Understanding the Fundamentals of English Pronunciation

English pronunciation can be challenging for non-native speakers, but with the right approach and consistent practice, anyone can master it. The key is understanding that pronunciation isn't just about individual sounds—it's about rhythm, stress, and intonation patterns that make English flow naturally.

The Building Blocks: Phonemes and Phonetics

English has approximately 44 phonemes (distinct sounds), which can seem overwhelming at first. However, focusing on the most common sounds and their variations will give you the biggest impact:

• Vowel Sounds: Master the 12 pure vowel sounds and 8 diphthongs

Let's meet Hannah, the young owner of MN2 Tutorial Services, a 51Talk accredited center. Hannah offers a glimpse into her daily routine, the challenges she's faced, and the immense rewards of being a center owner.

A Non-Traditional Start: Unlike most, Hannah isn't a morning person. She fuels up with coffee at 2 PM before diving into emails, messages, and monitoring teacher attendance and performance. The convenient location of her office next to her home allows her to easily check on her teachers and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Balancing Work and Passion: As a "graveyard shift teacher" herself, finishing work at 3 AM, Hannah embodies the dedication required. Despite the late hours, she finds joy in supporting her teachers. Witnessing their growth and confidence is the most fulfilling part of her job.

Overcoming Challenges: Hannah's journey hasn't been easy. Partnering with 51Talk as a TPAC Center is likened to "hiking a mountain." There were initial difficulties, but her unwavering confidence in her business and 51Talk kept her going. Overcoming these obstacles has allowed MN2 to provide opportunities for the community, transforming lives and creating a positive impact.

From Struggle to Strength: 2021 became Hannah's toughest year. A combination of a reduction in teacher base pay from 51Talk and Typhoon Odette brought immense hardship. These overwhelming challenges led to a period of depression, forcing her to temporarily close the business. However, Hannah's resilience shone through. With unwavering support from 51Talk, she rebuilt MN2, emerging stronger than ever.

Lessons Learned: Hannah emphasizes the importance of knowledge, adaptability, and mental and physical strength when running a center. She expresses immense gratitude to 51Talk, not only for being the first platform that she has taught in, but also for the positive impact it has had on her life and family. Through this partnership, she learned invaluable life lessons beyond what any textbook could offer.

The Journey Continues: MN2 Tutorial Services is still growing and learning. Hannah's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative potential of the 51Talk TPCAP program.