The “L” sound is common mistake that I hear from ESL speakers. Correcting this sound will make you sound clearer.
Many speakers confuse this sound with the R and W. They also leave the sound off of the end of words or omit it when it comes near a vowel. This leads to listener confusion. Correcting this error will make you sound clearer.
The mistake that most foreign speakers make with the L sound is that they pronounce it in a very strong manner. American’s sound more “casual” when they say the L sound. Clients have told me that the American production sounds “faster”.
Many clients also pronounce the “L” sound more like an “O” sound. This happens most times at the end of a word.
To correct this error, do these things:
- Touch and go…say the L sound then quickly move to the next sound
- Touch lightly…say the L sound by lightly touching the teeth
- Watch the placement of the tongue. Native English speakers make this sound with the tongue touching the back of the top teeth. Foreign speakers make it behind the teeth.
- Say all sounds…go slowly to make sure that you say “L” after a vowel
- Say the L at the end of a word…end the word by placing your tongue on your teeth
- Learn the difference between the L, W and R sounds
Good luck…people will notice the difference!