Is there a standard that one could aspire to in respect of
pronunciation? This is very difficult with English pronunciation as it
is open to many influences from all over the world. Radio, television
and cinema, however, help to provide useful guidance in respect of
pronunciation. The best that one can do is to pronounce words as the
educated people of the country do.
British English and American English influence each other and they
often diverge from each other. Greater media connectivity will ensure
that there is greater uniformity. In the meanwhile learners can use the
Oxford Dictionaries for additional guidance.
In this book the Encarta Digital Dictionary has been used. As this
dictionary does not use the phonetic script it is possible for anyone to
use the dictionary to check the pronunciation of a word. The Oxford
digital dictionary uses a similar technique but supplements it by
showing some letters in bold for greater emphasis.
Words that are spelt differently but which rhyme are immensely useful
in helping with pronunciation. This is the method that is used here.
There are online dictionaries that are dedicated to pronunciation.
Here is one useful site to visit:
http://www.fonetiks.org/engsou2.html
