American English: Reductions and Linking for Accent Reduction

The video tutorial explores reductions in American English, focusing on the phrase 'What do you want to do tonight?' It discusses how native speakers often link words and reduce sounds, providing examples from students of various linguistic backgrounds. The tutorial also covers the pronunciation of 'tonight,' emphasizing the use of flap T and schwa sounds. Additionally, it highlights the importance of stress and intonation in sentences, particularly in distinguishing between yes-no questions and other types. The video concludes with a discussion on lip positioning for correct pronunciation.

What is a common reduction for the phrase 'what do you want to' in American English?

• What do you want to

• Whaddya wanna

• What do you wanna

• What do you want

Which word is often reduced in the phrase 'want to'?

• You

• Do

• To

• Want

What is the correct pronunciation of 'tonight' according to American English?

• Tuh-night

• Too-night

• To-night

• Tee-night

What is a flap T, as used in the word 'tonight'?

• A silent T

• A hard T

• A soft D-like sound

• A schwa sound

What is a common mistake made by students when pronouncing 'tonight'?

• Using a hard T

• Using a schwa sound

• Using a flap T

• Dropping the T

In the sentence 'What do you want to do tonight?', which word is typically the peak of stress?

• What

• Want

• Do

• Tonight

Why is stress important in American English sentences?

• It helps with clarity and rhythm

• It makes sentences longer

• It changes the meaning of words

• It is not important

What is the typical intonation pattern for a non-yes/no question in American English?

• Pitch fluctuates

• Pitch goes up

• Pitch stays flat

• Pitch goes down

How should the pitch change in a yes/no question?

• Pitch stays the same

• Pitch goes down

• Pitch fluctuates

• Pitch goes up

Which language background was mentioned as having difficulty with W and V sounds?

• Russian

• French

• Hindi

• Spanish