Learn British Spoken English Accent Perfectly

How Can You Learn English Speaking in British Accent Easily

FastInfo logoBy FastInfo Class Published On 29 Jul 2023 Updated On 11 Jan 2024 Category spoken English course

British spoken English may not be the most prevalent or the most simple form of the language. But it does have a certain allure, right?

The majority of people who speak English are taught the US type, although there are many valid reasons why students might prefer the British spoken English accent. Maybe you have a Cambridge English exam coming up, or you want to study in London. You might simply adore Harry Potter a lot.

In any event, this list of vocabulary, grammar rules, and pronunciation tips will help you speak English like a native speaker.

What makes British spoken English unique?

British spoken English is influenced by the country's rich history and culture. This can be seen in the way people speak about certain topics and the references they make in conversations.. Here are the five primary characteristics that set British spoken English apart from other types.

  • Accent

Britain is home to a wide range of regional accents and dialects. From Received Pronunciation (RP) often associated with the "standard" British accent, to distinct accents like Cockney in London or Geordie in Newcastle, the variety of accents is remarkable.

  • Spelling

While many words are spelled the same way in both British and American English, there are several spelling differences. For example, "colour" (British) vs. "color" (American), "realise" (British) vs. "realize" (American).

  • Slang & Idioms :

British English slang is a rich and varied vocabulary that is used by people of all ages and social classes. British slang and idioms can be quite colorful and might be unfamiliar to non-native speakers. Some of the most common British slang words include "innit" (short for "isn't it"), "mate" (a term of address for a friend), and "bugger" (a versatile word that can be used as a noun, verb, or adjective).

  • Pronunciation :

British English pronunciation is characterized by a number of features, including the use of non-rhotic vowels (which means that the "r" sound is not pronounced at the end of words), the use of the "glottal stop" (a sound produced by briefly blocking the airflow in the throat), and the pronunciation of certain vowels in a different way than in American English.

  • Grammar

Though the core grammar rules remain the same, there are a few minor differences in grammar between British English and American English. The use of present perfect tense is more common in British English compared to the simple past tense. For instance, British English uses the "-ize" suffix for verbs more often than American English, which prefers the "-ise" suffix. British English also uses the word "whilst" instead of "while" in some cases.

Here are 10 steps on how to speak British spoken English

Before dive into the spoken English learning procedures of the British accent, get a deeper understanding of what it entails. The British accent is not a singular entity; rather, it comprises various regional accents across the United Kingdom. Learning British spoken English follows a similar path to learning the language as a whole. The fundamental distinction is that you should design your study materials so that you spend the majority of your time using British English.

1. Establish a language model

If you've made the decision to learn British spoken English, you should select British-produced reading material. These include materials from the BBC, UK music, literature, newspapers, and websites, as well as textbooks written in British English and distributed by Cambridge University Press, Macmillan, or Penguin. Pick reading material that interests you, features contemporary British English, and covers issues you are interested in.

The benefits of studying classical literature may outweigh the fact that many of the terms and expressions are archaic and outmoded. If you want to speak English fluently, this is not the example you should be copying. You'll have a precise language model to work with and reproduce once you've compiled your study resources.

2. Perfecting Vowel and Consonant Sounds

Vowels play a crucial role in the British accent. Mastering the subtle differences in vowel sounds will significantly enhance your pronunciation. Practice elongating certain vowels and pay attention to tongue placement for that authentic British touch.

Consonants also contribute to the uniqueness of the British accent. Focus on sounds like 't,' 'r,' and 'th,' and aim to articulate them clearly. Softening your consonants and avoiding hard, abrupt sounds will bring you closer to the British way of speaking.

3. Learn British spoken English online

Because the internet has everything you need to study British English, you don't need to reside in the UK to do it. Free study tools created by many organisations are available on a wide range of websites. Simply attempt a Google search to see what results you get! Along with video classes, audiobooks, and other intriguing tools for download, textbooks can be acquired or obtained online.

4. Expanding Your Vocabulary

Enrich your vocabulary with British English words and phrases. Incorporate colloquialisms and expressions unique to the UK to add authenticity to your speech. The more you embrace the language, the more you'll sound like a true Brit.

5. Study British pronunciation

Getting your accent just right and getting rid of any pronounced mother language traits is one way to speak British spoken English. Learning to pronounce the soft English "r" rather than the rolling Russian equivalent is a common example among Russian speakers. Working with minimum pairs—two words that change only in one sound—repetition exercises, imitating a native speaker's clear pronunciation (on video or audio), and taking accent lessons from a qualified instructor are all effective ways to achieve this. The website for BBC Learning English is a fantastic starting point!

Speaking British English is a necessary part of learning the language; thus, learning it on your own is not an option. Therefore, think about enrolling in Skype English courses with a British tutor to practise your pronunciation and spoken English proficiency. If you wish to speak British English properly, getting feedback and correction from a native speaker is crucial.

6. Focusing on Word Stress and Intonation

Word stress and intonation give life to your sentences. British English tends to emphasize different syllables compared to other English accents. Learning the patterns of stress and intonation will make your speech more melodious and engaging.

