Pronunciation - Final Sounds

In Thai, we typically only use a few simple ending sounds. However, English has lots of complex ending sounds with multiple consonants smashed together (LD, ST, KS) If you drop the last sound, the meaning of the word can change completely.

The Fix

How do you fix this? Imagine you have a tiny hiccup at the very end of the word. It isn't a loud shout, just a tiny little pop of air.

1. The /-ld/ Hiccup (The "D" Pop)

• The Mistake: Saying "Gol" instead of "Gold".
• The Fix: Say "Gol..." and then tap your tongue behind your teeth for a tiny /d/ sound.
• Practice: Col...d. Ol...d. Gol...d.

2. The /-st/ Hiccup (The Snake + The Pop)

• The Mistake: Saying "Bes" instead of "Best".
• The Fix: Make the snake sound /s/, then stop it suddenly with a sharp /t/.
• Practice: Fa...st. Te...st. Toa...st.

3. The /-ks/ Hiccup (The Click + The Snake)

• The Mistake: Saying "Bock" instead of "Box".
• The Fix: Make a /k/ sound in your throat, then let the air out like a snake /s/.
• Practice: Fo...x. Si...x. Mi...x.