Common errors In English With Samuel Alimi
While browsing the internet yesterday, a well-known blogger (whose name is being withheld) with a large following on Instagram shared a video of six students pronouncing over ten words accurately. The public response to this educational content was absurd, foolish and ignorant. Many online users shamelessly revealed their lack of knowledge and poor understanding of the language in their comments by criticizing the school management for teaching phonemes. One person even stated, “We value our accent. We don’t need to speak like white people”. The real question is, why do we believe that learning the phonemic chart poses a threat to our Nigerian accent?”
I was utterly bewildered upon realizing the extent to which words in the English language have altered, mispronounced, and unstressed. One of the main reason for this is our tendency to believe that words should be pronounced exactly as they are spelt. That is a unique aspect of the English language, and I understand that it can be challenging. For instance, “question” should be correctly pronounced as /’kw’st’(‘)n/. There are several other examples that will be discussed in detail to help us better understand today’s lesson.
It is also important to emphasize that there are 40 recognized sounds in the language and their correct use is highly dependent on our listening skills and other methods to improve our oral communication. I recommend that learners who wish to develop the habit of listening to native speakers. This will help them sound more confident and use accurate pronunciations to convey their thoughts and messages effectively.
Sadly, some English departments in our academic institutions are not adequately prepared to help students achieve proficiency and fluency in the language. During my undergraduate years, my classmates and I visited our language laboratory once in four years of study. It is absurd and counterintuitive to realize that a lot of English graduates struggle to pronounce even basic four-letter words correctly because of the inadequate resources at some of our institutions.
WORDS ENDING IN -ING
We stress the -ing in some words such as sing, ring, bring, fling, king, and other words. However, the improper pronunciation of these words sounds odd and ridiculous to native speakers and other proficient users of the language. The last sound at the end of those aforementioned words is /ŋ/, not/g/.
WORDS ENDING IN -OR
The schwa sound is not frequently used in Nigerian English. Interestingly, it is the most common sound. Its presence in some words is incredible and shocking considering the mispronunciation styles we have adopted. For instance, who would have believed that “doctor” should be pronounced as /ˈdɒk.tə/? Have you ever discovered that “professor” also ends with the same sound?
Additionally, most words ending in -er also have the schwa sound. Many native speakers teaching phonetics and phonology on YouTube refer to it as the laziest sound.
Examples:
Teacher – /’ti’.t’’/
Farmer- /’f’m’/
Controller- /k’n’tr’’.l’/
Singer- /’s’ŋ’/
Cleaner- /’kli’n’/
Study the transcriptions of other words:
Schedule – /’’ed’.u’l/
Nation- /’ne’.’’n/
Country- /’k’n.tri/
International- /’’n.t’næ’.’n.’l/
Challenge- /’t’æl.’nd’/
Embarrassing – /’m’bær.’.s’ŋ/
NIGERIA
In my WhatsApp status, I wrote, “Isn’t it funny to realize that a lot of us do not know how to pronounce our country?” Think about it now and try to pronounce it again. I guess you got it wrong!
This is the right transcription: /na’’d’’.r’’/
STEPS TO IMPROVING YOUR ACCENT
Study the phonemic charts: This is accessible on major social platforms, particularly YouTube.
Listen to BBC News and British movies and master their stress patterns, intonation and pronunciation.
Practice consistently and take your time: Improving one’s accent is not a day’s job. It requires time and consistency.
If possible, teach others until you gain mastery.
WHY MANY FEEL DISCOURAGED IN THEIR QUESTS FOR CLARITY AND ELOQUENCE
Many learners struggle with the fear of condemnation when they attempt to use correct stress patterns and intonation. However, it is advisable to remain indifferent to people’s misconceptions and thoughts because that is one of the keys to effective communication. Interestingly, others label us as “proud” and “fake” for being confident when we speak and sound like native speakers. Some listeners also assume that “those who speak differently are battling low self-esteem.” Nothing is more laughable than these misassumptions.
In conclusion, dare to be different. Communicate with clarity. Interestingly, lots of people who speak against diction teachers secretly wish to speak like them. Incredible, right?
Assignment
Attempt the following questions:
There are ______ sounds in English. (a) 30 (b) 22 (c) 44
One of the following words does not have a schwa sound. (a) minister (b) forever (c) big
One of these words does not have the sound /i:/. (a) see (b) bead (c) bid
Kindly forward your answers to samueltolulopealimi@gmail.com or 07049203179 via SMS.
Names of those who answered the last questions correctly
Yinusa Taiwo, Musa Banwo, Babatunde Femi, Pitan Omobolanle, John Olive, Ibrahim Jimoh,Victor Bawa, Bello Sulaimon, Ahmed Roqeeb, Rasheed Fatah, Korede Olawale, Bisola Akinola, Chinedu Eze, Yusuf Aminat, Femi Olaniyi, Garuba Shehu, Alimi Bala, and Wilson Solomon.
