Course curriculum

    1. Meet your instructor

    1. Introducing the /w/ sound

    2. Introducing the /w/ sound

      FREE PREVIEW

    3. The /w/ sound up close

    4. Placement exercise

    5. Rate this chapter (2 - introduction)

    1. Muscle memory workout exercises

    2. Muscle memory i

      FREE PREVIEW

    3. Muscle memory ii

    4. Muscle memory iii

    5. Muscle memory iv

    6. Rate this chapter (3 - muscle memory)

    1. Word repetition exercise

    2. Word exercise i

    3. Rate this chapter (4 - word exercise)

    1. Phrase repetition exercise

    2. Phrase exercise i

    3. Phrase exercise ii

    4. Phrase exercise i

    5. Phrase exercise ii

    6. Rate this chapter (5 - phrase exercise)

    1. Connected speech exercise

    2. Connected speech i

    3. Connected speech ii

    4. Rate this chapter (6 - connected speech)

About this course

  • £9.99
  • 30 lessons
  • 0.5 hours of video content

Master the /w/ Sound

Develop confidence articulating words and phrases with the /w/ sound.

Non-native English speakers often have difficulty articulating the /w/ sound correctly. This course focuses on slow and controlled movements to help you repeat this sound with accuracy. 

We begin with an introduction to the /w/ sound, it's usage within vocabulary, as well as its function as a glide vowel in connected speech.

You'll learn how to position the articulators correctly, focusing on the rounding of the lips and the controlled flow of air that allows the /w/ sound to resonate correctly.

The course progresses through a series of structured exercises, including placement drills, articulation practice, word repetition, and phrase repetition exercises. We'll also practise the /w/ sound as a glide vowel that allows natural connected speech.

Having taught English pronunciation for years, I've observed that the /w/ sound is often a stumbling block for learners. It's a sound that requires dedicated attention, more than a passing mention in a broader pronunciation course. That's why I created this focused mini-course, to provide detailed instruction and targeted practice needed to truly master the /w/ sound. Let's begin!!

FAQ

  • What is this course about?

    This mini-course, "Consonants One" is part of a series of pronunciation courses. This particular module focuses on mastering the /w/ sound in British English pronunciation, specifically Received Pronunciation (RP).

  • Who is this course designed for?

    This course is designed for non-native English speakers who want to improve their British English pronunciation, particularly the /w/ sound.

  • Why is the /w/ sound challenging?

    The /w/ sound can be challenging because it requires precision and coordination in rounding the lips correctly.

  • What is Received Pronunciation (RP)?

    Received Pronunciation (RP) is the standard accent spoken by the middle-classes within the UK, and it is the focus of this course.

  • What is the structure of this course?

    The course includes: placement exercises, articulation exercises, word repetition, phrase repetition, linking words together with the /w/ sound, and a two-word combination review exercise.

  • Do I need to know the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)?

    While not essential, some understanding of the IPA will be helpful as it provides a phonetic transcript and reference point for English sounds.

  • How often should I practice?

    Practising a few minutes each day can yield excellent long-term results in improving pronunciation and accent.

  • What is the /w/ sound?

    The /w/ sound is a voiced consonant, also known as an approximant, formed by rounding the lips. It can also act as a glide or semi-vowel to transition between vowel sounds. The /w/ sound appears at the beginning of words (e.g., "wet", "winter", "wonder") and also as a connecting sound between vowels (e.g., "however", "hour", "how are you?").

  • What is the enrolment period for this course?

    Students who enrol in this course will receive lifetime access.

Meet your instructor

Course Organiser Anton Instructor

Hello there. My name is Anton. My interest in English pronunciation and accents began over 14 years ago while working at an English pronunciation school in Tokyo. I have always been interested in languages and the thought processes involved in language acquisition. It’s not just about studying but also developing the correct mindset. You have to consider the whole thought process. How do native speakers of a certain language think? How do they process information? How do they develop the ability to read, write and speak? Analysing the patterns of behaviour of native speakers has helped me acquire the skills necessary to work as a Japanese-English translator. I majored in mathematics, and perhaps it is for this reason that I like to apply a logical thought process and reasoning to language acquisition. My second language is French, and my third language is Japanese. Over the years I have taught students from a diverse range of linguistic backgrounds. My teaching method follows a logical process and utilizes techniques influenced by my teaching and studying experiences. I aim to give students the correct tools and guidance to help them articulate the sounds like a native British English speaker.

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