As an English learner, one of the most challenging things to learn is the proper pronunciation of the English language. One of the most confusing sounds for non-native speakers is the letter "H." In British English, the pronunciation of "H" is different from American English. This article will help you understand how to pronounce "H" correctly in British English.
The Silent H
The letter "H" is silent in some English words, such as "hour," "honest," and "heir." In British English, the letter "H" is silent, but it affects the way you pronounce the following vowel sound. For example, the word "hour" is pronounced as "au-er" instead of "hour" in American English.
The Aspirated H
The aspirated "H" is pronounced with a puff of air. It is pronounced at the beginning of a word or syllable, such as "happy," "hello," and "happen." In British English, the aspirated "H" is pronounced with more emphasis than in American English, so it sounds more like "huh-appy" instead of "appy."
The Non-Aspirated H
The non-aspirated "H" is pronounced without a puff of air. It is usually pronounced at the beginning of a syllable, such as "behind," "behave," and "vehicle." In British English, the non-aspirated "H" is pronounced with less emphasis than in American English, so it sounds more like "bi-hind" instead of "behind."
The H-Dropping
The H-dropping is a feature of some British accents, such as Cockney and Estuary English. It involves dropping the "H" sound at the beginning of a word or syllable, such as "ouse" instead of "house," and "air" instead of "hair." If you want to speak with a standard British accent, it is important to pronounce the "H" sound at the beginning of a word or syllable.
Practice
Practice is the key to mastering the pronunciation of the English language. You can listen to British English speakers, watch British TV shows, and practice with a language partner. You can also use online resources, such as YouTube videos, pronunciation apps, and online courses, to improve your pronunciation skills.
Conclusion
Pronouncing "H" correctly in British English can be challenging, but with practice and patience, you can master it. Remember that the sound of "H" changes depending on the word and the accent. Listen carefully to native speakers, and practice regularly to improve your pronunciation skills.