If you are a Chinese speaker who is working to improve your American English pronunciation, you may have found that you’re having trouble with your /l/ & /n/ sounds.

Don’t worry!! This is a very common problem & you can fix it. ✔

The /n/ & /l/ sounds are articulated in almost the same manner.

• The tongue touches behind the tooth ridge.
• The tongue is a bit flatter for the /n/ sound.

However, the /n/ sound is a nasal so you need to push the air through your nose to make this sound.

The /l/ sound is a liquid so the air flows along side your tongue & out of your mouth.

Here are a few words with the /n/ & /l/ sounds that may be problematic for you:

• financial
• intellectual
• international
• analysis
• economical

When I work with Chinese speakers in my accent reduction coaching program I teach them how to articulate the American /l/ sound, /n/ sound, and the /ŋ/ sound. ☆

Mastering these sounds will make your American English more clear & easy to understand!

To read more TIPS for Chinese speakers, choose a link below. ⬇