(At least…its one of your questions if your first language is Arabic, Burmese, Cebuano, Greek, Indonesian, Japanese, Javanese, Korean, Marshallese, Navajo, Persian/Farsi, Spanish, or Tagalog
Since B and V are the same in Spanish, but different in English, raising awareness of their differences is key for English learners. Developing an awareness of new sounds means more than just telling students about it. It means teaching our articulation muscles in our mouth, lips and tongue the difference.
We must teach our speaking muscles to take on these new positions more easily, through repetitive practice. Just like going to the gym, just like practicing dance steps, we get stronger and more fluid and more comfortable with repetition. Even adult Spanish speakers (perhaps I should say especially adults) need to do this repetitive practice until it becomes habitual. We do this through minimal pairs practice, working on speaking (for strength and fluidity) and on listening (for comprehension but also because the more links we make, the quicker we process and incorporate these new sounds). I use Pronunciation Contrasts in English
English B and V are not natural for Spanish speakers, so students must use them often in order to maintain the muscle memories of their differences. If a student only practices these differences for an hour in an English class, they won’t make the change. They must practice contrasting B vs.V words with commitment, just as they frequently go to the gym until they develop the strength they want, and frequently practice a new dance movement until they master it. Once the physical difference is understood, and felt, maintenance work is a must. A short list of minimal pair words with a modeled pronunciation to hear and mimic, then to chime in with, is a good starter practice because it reminds the lips, tongue and jaw that these are now 2 sounds, not 1.
Research by Dr. Olle Kjellen supports the neurophysiological benefits of choral recitation. Just by chanting along with a model (teacher, tutor, TV, podcast) one’s own articulation gradually improves. Regular use will keep the physical habits and recognitions alive in our bodies and our minds.
‘Obrigada’ to my colleague, friend and co-conspirator, Teresa Almeida D’Eca, for the catchy title of this post! Peggy Tharpe teaches, coaches, and publishes about English pronunciation and intonation. She believes that if you understand why something is happening, you're better able to address it and change it. She teaches the "why" of pronunciation as well as the "what" and "how".
