How to Practice the Flap T -- American English Pronunciation

The video tutorial explains the flap T and D sounds in American English, focusing on their pronunciation between vowels or after an R and before a vowel. It provides examples like 'party' and 'better' and emphasizes minimal tongue contact to avoid a stop component. The tutorial offers practice tips and words to help learners master the sound. Additional resources are available on Rachel's English website and playlists.

What is the main characteristic of the flap T and D sounds in American English?

• They occur only at the beginning of words.

• They do not have a stop component.

• They are pronounced with a heavy tongue movement.

• They have a strong stop component.

In which of the following scenarios are T and D likely to be pronounced as flap sounds?

• Between two vowels.

• At the start of a word.

• Before a consonant.

• At the end of a sentence.

What is crucial to avoid when making the flap T and D sounds?

• Minimal contact between the tongue and the roof of the mouth.

• A lot of tongue raising and touching.

• A quick movement of the tongue.

• Holding out the sounds before and after.

Which of the following words contains a flap T sound?

• Cat

• Better

• Stop

• Jump

What is a recommended practice technique for mastering the flap T and D sounds?

• Practicing with words that do not contain these sounds.

• Avoiding the use of these sounds in speech.

• Holding out the sounds before and after the flap.

• Pronouncing the sounds slowly.