How do I improve my French pronounciation? everything's pretty bad but the rrr sound's especially terrible.

Answer 1

Start off saying something common (like the pledge of allegiance) and do it everyday. Listen to the way it should be done and work to imitate it precisely. What you want to do is focus on your vowels first. If you can get the vowels to sound out, the rest will come pretty easy. Also try listening to french audio, even music while you are sleeping. The more you hear it, the more you will be able to enunciate properly. And don't try to roll the R's. The correct way to sound them will come once you get the vowels right.

Answer 2

The trick with the French rr is not actually to touch your palate with your tongue. You get very, very close, but stop short of actual contact. It takes a lot of practice. If you can't manage it, try rolling the "r" in an Italian way. The Bretons roll their r's.

Are you studying anywhere where there's a language lab? That would be ideal, but otherwise get yourself a course where you listen and imitate and work at it. Another thing you could do is sing in French, taking someone like Edith Piaf as your model. It was interesting that many people on the French Yahoo recommended her recently as the ideal person for a learner of French to imitate.

The fact you want to improve your pronounciation is very much in your favour. Keep at it. Bon courage!

Answer 3

There is a French TV Chanel called TV5Monde brodcasted all around the world. Listening to their programs and practicing your pronunciation could help.

An other way would be to get French Lessons audio tapes and practice.

Don't worry, rrrr sound has always been difficult to pronounce for English speaking people! IT COMES FROM THE THROAT, NOT FROM THE TONGUE.

You may also want to check these websites:

Answer 4

The French way of pronouncing an "r" does hardly involve your tongue at all.
Try to pull down the very back of your soft palate to form a narrow gap between it and the very back of your otherwise relaxed tongue.
Now press air through that gap noisily.
That's the Parisian "r", in other areas it is pronounced voiced.

If you have other problems, just ask a competent speaker what they are doing with their tongue and lips while pronouncing vowels or other sounds, and keep practicing.

Answer 5

try finding some French movies or documents to hear French. It should help a lot. Or maybe in your town you can find ome French student who would be ready to exchange words with you, or maybe there is a Alliance Francaise.

Answer 6

Don't stop. Never give up, dear. Practice makes perfect.
The best way is, to live with French, so, you'll be familiar with them. A homestay programme will help.