I have read English books since I was little, so speaking English comes naturally to me. But my mom started reciting English only recently, so she struggles with certain difficult sounds. It takes ages for her to recite what she learns each day. She especially has a hard time with words that contain the r, f, v and th sounds, which don't exist in Korean.
Recently, my mom tried to sound out the word 'earthquake'. The word contains the r and th sounds in succession, so my mom really found it difficult. I explained to her where her tongue should be, so that she could pronounce it more accurately. But it didn't do any good. It will probably take a while for my mom's English pronunciation to improve. But she is practicing diligently and won't call it quits. I am rooting for her.
sound out - to pronounce a word or phrase by articulating each of its letters or syllables slowly in sequence
root for sb/sth - to express your support for the success of someone or something
- Giving presentations comes naturally to me. / Learning new languages comes naturally to some people.
- I had a hard time adjusting to college. / Most people have a hard time at first.
- Try it one more time before you call it quits. / I was so tired that I wanted to call it quits.
1: Your English pronunciation is very good.
2: Oh, You're too kind. I still have a ways to go.
1: You'll keep improving if you continue to listen and to speak out loud.
2: Yes, I think so, too.
1: My daughter has been giving me a hand with my pronunciation.
2: Really? You must really be proud of her.