So the point of this course and really the core of our language learning philosophy is to develop the ability to imitate native speakers. 

Like we mentioned before, when you can imitate the sounds of a native speaker, it is SO MUCH easier to speak more fluently, understand fast conversations, as well as expand and new vocabulary and internalize grammar. 

But here’s the thing, most students are not willing to put the necessary time and energy into practising, really physically training new sounds. I think this is for two reasons. 

First, like learning any new physical skill, learning new sounds is difficult. It takes time, sustained motivation and effort. So most students prefer to study passively, by reading, watching videos, or using applications because it gives them the sensation of what they are learning without putting in the hard work.

Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, is that most students are scared of making new sounds. This was a big surprise to me, both as a language learner and a language teacher. But it is a real thing. 

Unfamiliar sounds feel really weird in your mouth at first, so most students think they sound stupid or look weird. But remember, English is a foreign language so a lot of the sounds should feel foreign to you at first. So please, please, no matter how stupid you think you sound at first, or how uncomfortable it is to produce new sounds, I promise if you put in the work now, it will make the process so much faster and more fun. 

So, just that we are on the same page, I want to try a crazy exercise to help you get comfortable with imitating new sounds. 

So just repeat after in the audio me as best as you can….