Pronunciation and intonation are important parts of being understood when you speak to others. The standard pronunciation of English words may depend on who you talk to or where you are in the world. All Dialogue Frog conversations are in the Standard American accent unless otherwise noted in the episode description.
Pronunciation: Pronunciation is how words sound when they are spoken. It is important to learn the sounds of words. This will help you recognize words as they are spoken to you and so you can be understood when you are speaking.
To practice your English pronunciation, listen carefully and slowly to an episode of Dialogue Frog. Stop and start the audio to listen carefully to how the words are pronounced. Repeat them out loud, trying to say words exactly as you hear them.
Intonation: Intonation is the rise and fall of your voice as you speak a sentence. Intonation is very important. For example, you probably know that rising intonation at the end of a sentence is used to ask a question. Intonation can also be used to express emotions such as surprise, anger, and happiness.
To practice intonation, listen to whole sentences to hear where the speaker’s voice rises or falls. Try to repeat the whole sentence, matching the intonation as it rises and falls.