- What are ways can you use to help students with the prononciation of "Th"?
7 answers from our tutors
Best answer
Not so genius, but this has worked with my Asian and Latino students: Substitute all "Th-" in words with a "D-", as it is an easier starting point e.g. instead of "The", ask them to say De(almost like a form of pidgin english: de boi VS the boy). Its a matter of throat to tongue, where sounds with "T" and "D" are easier to begin with and then you will gradually progress to the "Th-" sounds as the find confindence and comfort. You could always tell them to pretend they are blowing out candles on a birthday cake; and for the "Th" sound their tongue should gently touch their teeth, like in words like "Thin" or "This". Have them practice the not so elated soft "Th" sound-- its like their tongue is having a short siesta on their teeth! Such a mental jounery and lots of creativity will get you through a lot of pronounciation hurdles.
To help students with the pronunciation of "th," demonstrate correct tongue placement, use minimal pairs (e.g., "think" vs. "sink"), practice drills, and use recordings to improve accuracy.
(Cont. from previous response) And if you teach only the mouth movements needed in order to make the āthā sounds, it should help your students. But they may not be able to do it immediately.
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I would show them the mouth movements to start (ie. āSee how my tongue comes out of my mouth and between my teeth?ā) To make the āthā sound in āthinkā, you just need to put your tongue between your teeth and breathe out. To make the āthā sound in ātheā, you need to do the same thing but use your vocal chords. Itās simpler than most people think and if y
Tongue twisters are a fun way to practise pronunciation. You can also demonstrate with your mouth how your tongue and teeth should be moved or placed when making the sound.
Repetition, repetition, repetition! Help your students connect the "th" sounds with similar sounds in their own language. For example, they can practice comparing "th" with "t". It's also beneficial to have them create sentences with "th" words to build their confidence through repetition. E.g. The team will meet at the tall tower to discuss the thorough report.
In the case of the spanish speaking students its a very good strategy to use TH= D and E= a If we put together in spanish it would be like this THE=DA and it is easier to pronounce and it will be easy to memorize.
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