Accent Reduction: How to Pronounce Voiced “Th”
Visual Learning
Watch and Practice! View the VIDEO to this blog by clicking here: http://masteryouraccent.com/videos-2/pronunciation-instruction-and-practice-for-voiced-th/.
2 Commonly Mispronounced Sounds
Two of the most common English sounds that challenge English as a second language learners are the two sounds made by the combination of two letters; “t” and “h.” Those two sounds are /θ/ as in the word “think” and / ð / as in the word “this.” Do you have trouble saying those sounds? If you do, you’re not alone! The good news is: we’re here to help! Today we’re focusing on one of those sounds: / ð /. This is the voiced “th” sound as in the word “this.”
Pronouncing Voiced “Th”
Let’s get started! To pronounce the voiced “th” as in the word “this” we need to turn the voice on. Put your hand on your throat, and simple say “ah”. You can feel the throat vibrate. Let’s talk a little bit about the tongue. For the voiced “th” sound; the sound / ð /, the edges of the tongue get placed very lightly behind the front teeth. The tongue rests on the bottom teeth. As you turn your throat on the air will come across the tongue under the teeth. / ð / / ð/. Now that we’ve said the sound in isolation, let’s say it in the beginning of words.
Voiced “Th” Practice: Say Aloud
“Them” “Them” “I saw them. “ “I saw them.” “I went with them.” “I went with them.”
“Those” “Those” “Take those.” “Take those.” “Those stand the test of time.” “Those stand the test of time.”
“This” “This” “This is too much.” “This is too much.” “This one is mine.” “This one is mine.”
“That” “That” “That one is his.” “That one is his.” “I don’t want that.” “I don’t want that.”
“These.” “These.” “Take these.” Take these.” “These don’t have to be signed.” “These don’t have to be signed.”
“There” “There.” “There is one.” “There is one.” “Put it there.” “Put it there.”
Summary
There you have it. There you have it! We practiced the voiced “th” in the beginning of words. Now you have some examples of words that have the voiced “th”; the sound / ð /. The voice is turned on, and the air flows across the tongue under the teeth. Can you think of more words with the /ð / sound? For more practice to master this sound, take note of the sounds that you hear during your day when talking with others. You might even want to keep a note pad and write the words down for later practice. Simply writing them down will increase your awareness of them. Your awareness will, in turn, cause you to use the techniques for pronouncing the sounds.
You’re not Alone
Remember, if your first language doesn’t have this sound, you’re not alone! Many international speakers of English need help mastering this sound. Depending on one’s first language, each person may need to make different unique adjustments in their speech to pronounce this sound accurately. If, after reading this article and watching the accompanying video, you still have trouble pronouncing this sound, call us at (920) 362-2359 or email cher@masteryouraccent.com. We can give you personalized feedback that will move you beyond your current level. Have fun practicing! We are rooting for your success!
