New to Canada

Do you want to speak English clearly and with confidence?

Pronunciation is a key language skill and a very important one for effective communication. Good pronunciation will help people understand you and be more likely to listen to you.

Well Said, 2010 edition         Foreign Accent Management     English Pronunicatin Made Simple

Did you know that there is a language "lab" on the 5th floor of the Toronto Reference Library? It is equipped with headphones and audio/DVD/video-players for your free English practice. The Languages Centre there has the largest ESL collection in Toronto. Many of the materials can be borrowed, while some can only be used at the library. These include reference copies of the latest and most authoritative ESL and test preparation books to use here, that often have long waiting lists in the library catalogue.

Clear Speech                                Adios, Accent                       Tree or Three?

For more library materials on pronunciation – check out the catalogue links below and place a hold.

• Accent reduction – see the list of materials.

• English Language – Pronunication by foreign speakers – see the list of materials.

• English language – Pronunciation by foreign speakers – Problems, exercises.

You can find free online pronunciation video lessons on YouTube. Bring your laptop to the library to use our free wireless service. There are many ESL videos on YouTube, some offer specific tips on pronouncing certain sounds or avoiding common mistakes. Use your own judgement while choosing the materials on Youtube, find the presenter that fits you best. Usually the videos that have thousands of viewings are more popular with other users.

The following online databases also have some pronunciation exercises. You can access them with your library card for free through the library' website:

  Mango database offers 14 ESL language courses such as English for Polish speakers (Angielski dla Polakow), English for Italian speakers (Inglese per Italiani) etc. The English words are pronounced by native speakers. Another way to find the database is to go to the library's website – and simply type "Mango" in the search box.

  Study Skills Success database. Includes practice on speaking and pronunication. To find the database on the library's website – simply type the database name "Study Skills Success" in the search box.

If you are interested in practicing speaking with other newcomers – you can join one of the numerous free English Conversation Circles offered by library branches in Toronto.

• Listen to CBC radio.
• Watch the local news.
• Mix with local people and observe how they speak.
• Come to the free programs offered by Toronto Public Library, like author visits and workshops.

And enjoy speaking while finding your own voice in English!