Although there are many similarities between the Castilian and Italian languages, there are certain aspects that must be taken care of when expressing ourselves. If you want to improve your pronunciation in Italian and communicate like an authentic native the next time you travel for sightseeing
or an Italian course,
stay and we will teach you a few tips.
Know phonetics
When you start studying a new language, have some basic notions about phonetics helps you better understand how words are pronounced. On the Internet you can find a large multitude of Dictionaries that will serve as a reference for listening to the correct pronunciation. These types of dictionaries give you the possibility to listen to the word and see its phonetic transcription.
Pronounce double consonants
By imitating Italians by speaking, we make the mistake of marking their accent at will. What the vast majority do not know, is that this characteristic accent is marked by the double consonants. If you manage to master the Italian pronunciation of the double consonants and apply it only when it is due, you will get a perfect accent.
There are two ways to pronounce them, in the word “mamma”, for example, you have to pronounce both “m” separately (Mam-ma). On the contrary, in words such as “notte” in which it is more difficult to do the above, a small pause must be made before the consonant to lengthen the sound of the “t”.
Accentuation of words
In the Castilian language there are words that are accentuated in different syllables, guided by the rules of accentuation that mark us where we have to place the voice blow. In Italian, however, there is only a type of graphic accent In sharp words, for the rest of words you have to have very good memory and retain the accent your accent as there are no rules that guide. One thing to keep in mind is that in Italian there are more sdrújulas words than in Spanish so you should not be surprised if you find one and they do not sound the same as we would pronounce it in Spanish.
Pronunciation of the letter “C”
For Spanish speakers it is very important to use the letter “C” in Italian, since depending on the combination its pronunciation will be completely different. If the “C” is in front of the vowels “a”, “o”, “u” is pronounced as in Spanish. However, if you are in front of the vowels “e”, “i” is pronounced as “che”, “chi”. Important fact! When we find the groups of letters “che”, “chi” in Italian are pronounced as “ke”, “ki”, never as we pronounce it in Spanish.
Pronunciation of the letters “Z” and “S” in Italian
When we find an “S” in front of a vowel or a sound consonant we must pronounce it more strongly than in the Castilian language. On the other hand, when it appears combined with the letter “c” forming the group “sc” we must pronounce it as “shhh” in front of the vocal groups “ia”, “e”, “i”, “io”, “iu”. A sound very similar to the one we make when we send someone to shut up.
The “Z” also has a very particular sound in Italian. Although it may seem a little strange or difficult to pronounce, with this trick you will surely master it. When you see the letter “Z” remember that it corresponds to “ts” or “ds” and you will see how you no longer have trouble pronouncing it.
Last but not least, remember that you are learning a new language and that you can afford to make some mistake. The most important thing is lose your shame, themore confident you have in yourself the better your Italian pronunciation will sound and the more confidence you will generate.
Now that you know these pronunciation tricks you just have to put them into practice. Ynsitu
offers you the possibility to travel to Italy and improve your language by doing one of its many courses abroad
. Cheer up!