Upgrade your French pronunciation with "TÉLÉVISION"

This single word really does have the key to your native-sounding pronunciation: 

Try saying this in your ENGLISH voice: Television, first in your head then out loud.  Then the same in French. Télévision.

In this mini-lesson we swiftly explore how to shift your internal and external pronunciation - in just a few minutes. 

Another really quick mini-lesson to help you enjoy being just a little bit more French today:

• The fastest and easiest game changer in your French pronunciation

• Where to position your tongue 
• How to make sure it sticks!

How to pronounce the T sound in French.

The same letter does not mean the very same pronunciation. In the first place, French is “harder” than English. Indeed, English is “softer” with a lot of fluctuation in the intonation (melody).

Let’s see what happens with the letter T in French:

• It’s softer (for some letters French is softer).

How do you produce a French T sound?

First, you dip the tip of your tongue down behind your bottom 2 front teeth. 

Then, flatten the center front part of your tongue to gently say “t” using the roof of your mouth where it starts to curve upwards behind your top front teeth.

Actually, it sounds almost like a “d” sound. Keep it gentle.

Are you saying L right in French?

Our goal in this mini-lesson is to upgrade your pronunciation with the word télévision.

At this stage, you are capable of saying “t”. Add an é sound (just like in English).

The second syllable is the same in both languages: lé. However, when you write it, there’s an accent.

The word télévision in French.

It’s rather amazing to see the same word, yet with a different pronunciation,

For the last part of the word - vision - keep the tip of your tongue down behind your bottom front teeth.

Be extremely careful with the nasal sound. Also note, the “jzhun” sound is replaced by “sss ee-on”.

Practice with other words starting with télé.

In order to practice your T and L, you need other words.

Let’s play with the same prefix.

The first one is téléphone.

Here’s an example for you:

• J’ai un nouveau téléphone qui marche très bien. >>> I have a new phone that works very well.

Let’s upgrade a little. In this case, the letter b is connected to the letter “l”. Be sure to watch the video to hear and see the pronunciation mechanics.

• Le professeur utilise un tableau numérique avec ses élèves. >>> The teacher uses a digital board with his pupils.

This one is easier because it’s extremely similar to English. However, you will not say the final letter and you will pay attention to the nasal sound in French!

• Elle a un talent pour les plantes. >>> She has a talent for plants.

Another easy word for you: total. Only the second part is more open in French. 

• Le total des ventes est excellent. >>> The sales total is excellent.

Here’s an interesting and useful word for you: télécharger >>> Download. 

• Nous téléchargeons des chansons sur internet. >>> We download songs from the Internet.

Tips to learn the sounds more easily.

When we talk, we normally produce a natural flow of the conversation and we shouldn’t take a lot of time to think before speaking. In other words, you should talk fluently. Be aware of the flow of air in your mouth.

Besides, you should be aware of the position of your tongue. Indeed, whether you want to produce the letter “l” or “t” in French, you won’t put your tongue in the same position. For the first one, your tongue will touch your palate while for the second letter, it will be behind your teeth. 

Another crucial tip: be aware of the differences between French and English, It’s not because you see the same spelling that you will produce the same sounds. On the contrary! It can be a trap…

Then, vocalise the sound. Don’t stay with the idea that you know how to say it without doing it aloud. The best thing you could do would be to record your voice and listen to it after to check. Even better, get instant feedback from a native speaker. 

Practice writing specific words and, as you write, say them aloud as well.

Finally, memorise one word at a time. Master one then go ahead with another one. Trying to learn several ones at the same time is counterproductive. Always focus on one thing at a time. Don’t try to learn everything. 

How the word télévision can enhance your French.

As you saw, you can do a lot with the French word télévision. First, you learn or tweak your pronunciation of the letters t and l. Then, you handle a nasal sound.

In addition, you become aware of what happens in your mouth while producing these sounds.

If you wish to review some nasal sounds, I have these mini-lessons for you:

How do you pronounce the French nasal sound ON?

How to pronounce the French nasal sound AN

And LOOK - The following FREE masterclass is available to you to guide you through being able to speak French with confidence.  And if you speak with more confidence, you also hear more easily - really.  Take a peek . . .  https://www.simplyfrenchonline.com head for LEARN and then Masterclass. 

How do you feel about your French pronunciation in general?