" sound begins with a 'yuh' tongue position and the sound is made at the top of your throat as your jaw pushes up.

Consonant sounds use the combination of air from the lungs, a sound from inside the mouth, and with the additional shaping of the sound, by the tongue and teeth.

It's important to remember that everyone who speaks a language has learned how to do this.

The people who study language, say that sounds can come from the back, middle, or front of the mouth, and that the tongue position, and the opening of the mouth, all contribute to generate sounds.

English is a language that includes the sounds of many languages. This makes English an adaptable language, but it also makes English a difficult language to learn.

To learn any language, you must practice. If possible, practice with, and listen to, a native speaker.

Listen to television or radio news. The speakers have excellent pronunciation skills.

Avoid the closed-captioning on the TVs. Many times, the "written" words are not the same as what is being said by the speaker.

Be sure to speak slowly and completely before saying the next sound.

This is most important when you are learning and practicing!

Remember:

(1) SPEAK SLOWLY. It does make a big difference in the way you are heard and understood.

(2) Keep it simple and have fun!