Please help!!?

Question

I know I've always talk a bit funny however I normally don't realize it until people point it out. Apparently i can not pronounce my "th", instead I would say "d". Such as "thirty" becomes "dirty". That add in with my chinese accent makes conversation really really hard. How can i fix my speech and lose my accent?

Answer 1

The phoneme /th/ is not found in Chinese, which is why many Chinese speakers have trouble with words like this and that.

Try watching your mouth in a mirror as you pronounce th- words. Your tongue should protrude slightly between your teeth to get the correct pronunciation.

If this or any other answer to your question helps you resolve this issue, please select a "best answer." This motivates people to help you and rewards their research in your behalf.

Cheers,
Bruce

Answer 2

One idea is to buy a cd of childrens music, then listen to it often enough so that you can sing along with it.
Childrens artists usually sing a little slower, and enunciate clearer.
Other then that, just to keep talking. Develope a thick skin. I hate to think that anyone would give you a hard time about your accent, but I have seen ppl get impatient when they can't understand someone. Just keep at it.
If there are ppl who you know, like your church group, or work friends, they'll be more patient.

Answer 3

Ask your doctor to refer you to a speech therapist. A specialist can teach you specific skills and tricks for any speech impediment.

Or check your local community center or community college for ESL (English as a Second language) or "accent reduction" classes.

Meanwhile, practise these difficult sounds at home, and think before you speak so you can shape the words deliberately and correctly. Good luck!