Beginning Japanese - Pronunciation Issues 1a

[crazyninjaful]

Funny.

Practicing pronunciation is like attempting to override an automatic function of the body, such as a heartbeat. Pronunciation is not handled at the conscious level. It is a natural result of listening to native speakers for many years.

Although we are capable of consciously producing these sounds apart from normal speech, sound models in the brain are responsible for triggering the tissues which all fall into place automatically. If you still cannot produce well, listen more.

[PrincessSoyMilk]

You seem to know a lot about the topic. Thank you for your comment :-)

This is an old video, obviously if you see the "added: 1 year ago" part haha, it was made for a friend who had given me a sound clip of her Japanese and asked me if I could see what she was saying funny and explain it to her. It was very difficult for me to "force" the mispronunciations and accent but I did my best to explain to her what I heard her saying funny and how she might try to adjust it.

[PrincessSoyMilk]

I haven't been able to make new videos since I moved... my new computer isn't cooperating with my camera stuff. But my own Japanese has improved a bit since graduating so I'd like to fix that issue and start making some new videos :-)

Well see, though. I'm moving again in 4 weeks so after that I'll work on fixing it or buying new stuff.

[crazyninjaful]

I appreciate that, however you cannot fix what is not broken. The reason why she wasn't pronouncing the sounds correctly is because she hasn't received enough input (listening to native speakers). The brain needs a huge amount of time for the "fermentation" process to take place before effective, natural sound production can begin.

It is also important not to make things comfortable for the brain by practicing individual words. Cram it with difficult sentences and it will adjust on its own.

[PrincessSoyMilk]

I agree also. I don't think she was ready at the time for that kind of "commitment" to studying Japanese.

It seems like a great idea to so many people, but a lot of Japanese language learners "quit" (for lack of a better word) after a certain amount of time spent with only mediocre effort... like the students that take 2 years in college but never advance.

I see that a lot with other languages too, but Japanese in particular, after studying in Hawaii.

[StevenP559]

iLove you!!!

[xxhiyu]

when you say 'soshite' the 'so' sounds a bit off to me

but im no expert =\

[PrincessSoyMilk]

そうでしょうか・・・ I will listen to it again after Finals and check. I sometimes allow my natural accent (from Boston) to come through in my Japanese by accident. That might have happened. Plus, my own pronunciation was affected by trying to mimic what my friend said and then change that to something closer to Japanese pronunciation to help her. It was difficult to say it incorrectly, and then switch to a proper accent haha. I will make new videos in July and August, after I move.

[LtDevilsX]

KO-N-NI-CHI-HA (2 mora for the KON) But everything else should be short and precise. If you told her that then it's cool :)

[PrincessSoyMilk]

Oh, yes, I'm aware of that. I don't actively think about it though, that's probably why I had to count them in the video haha.

It was a bit difficult because in order for me to try and explain how to adjust her pronunciation, I had to try to mimic it and since it's no natural to me for me to speak that way, then there was a lot more effort involved, but I think I helped her a bit with this. I will make more videos for her and some other friends but my time is limited for right now...

[LtDevilsX]

I'll see if I can help when I have free time. Currently I attend a chatroom hosted by a Japanese guy who's dedicating his free time to teach foreigners how to speak proper Japanese. He is extremely nice and patient. I have learned a lot from him since I started attending, if you would like to join or know anyone who would like to, let me know and I'll provide the details.

[nikonninja]

Had some issues driving in the snow today my caa was slipping a bit. (lol). Nice clip and that drink reminds me I need some java. (Hawaii isn't cold lol)

[PrincessSoyMilk]

It was in the mid-60s yesterday when I made the video, but it's all relative so it FEELS cold.

Some of the best ones are when we say "tiyed" instead of "tired" or "pahkin" instead of "parking"...

I was an ESL (English as a Second Language) Tutor when I was younger, and also studied acting, so I can force myself to speak without the accent when I make an effort to do so, but it's less fun and less "me"....