How can I improve my pronunciation?

...is a question many students ask. There is no simple answer. First of all, the most important thing is that others can understand you. You don't need to sound like a native speaker - in fact, many English speakers really like different accents. Variety is the spice of life, right? So, you don't need to sound like a native speaker, but if you find people making strange faces when you're talking or that they keep asking to repeat what you say, you might have a problem. What can you do?

• Find a podcast online which has a transcript. Listen a couple of times then record yourself reading the same text. Listen to the two and compare the differences.

• Learn (or revise) phonetic symbols - they are designed to help your pronunciation.

• Look in the language section in the library for pronunciation books with CDs

• To make sounds you need to move your lips, tongue, vocal chords etc. - a sound is difficult because you are not used to making that specific movement. It's the same as trying a new sport - your muscles ache because you're not used to that type of movement.

Some of the following websites might be useful:

Clear speech advice

Common mistakes by nationality

BBC Pronunciation tips