How To Understand FAST Spoken English

Smashing English! Free and Fun English Lessons!・2 minutes read

Understanding fast English speakers can be challenging, but practicing with unscripted content, engaging with native speakers, and focusing on linking sounds like "y" in "I actually" can improve comprehension. iTalki offers affordable language lessons in over 150 languages, including English, to enhance listening skills through personalized practice and guidance.

Insights

  • Engaging in conversations with English natives is a highly effective way to improve listening skills.
  • Diversifying listening practice with unscripted content like reality shows and podcasts is beneficial.

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Recent questions

  • How can I improve my English listening skills?

    Engaging in conversations with English natives is a highly effective way to improve listening skills. Additionally, diversifying listening practice with unscripted content like reality shows and podcasts can be beneficial. Understanding linking sounds in English, such as the "y" in "I actually" and the intrusive "r" in words like "saw," is crucial for comprehension. Practice making and understanding these linking sounds to enhance your ability to understand fast English speech.

  • What is iTalki and how can it help with language learning?

    iTalki offers one-on-one language lessons in over 150 languages, including English, starting at $5. It provides an opportunity to engage in conversations with native speakers, helping learners improve their listening and speaking skills. Through iTalki, learners can explore different accents and speech patterns to enhance their understanding of the language.

  • What are some common challenges in understanding spoken English?

    Different accents and speech patterns in English can pose challenges for learners. Dropping sounds like the "h" in words like "his" is common in UK English and should be practiced for better understanding. The schwa sound, common in British English, can be challenging to differentiate and occurs in words like "doctor" and "teacher." Paying attention to non-verbal cues and physical gestures can also aid in understanding spoken English.

  • How can I improve my English fluency?

    Practice speaking in a continuous manner, similar to singing, to improve English fluency. Focus on linking sounds together to understand fast English better. Be prepared for common contractions in English, like "gonna," "wanna," and "tryna," to avoid confusion when listening to native speakers. By practicing these techniques, you can enhance your fluency and comprehension of the language.

  • What are some tips for understanding fast English speech?

    Stop waiting for sentences to have a clear end when listening to fast English speakers. Instead, focus on understanding linking sounds and common contractions in the language. Practice making and understanding these sounds, like the intrusive "r" in words like "saw," to improve your comprehension of fast English speech. Additionally, pay attention to non-verbal cues and gestures to aid in understanding spoken English.

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Summary

00:00

Improving English Listening Skills Through Practice

  • English speakers can be challenging to understand due to various factors.
  • Listening to scripted speeches is easier than understanding casual conversations.
  • Diversifying listening practice with unscripted content like reality shows and podcasts is beneficial.
  • Engaging in conversations with English natives is a highly effective way to improve listening skills.
  • iTalki offers one-on-one language lessons in over 150 languages, including English, starting at $5.
  • Different accents and speech patterns can be explored through iTalki to enhance understanding.
  • Understanding linking sounds in English is crucial for comprehension.
  • Linking sounds like "y" in "I actually" and intrusive "r" in words like "saw" aid in fluid speech.
  • Practice making and understanding linking sounds to improve comprehension of fast English.
  • Dropping sounds like the "h" in words like "his" is common in UK English and should be practiced for better understanding.

12:54

Improve English fluency by linking sounds

  • Practice speaking in a continuous manner, like singing, to improve English fluency.
  • Focus on linking sounds together to understand fast English better.
  • Be prepared for the schwa sound, which is common in British English and can be challenging to differentiate.
  • Schwa sounds like "uh" and often occur in words like "doctor," "teacher," and "for."
  • Stop waiting for sentences to have a clear end when listening to fast English speakers.
  • Pay attention to non-verbal cues and physical gestures when trying to understand spoken English.
  • Learn and familiarize yourself with common contractions in English, like "gonna," "wanna," and "tryna," to avoid confusion when listening to native speakers.
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