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ERROR #4: Problems identifying [i] and [ɪ] sounds in words

 


As Spanish speakers, in our alphabet we only have one sound for each of the five vowels. In contrast to English that are several sounds even just for one vowel. This brings us to this first error in which we cannot identify easily these two sounds because of their similarity.


Example: 

bit - beat        chip - cheap        dip - deep            fill - feel


Exercise #1

Instructions: 

In couples, you will have a chart with different audios of minimal pair words. You have to choose if the word contains either [i] or [ɪ] sound. To help you to choose the correct option, pronounce the word aloud mimicking what you heard in the audio.



Exercise #2

Instructions: 

Read the sentences out loud to practice [i] and [ɪ] sounds. Circle the words in bold with [i] sound in blue and the words with [ɪ] sound in yellow. (Extra points for the person who identify the words that have one of these sounds, but it is not in bold) 












Reference 

Silva, B. (2022). How to pronounce /ɪ/ and /i:/ in English, plus exercises. Lingo Best English Academy. https://www.lingobest.com/free-online-english-course/english-pronunciation-i-vowels-sounds/


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