Shadowing Practice: How to Pronounce: /m/ and /n/ in Final Position - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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Hello everyone!
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Hello everyone!
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Welcome back to Pronunciation with Emma.
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In this video we're going to be looking at the difference between and in final position.
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So let me briefly explain how we pronounce these sounds,
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because in many languages these two sounds exist,
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but when they're put in final position in English they can be quite tricky for some speakers.
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So let's just start with how we pronounce them first,
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and then we'll look at some minimal pairs,
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and then some sentences together.
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So the first one, I just put my lips together
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and I just make a noise and that noise comes out of my nose.
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This is a nasal sound.
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Just like that.
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The next one is very similar.
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But you'll see this time my lips don't close, it's my tongue.
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My tongue essentially comes up to the top of my mouth.
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Not to the roof or the palate,
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the hard palate, but between the alveolar ridge and my teeth,
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if you want to get a little bit specific.
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Nnnn.
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And it's that very tip of my tongue that does that.
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Nnnn.
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Again, the sound travels out of my nose because it's another nasal sound.
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So let's have a look at some minimal pairs with and in final position.
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am an beam beam came came
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gnome known now let's look at some sentences this one sounds a little bit narcissistic but it's just an example.
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I am an interesting person.
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I am an interesting person.
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Here's another one.
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The meme was quite mean.
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The meme was quite mean.
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That's the end of another pronunciation video.
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Hope you enjoyed it, as always.
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Don't forget to like and subscribe to my channel.
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I post weekly videos to help you with your pronunciation as well as some grammar videos
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and vocabulary ones from time to time as well.
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I hope you have a fantastic week and I will see you next lesson.
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Bye bye!

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About This Lesson

In this lesson, you'll focus on the correct pronunciation of the nasal sounds /m/ and /n/ in their final positions. These sounds are often challenging for non-native English speakers, especially as they appear at the end of words. By distinguishing between them effectively, you will enhance your communication skills, reinforcing clarity in your speech. You'll also have the opportunity to practice minimal pairs and sentences that incorporate these sounds, which can significantly aid in your IELTS speaking practice.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

  • /m/ sound: A nasal sound produced by closing the lips.
  • /n/ sound: A nasal sound created with the tongue against the alveolar ridge.
  • Minimal pairs: Pairs of words that only differ by one sound, e.g., 'am' and 'an.'
  • Example sentence 1: "I am an interesting person."
  • Example sentence 2: "The meme was quite mean."
  • Nasal sounds: Sounds produced with airflow through the nose.
  • Shadow speech: A technique to improve pronunciation by mimicking native speakers.

Practice Tips

To master the pronunciation of /m/ and /n/, consider using the shadowspeak technique. Start by listening carefully to the pronunciation examples provided in the video, then engage in shadow speech by repeating them closely after the speaker. Aim to match the speed and intonation, which can be particularly beneficial as you practice with the example sentences.

During your practice, pay attention to how your lips move and position your tongue correctly to differentiate between the two sounds. The video presents these sounds at a manageable pace, making it easier for you to replicate them accurately. As you continue, feel free to pause and practice the sounds individually before combining them into minimal pairs or sentences.

Lastly, incorporate this practice into your daily speaking routine. Regularly engaging in shadowing can build fluency and confidence in your speech, helping you articulate your thoughts more clearly and improve your pronunciation in a way that will serve you well for any English speaking assessment.

What is the Shadowing Technique?

Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.

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