Hello ESL Speech Community!
Welcome to the December edition of our English Pronunciation Newsletter! As we come to the final days of 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how far we’ve come and to set new goals for the year ahead. Whether you’ve been mastering the nuances of American pronunciation, improving your confidence in conversations, or simply enjoying the journey of learning English, every step forward is an achievement worth celebrating.
Quick Pronunciation Lesson: Seasonal Words 🎄🎁🎅🌟🙏
For December, let’s work on some common seasonal/holiday words to get into the festive spirit. In the U.S
- Merry Christmas /ˈmɛr.i ˈkrɪs.məs/ - curl the tip of the tongue back for the American "r" sound. In general American English, we don't tap the "r". In "Christmas", the "ch" sounds like a /k/ and the "t" is silent.
- Happy Holidays /ˈhæp.i ˈhɑ.ləˌdeɪz/ - In "Happy", the the "a" is a short sound (as in the word "cat"). "Holidays" has 3 syllables with primary stress on the first. The "s" sounds like a /z/
- joy /dʒoi/ - the /oi/ sound is a diphthong (two vowel sounds as one sound. o + i
- Gift /ˈɡɪft/ - short "i" sound. Don't forget the final /t/ at the end!
- Celebrate /ˈsɛl.əˌbreɪt/ - 3 syllables, stress on the first. The schwa sound /ə/ is in the second syllable.
Practice saying these words slowly at first, paying attention to the stressed syllables. Then try using them in sentences: Greet your friends, neighbors and co-workers with "Merry Christmas!" or "Happy Holidays!"
👄Speech Tip of the Month: R and L difference
Study the diagram below to see the tongue placements for /r/ and /l/.
For "R" keep the middle of the tongue flat as you curl the front half of the tongue back. Don't touch the roof of the mouth!
For "L", touch the alveolar ridge with the tip of your tongue (behind the top front teeth) while voicing.
Practice these words again, focusing on "R" and "L".
- Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Celebrate
You can find the R and L Contrast Lesson in the American English Consonants course!
🎯Celebrating Goodwill Around the World
As the year draws to a close, it’s a special time for reflection, connection, and celebration in cultures around the world. While many of us may think of Christmas during this season, it’s important to remember that not everyone observes this holiday—or celebrates it in the same way.
In some cultures, this season is about light and hope, with festivals like Hanukkah or Diwali. For others, it’s about family gatherings, sharing meals, or traditions like Kwanzaa or winter solstice celebrations. Many also look forward to the promise of a fresh start with the New Year, a time marked by customs that honor family, friends, and personal growth.
No matter how you choose to spend this season, one thing we all share is the spirit of goodwill—an opportunity to show kindness, gratitude, and understanding toward others.🤝 As language learners and global citizens, we have a unique chance to connect with people of diverse backgrounds, appreciating the traditions that make this season meaningful to them.
I hope this month brings you joy and warmth, whether you’re celebrating a specific holiday, enjoying time with loved ones, or simply taking a moment to reflect on your achievements this year.✨🌟
Thank you for being part of this wonderful community. Wishing you peace and goodwill in all you do!🙏
📒Course Update: 1:1 Coaching
We’ve added a new course option in ESL Speech Connect! In 2025, I am offering one-on-one coaching for students who want to learn directly from an instructor. This is an 8-week program which includes a personal speech assessment, followed by a weekly, 50 minute lesson where I teach the essential sounds and speech patterns of American English, along with the student's customized pronunciation plan and goals. If you have any questions about this option, feel free to email me anytime!
📅Community Update: Join Our Live Coaching Session
Join our live coaching sessions each month. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions, practice difficult sounds, and get direct feedback. If you just want to "hang out" and listen, that's OK too. Be sure to join us and take advantage of this interactive session!
Looking ahead to 2025, let’s continue building the skills that help us connect with others and express ourselves clearly and confidently. Communication is a lifelong journey, and with each word we practice and each conversation we engage in, we’re opening doors to new opportunities and meaningful relationships.
Thank you for being part of this community—I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in the coming year!
Happy Learning!
Angela
www.eslspeechconnect.com
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