Learn How to Pronounce speaking

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speaking

Definition:

(nou) the utterance of intelligible speech (nou) delivering an address to a public audience

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈspiːkɪŋ

Examples:

The newborn was speaking.

Emily was raised speaking French and speaks the language fluently.

Announcers are good at speaking.

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speaking

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: speaking

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Common mistakes of speaking pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Many learners stress the second syllable, saying "speaking" as /spɪˈkɪŋ/. This is incorrect. The primary stress is on the first syllable: /ˈspiː.kɪŋ/. Tip: Focus on emphasizing the "speak" part.
  2. Vowel sound confusion: Some pronounce "speaking" with a short vowel sound, saying /ˈspɪkɪŋ/. However, the correct pronunciation features a long "ee" sound: /ˈspiː.kɪŋ/. Tip: Practice elongating the vowel in "speak" to ensure clarity.
  3. Dropping the "k" sound: Learners might say "speaking" as /ˈspiː.ɪŋ/, omitting the "k" sound. This can lead to misunderstandings. Tip: Be sure to articulate the "k" clearly to maintain the word's integrity.
  4. Overemphasizing the "ing": Some may stress "ing" incorrectly, saying "speaking" as /spiːˈkɪŋ/. The "ing" should be less stressed. Tip: Keep the "ing" soft and quick, allowing the first syllable to stand out.
  5. Confusing with similar words: It's common to mix up "speaking" with "sneaking," leading to mispronunciation. "Sneaking" is pronounced /ˈsniː.kɪŋ/. Tip: Pay attention to the initial consonant sounds to differentiate these words.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "speaking" in American English?

In American English, "speaking" is pronounced as /ˈspiː.kɪŋ/. The primary stress is on the first syllable, which sounds like "speak," followed by a short "ing" sound.

What is the British pronunciation of "speaking"?

In British English, "speaking" is also pronounced as /ˈspiː.kɪŋ/. The pronunciation is quite similar to the American version, with the same stress pattern.

How many syllables are in the word "speaking"?

The word "speaking" has two syllables: "speak" and "ing." The first syllable is stressed, making it sound more prominent than the second.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "speaking"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing the "ing" ending. Some learners may pronounce it as /ɪŋ/ instead of the correct /ɪŋ/, which can affect clarity.
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