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Teaching Pronunciation of R and L



The speaker in sample B has difficulty with saying the R and L sounds. The R and L sounds can be very difficult for Chinese (and other Asian) learners as the sounds are not represented in their first language (Frankfurt Language School).  This activity helps to differentiate between the two sounds, giving the learner practice in both.

As part of the activity, it is first necessary to ensure the learners know the correct positioning of their tongue and where the sound comes from in their mouth to help distinguish how the R and L sounds are made.  Have learners practice this for a few minutes using a mirror.  A useful video is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WMvPDYqnSk

Create a table of R and L words (below), with the R and L in the beginning, middle and end of the words. Read through the columns of the list practicing the sounds with the group or individual repeating what you say. Have the learners repeat the columns, trying to get faster the more they practice. 

 As a follow up activity, the table can be cut into individual words and then used in a game, where students must say the word correctly to advance around a board game. 

R first
R last
R middle
L first
L middle
L last
R and L
read
far
try
lost
dialed
sail
letter
rest
tire
irate
lean
pills
pull
rattle
rod
pear
arose
last
tallest
doll
rail
ride
soar
urge
lips
miles
dial
lore
rotten
car
torn
line
silent
call
alarm
ready
for
barren
lets
pillow
seal
rile
ripe
boar
forest
laugh
million
pill
little

Reference: 

Interactive English (2017) How to Make the R & L Sounds with Perfect English Pronunciation. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WMvPDYqnSk

Frankfurt Language School  Retrieved from: http://esl.fis.edu/grammar/langdiff/


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