The pronunciation of interdental /th/ sound – a practical video lesson

The pronunciation of interdental /th/ sound Video lesson with practice exercise on the pronunciation of the English interdental “th” sound. Many examples. Watch and practice.

Today we are studying two very similar English sounds – voiced and voicelessth” sounds.

The difference in the pronunciation of voiced and voiceless “th” sounds.

You should feel the vibration in your throat when pronouncing the voiced “th” sound, while the pronunciation of voiceless “th” sound should not cause vibration (put your hand on the throat when pronouncing the sounds).

Frequent mistakes in pronouncing the voiceless “th” sound.

These common mistakes depend on your native language and country where you grew up.

  • Very often the voiceless “th” is pronounced as /t/ or /s/
  • At the end of the words this sound is also often pronounced as /f/ by mistake

The position of the tongue, exercise.

You have to stick out the tip of your tongue beyond your teeth. Do not be afraid about anything, just stick out your tongue and practice this position. The air should pass between your tongue and upper teeth. Practice this position like you are exercising. Have fun with it. Get comfortable with this new sound and the position of your tongue. Tell your brain you are creating a new habit.

The voiceless “th” sound examples:

The voiceless “th” sound at the beginning of the word: thank you, think, thought

The voiceless “th” sound in the middle of the word: something, nothing, healthy

The voiceless “th” sound at the end of the word: math, mouth, both

Sentences:

I will eat anything healthy with my teeth.
Thank you for driving back and forth this month.
I think Beth is traveling north on the path.

Frequent mistakes in pronouncing the voiced “th” sound.

  • Very often /d/ or /z/ is pronounced instead of this sound.

Examples:

Voiced “th” sound at the beginning of the word: there, that, the
Voiced “th” sound in the middle of the word: brother, either, other
Voiced “th” sound at the end of the word: smooth, breath

Sentences:

That mother can’t breathe.
I rather like this weather.

Remember to push the tongue out beyond your teeth.

Exercise:

Pronunciation is rather fun
if you try another technique
think about the person you are talking with
although you are pretending
this method will make your speaking more smooth
That’s all for now.

Practice and feel free to stick out your tongue as you pronounce this sound. Over time, you will not notice any discomfort. This sound will become natural habit to you.

Repeat this lesson again and again and the result won’t come late.

Good luck!