Leisure is an ideal term to describe time away from daily responsibilities. During leisure, you have the freedom to pursue any activity you desire.
Learning how to enjoy an activity is an integral part of leisure time. But it may take some effort and multiple attempts before you find what activities truly excite you or your child.
Sound by Sound Pronunciation Table
Google offers an abundance of pronunciation guides for words like leisure. While it can be overwhelming to choose one that best meets your needs, we’ve identified a few that you should try out to hone your skills.
The ideal language learning methods combine traditional and modern methods, such as online courses, free online classes, and video chat tutoring services like Skype that can be accessed 24/7 from anywhere. Furthermore, there are plenty of offline books and CDs in English language that you can borrow or purchase from your local library.
The best way to learn how to pronounce leisure is to take your time, read books and magazines that require at least intermediate reading level, and practice speaking English regularly. Doing this will guarantee you progress faster than those who neglect improving their skills.
Vowels
English vowels are a group of sounds that form syllables. They come in short, long and diphthong patterns. Common vowel letters include a, e, i, o, u and y.
Some vowels can be more challenging to pronounce if you’re unfamiliar with them or don’t have time for study. The best way to become knowledgeable about these sounds is through practice reading aloud to your children and practicing speaking them as well.
English also has vowels that precede syllabic sonorants, such as /n/ and /l/. Phonologically similar to the schwa, their formant frequencies show an average F1 value of 497 Hz in their first year, rising to 1,361 Hz by their second year.
These vowels are longer and more complex than the schwa and typically found in words ending with -eau, -ealth or -ear; however some of them also appear in some SAT word lexicons.
Consonants
English has many consonant sounds, and we often refer to both them and the letters of the alphabet (b, c, d, f, g, h, i, k, l), as ‘consonants’ (no vowels included), instead of just their sound. (For instance: “p,”q,”r,”s,”t,”v,”w).
Some consonants are created by completely blocking airflow, while others are created by pushing it through a slit or groove. Other sounds can also be created by bringing the speech articulators close together and shaping airflow.
The /s/ sound is produced by inserting your tongue close to (but not touching) the top of your mouth and blowing out. It is an essential sound in English.
Final Sound
Learning to pronounce a new word requires familiarizing yourself with its various consonants and phonetic cousins. If your teacher hasn’t yet taught you proper speech etiquette, pick up a book or download an audio program and practice on your own time. A quick internet search may reveal some free online course materials to aid in mastering this new language.
Learning a new language can be one of the most rewarding experiences, as you are able to read signs at restaurants or shops without saying a word. Not only does this provide great networking opportunities with other native speakers, but it is also an invaluable asset for job search and career advancement. Saying your employer’s name clearly and concisely increases confidence when applying for jobs nearby; plus, it increases self esteem and reduces social anxiety that often accompany interviews.
