Pronouncing the 'R' Sound...the Right way!

When I work on American English pronunciation with Asian students, I often find that they have difficulties hearing and pronouncing the English /r/ sound. 

The /r/ sound is used frequently in spoken American English. And while most other languages have their own /r/ sound these are usually different than the sound we use in American English.

The difference between the /r/ and /l/ sounds

Speakers of Asian languages don’t always hear the difference between the American /l/ and /r/ sounds so they may use the sounds interchangeably. Japanese and Korean speakers will often substitute the /l/ sound for the /r/ sound and Mandarin speakers may use either the /l/ sound or the /w/ sound for the /r/ sound.  These types of pronunciation errors create an accent and often lead to misunderstandings.

For example, I have heard my students say the following sentences:

“Turn to the light”, when they meant to say, “Turn to the right”.

“Classes start next reek”, when they meant to say, “Classes start next week”.

“I will bring some lice to the party”, when they meant to say,  “I will bring some rice to the party”.

(If you don’t know what ‘lice’ is in English you should look it up in your dictionary!)

Common Pronunciation Errors with the /r/ sound

Here are some common pronunciation errors in words with the /r/ sound: 

Click the Play button to listen and repeat as I say the words in the first column:

Mini Lesson: How to Pronounce the Sounds of /r/ and /l/

Since the /r/ sound is used frequently in spoken English it is important to say it correctly. The /r/ sound is found at the beginning, middle and end of words and in consonant clusters.

This is how to make the /r/ sound:

The tip of your tongue should be rolled back a bit but your tongue should not touch the gum ridge! Your lips should be slightly rounded. The air should flow fluidly through your mouth without stopping.

One way to get into the /r/ position is to say “aaaaaaa” with your mouth slightly open. Curl your tongue back as you round your lips.

When you make the /l/ sound:

Your tongue should be flat in your mouth and the tip of your tongue should lightly touch the gum ridge.

Now say the words below. When you make the /r/ sound curl your tongue back and keep your tongue from touching the gum ridge! When you say the /l/ sound your tongue should be flat with the tip lightly touching the gum ridge.

• red > led
• row > low  
• wrong > long
• rice > lice
• pirate > pilot
• correct > collect

Click the play button to listen and repeat each pair of words after me:

Additional Practice Resource:

If you are still having trouble hearing the difference between the /r/ and /l/ sounds you can use the free online resource from Okanagan College that I recommended last week. This link will take you directly to the section on /r/ & /l/.