7. Read more English Books

We read less now than ever before, which frequently affects how effectively we speak other languages (including our own!). You should read frequently if you want to enhance your English for a number of reasons. Reading increases your linguistic knowledge—including vocabulary, idioms, registers, grammar, spelling, and more—on a subconscious level. You have access to the entire product. You will improve your English more quickly if you read more novels written by British writters. Additionally, you might enjoy combining text and audiobook work. Read a chapter, highlight any unfamiliar words, and translate them before listening to the audiobook to connect the dots between the written and spoken forms of English. As long as you have a suitable model to copy, reading aloud is a beneficial way to develop your speech (audio, video or native teacher).

8. Set your gadgets to British English

In the 2020s, the likelihood is that you'll spend most of your time learning English in front of a screen. Try setting your computer, tablet, or phone to use British English. By doing this, autocorrect will correct your spelling and grammar mistakes to the British version rather than the more prevalent US version. You'll also become used to seeing frequent words in British English. You can practise listening with a British-accented robot if you use virtual assistant technologies like Siri and Alexa.

9. Mimicking British English Speakers

Immerse yourself in British media, movies, and TV shows. Pay close attention to native speakers and try mimicking their pronunciation and intonation. This practice will help you internalize the accent and make it your own.

10. Immersing Yourself in British Culture

Understanding British culture and history can further enhance your language skills. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of British traditions, literature, and social norms. This knowledge will add depth to your conversations and make you feel more connected to the accent.

Major Differences between British and American English

British English and American English are two major varieties of the English language, which have developed over time from the same common ancestor. There are a number of differences between the two, including pronunciation, vocabulary, spelling, and grammar.

I. Pronunciation

The most obvious difference between British English and American English is in pronunciation. Some of the most common differences include:

  • The pronunciation of the letter "r". In British English, the letter "r" is often not pronounced at the end of a word, or when it is followed by a vowel. For example, the word "car" is pronounced as "cah" in British English, but as "kar" in American English.
  • The pronunciation of the vowel sounds in words like "cot" and "caught". In British English, these words have different vowel sounds, with "cot" having a short "o" sound and "caught" having a long "o" sound. In American English, these words have the same vowel sound, which is somewhere between the short and long "o" sounds.
  • The pronunciation of the "th" sound. In British English, the "th" sound is pronounced as a "thuh" sound, as in "thing". In American English, the "th" sound is pronounced as a "thuh" sound, as in "thin".

II. Vocabulary

There are also a number of differences in vocabulary between British English and American English. Some of the most common differences include:

  • The words "elevator" and "lift". In British English, the word "lift" is used to refer to an elevator, while in American English the word "elevator" is used.
  • The words "chips" and "fries". In British English, the word "chips" refers to what Americans call "French fries", while in American English the word "chips" refers to what British people call "crisps".
  • The words "torch" and "flashlight". In British English, the word "torch" is used to refer to a flashlight, while in American English the word "flashlight" is used.

III. Spelling

There are also a number of differences in spelling between British English and American English. Some of the most common differences include:

  • The words "color" and "colour". In American English, the word "color" is used, while in British English the word "colour" is used.
  • The words "theater" and "theatre". In American English, the word "theater" is used, while in British English the word "theatre" is used.
  • The words "realize" and "realise". In American English, the word "realize" is used, while in British English the word "realise" is used.

IV. Grammar

There are also a few differences in grammar between British English and American English. Some of the most common differences include:

  • The use of the word "shall". In British English, the word "shall" is used to express future intention, while in American English the word "will" is used. For example, in British English you might say "I shall go to the store", while in American English you would say "I will go to the store".
  • The use of the word "gotten". In British English, the past participle of the verb "get" is "got". In American English, the past participle of the verb "get" can be "got" or "gotten".
  • The use of the word "on" and "at". In British English, the word "on" is used to refer to something that is happening at a specific time, while the word "at" is used to refer to something that is happening in general. For example, in British English you might say "The match is on at 3pm", while in American English you would say "The match is at 3pm".

These are just some of the most common differences between British English and American English. There are many other differences, and the specific differences that you will encounter will depend on the context. For example, some differences are more common in spoken English than in written English, and some differences are more common in certain regions than in others.

Despite these differences, British and American English are still mutually intelligible, meaning that speakers of the two varieties can understand each other. In fact, many words and phrases are used interchangeably in both varieties of English. Ultimately, the differences between British and American English are a reflection of the different cultures and histories of the two countries. While the two varieties of English may be different, they are both equally valid and beautiful.

Conclusion

Even the most seasoned learners encounter mispronunciations. Be aware of common mistakes and work on correcting them. Remember, practice makes perfect, and overcoming these hurdles will lead you to success. All you have to do is keep picking educational resources that help you achieve your goal! To consistently choose British movies, British podcasts, and British literature may seem a little bit obsessive, but if you want your sound like Emma Watson, this is how to programme your brain. Alo remember, don't be afraid to make mistakes, and don't get discouraged.

What could be considered a British spoken English learning shortcut? Lessons with a natural speaker of British English as a tutor. Regular discussion can help you gradually begin to pick up their language, idioms, and pronunciations. You can get all these by joining individual spoken English course specially for learning british spoken english by FastInfo Class.


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