how can I know?

Question

I'm french and I'm learning english... but I don't know when the letter "i" is said like a aille or a eeh.. For exemple, I say an igloo (eehglou)... but I also say iceberg( aillessberg) and not eehssberg. When must I say one or the other? Are there some rules I could find to speak it correctely?

Thanks to everyone for answering me so fast. If I do understand well, I must learn every word. Because, after trying some words with the voyell e following or not in some words... the same problem appear to me. Let say: write or writing... Thanks again though!!

Answer 1

First of all, thank you for wanting to be able to pronounce english words properly. I do believe it's quite a challenge however and even more difficult for someone like me or anyone else on this board to show you. Of course, it would be better for a teacher to be there with you so you can hear and see the movements of the mouth, tongue and lips as those difficult words are pronounced.

Here are a couple of links that I hope might be helpful:
http://www.antimoon.com/how/howtolearn.htm

This one let's you actually enter a word and then you will be able to hear how it is pronounced (it requires a plug-in so it can create the sound for your computer):
http://aruljohn.com/voice.html

100 Most Often Mispronounced Words and Phrases in English:
http://www.yourdictionary.com/library/mispron.html

Vive la France!

Answer 2

When there is an i blank e, meaning I, then another letter, then an e, in a word, it has a long i sound (sounds like the word "eye"). So the word ICE has an I, another letter (C) and then an e. This is also true when the letter i is followed by the letter e directly, as in "pie". Otherwise, it is a short i sound, like pig, or igloo, or hip. Hope that helps.

Answer 3

There is no hard and fast rule -- English was created basically by borrowing bits and pieces from other languages -- 70% of the vocabulary comes from Latin and other "romance" languages, the rules for grammar are essentially the same as German, and so on. You should buy a good English dictionary and just learn them on a case-by-case basis...

Answer 4

Any elementary Phonics program can help you learn that, I looked quick for you and I couldn't find precise rules, but the word for learning how things are pronounced is phonics - if you do a search on it i'm sure you'll find more than I did with a quick look. Here is one site that may get you started though... good luck!

Answer 5

For a simple, step-by-step program that can help your child learn to read visit this site: http://readingprogram.toptips.org

Learning to read at a young age is important for the development of the child. It helps them develop a better understand of their surroundings, allows them to gather information from printed materials, and provides them with a wonderful source of entertainment when they read stories and rhymes. Children develop at different rates, and some children will develop reading skills quicker than other children; however, what's important is that as the parent, you are keenly aware of your child's maturity and reading level to provide them with appropriate books and activities to help them improve.

As parents, you are the most important teacher for your children.

Also Watch this video of a 2 year old child reading http://readingprogram.toptips.org
Best

Answer 6

nope. english is a very hard second language to learn. however, vowels followed either immediately by the letter E or in words with the letter E at the end generally are pronounced long, as in theway they are spoken.

Answer 7

You think Americans can come up with rules? Not likely. Try this link. You can play the sound of the word in question.

Answer 8

If you wish to help your youngster understand to learn effectively, perhaps not with TV and videos, computer programs and programs, as well as the school process is the answer, this system, Children Learning Reading, from here https://tr.im/sHWdH is.
For a kid to effectively learn and master studying abilities they need regular interest from or both parents. With this in mind, however, the instructions are kept short from 5 to quarter-hour a day.
With Children Learning Reading system you may also construct and boost your connection with your child not just how to learn effectively.

Answer 9

i is just i check out a library and get a book on English