Fun Easy English Classroom December 8
 
 
 
 

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American English
pronunciation
lesson 42
American English Pronunciation Lesson 42

Today in the classroom you are going to learn to pronounce the sound y as in the words yard, year, yield, yen. Remember "practice makes perfect" if you want to improve your English speaking ability.
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Pronunciation: American English Lesson 42

Pronounce the sound y as in the words yard, year, yield, yen. Watch the following pronunciation videos and learn to pronounce this sound correctly.
 
Pronunciation Video
Fun Easy English Pronunciation Lessons
More Videos
Spelling
y you, yellow, yacht, yam, yard, yawn, yell, yes, yours, year, yield, yearn, yeast, yen
io behavior, senior
u pure, cure
 
Note: the red letters all have the same sound
 
Sound Type

This is a VOICED sound which means Your Vocal Cords DO vibrate when making this sound.
You CAN LISTEN to your Vocal Cords vibrating if you cover your ears with your hands.

Try covering your ears with your hands as Akiko is doing in the picture.

Now make the sound of this lesson. Can you listen to your vocal cords vibrating?
VERY GOOD
You CAN FEEL your Vocal Cords vibrating if you place your hands on your neck.

Try placing your hands on your neck as Akiko is doing in the picture.

Now make the sound of this lesson. Can you feel your vocal cords vibrating?
VERY GOOD
The following diagram shows the most important parts of your head and mouth used for pronouncing the sounds of English. It also shows the location of your Vocal Cords.
 
Mouth, lips, and tongue position

The following descriptions explain the proper mouth, lips, and tongue position when you make this sound.
Mouth

Your mouth releases air continuously.
Lips

Your lips should be slightly separated.
Tongue

The middle part of your tongue should be in the upper part of your mouth.
Practice video

Listen to the video and practice repeating each word.
 
 
Pronunciation practice words

Look at your mouth in a mirror and practice pronouncing the following words. Make sure your mouth, lips, and tongue are in their proper positions.
you yellow behavior pure
yearn yam senior cure
yard year yield yen
 
Note: the red letters all have the same sound (watch the video above)
 
Pronunciation word test

Try saying the following tongue twisters as quickly as possible.
  • Listen to the local yokel yodel.
  • Your behavior will yield you a lot of yen this year.
From YOUR Teacher: Pronouncing letter Y

This sound is fairly easy to pronounce.
 
Additional Information
Study Tips
(Beginner - Listening)

Avoid Ineffective Study Methods. An audio lesson to help you study English more effectively. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Great English study tips.
Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.