This class is for students who need to improve their pronunciation skills.  It is specifically designed for those at the A1 or A2 level (beginners or upper beginners) struggling with French pronunciation. Students will learn key characteristics of French phonetics, or French sounds. French pronunciation entails understanding a few basic concepts and mastering a few steps.

First, understanding how sounds are made French is of the essence.  Indeed, whereas in English consonants are emphasized, in French vowels are.  Therefore, the first step is to master making French vowel sounds—in particular the “e” [uh] and the “u” [ew].

Second, because syllables are the smallest sound units in words, understanding how to divide French words into syllables is crucial. Indeed, the way words are divided into syllables in French is different from the way syllables are separated in English. Consequently, in order to speak clearly, the second step is to master the rules of syllable division in French.

Last but not least, “liaisons” play a key role in French pronunciation. A liaison is a word ending with a consonant linked with another word starting with a vowel or a silent h, as in “vous avez” [voo zah vay] or “un homme” [uhn nuhm]. Thus, because ”liaisons” also carry meaning, understanding when and how to make “liaisons” is fundamental when speaking French.

In sum, this class teaches French pronunciation as well as the art of speaking French with greater self-confidence!