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When you decide to learn French you are going to learn the French vocabulary and grammar along with other elements of the language. Yet until you have learned and mastered French pronunciation everything else that you would have learned will be for nought. Be aware that with all languages there are distinctive elements that are specific to that language. Thus how certain letters are pronounced in one language may not hold over to the next language.

Keep in mind that learning the French language is quite different from what you know of the English language. There is a distinct sound to the French language so it is best to try and forget your own accent and do your best to adjust to the French accent. This however will take time.

Before you can master French pronunciation you must remember the rules of the French language. When you learn French you will learn these rules and you must know them to be proficient in the language. One rule that is very important is that the final consonants that are at the end of most French words are usually omitted when they are being pronounced. Therefore letters such as s, x, t, d, and n, do not have to be pronounced. Other consonants such as f, r, c and y usually warrant pronunciation. You should therefore practice saying as many French words as you can each day using the rule as you do so.

Also in French liaison is an important part of what occurs with French sentences. Liaison links words together and if there is a consonant at the end of the first word, with the next word beginning with a vowel, then the consonant will have to be pronounced.

Once you are exposed to the way French words are used and voiced you should pay attention to the words and what you hear, and do your best to say them over a couple of times until you have pronounced them properly. Also to help with your pronunciation you should try to speak the French language in the same accent that the French do. Treat it as if it is your own native tongue.

One of the things you can do to help you master French pronunciation is to practice tongue twisters every day. This will prepare you for your French classes. For each lesson you do try to practice word pronunciations as this will make the lessons much easier to learn.     

Frédéric, editor-in-chief of ParisByPod.com

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