How To Learn the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
When learning a new language, theIPA symbols reveal to us immediately what sounds we should be making.The majority of the symbols are the same in all languages, so once we have mastered them, we can use them to learn new things.When the symbols can be written beneath the libretto to reveal how it needs to be pronounced, it's useful for classical vocal singing.
Step 1: All of the symbols should be written in order.
If you create a list of all the symbols in their chronological sound order, you will be able to see all of the information that you need to learn at once and can keep this as a reference material.You can write an example of a word in your first language or a secondary, whichever you feel most comfortable with.If you want to understand what each symbol means and how it can be used successfully, you should write beside it a clear explanation.
Step 2: Group relevant symbols together.
If you have a list of sample symbols, you can transfer this to experimental exercises which will reveal how you think about the process of learning languages, enabling you to begin memorising them more efficiently.Group together the symbols you think are relevant, such as open and closed vowels, which should all go in to the same category.Under language subtitles, you could group specific sounds.What does the German umlaut sound like?
Step 3: Keep these in plain sight as much as possible.
One of the greatest assets we have is our ability to subconsciously learn.It will not feel like revision if you use these exercises as posters because they will be a part of your surroundings and you can pay attention to them easily.If you need to hear something, or if you are a visual learner, make it suitable to your learning style.
Step 4: Write them out so they can be put into context.
If you want to write out theIPA beneath the lines, you should get a poem in your first language.Speak it through to check if you're right.If you want to push yourself even further, try to apply IPA when listening to music or watching a movie.Remember the contrast between the sounds of a certain symbol and those of others.It is an incredibly useful skill that can be applied to other languages, as well as provide a lot of foundation work on which to begin speaking one.When doing these exercises, try to use theIPA from memory.This can be an advantage because you won't have your paper reference to help you.
Step 5: Practice and memorize.
Depending on how you learn, there are many methods to begin memorising the IPA symbols, but sometimes you need to return to the old, applicable and easy methods, such as copying out the symbols over and over in order to remember their meanings.If you keep up some repetitive behavior like writing things out, make sure you have short regular test exercises from memory so that you can track your progress and see where your weaker areas are.If you already know the symbol for an open E sound, you don't need to write it all over again.Double consonants are an area that you have been struggling with.