The DEATH Of American English Mouth Positions

About this video

• Video Title: The DEATH Of American English Mouth Positions
• Channel: Fluent American
• Speakers: Jeff (implied)
• Duration: 00:07:48

Overview

This video explains why focusing solely on mouth positions for American English pronunciation can be ineffective and discusses three key elements that contribute to a more natural American accent: diaphragm engagement, low placement, and vowel emphasis with weakened consonants.

Key takeaways

• Diaphragm Engagement: Using the diaphragm for projection, rather than just the lungs, creates a more natural and sustained sound. This can be felt as movement in the stomach area when breathing.
• Low Placement: Speaking with an open throat and projecting sound from a lower position (chest/throat area) is characteristic of American English and helps avoid a tense, closed-off throat.
• Vowel Emphasis and Consonant Weakening: American English has many vowel sounds, and the subtle differences are crucial for meaning. Weakening consonant sounds and allowing breath to flow continuously through vowels makes the speech sound more natural.
• Mouth Position is Secondary: While mouth position is still important, focusing on diaphragm engagement, low placement, and vowel sounds can lead to a more natural accent, even if mouth positions aren't perfect. Overly focusing on mouth shapes, especially those from a native language, can lead to tension.