Enunciation vs Pronunciation
As a child, you might remember being scolded by your English teacher for slurring or mumbling during elocution class. The teacher would make you stand up and ask you to enunciate a line or paragraph clearly. This was to improve your speaking skills, as enunciation is the art of speaking clearly. Another English term, pronunciation, is used for a similar purpose and can often cause confusion. This article will explore the subtle differences between these two similar words.
Enunciation
Learning a language involves both speaking and writing components. The verbal part, or spoken English, is essential during conversation, as it requires clear and concise speaking, as opposed to mumbling. Enunciation is the art of speaking clearly to create a good impression on the listener.
Pronunciation
Many words in the English language are spelled differently in writing and speaking. This is because certain letters require stress, while others are silent, making usage difficult for non-native speakers. Pronunciation is the art of speaking a word clearly, emphasizing where it is needed and omitting the sound in the case of silent letters.
Key Takeaways
- Enunciation is the art of speaking clearly and is taught early in elocution classes, where teachers encourage students to recite aloud in class.
- Pronunciation is the art of speaking words clearly, knowing where to emphasize and where to omit sound in the case of silent letters.
- Pronunciation is a component of enunciation, and both are essential for clear, effective communication, especially for non-native speakers.
