Singer Lydia Lyon does not speak Arabic. But when she sings in Arabic, she sounds just like a native speaker.
Today we talk to Lydia about how she learned the pronunciation without knowing the language!
Like with many language learners, Lydia’s interest in Arabic began as a passionate interest connected to Arab friends and culture. Though she learned many words, she never became fluent, but that didn’t stop her from singing.
Lydia says some specific habits helped her to improve her accent, as well as her ability to speak the language with authority. These include:
- Imitate and repeat: Immerse yourself in the culture and try to imitate how native speakers say things.
- Learn in chunks: Attach meanings to entire phrases, not just single words.
- Activate your emotions: Feel what is being said, and how it comes out when you say it.
- Give yourself learning deadlines: Urgency adds a pressure to learn.
Have you tried any of these tactics for improving your pronunciation?
How have they worked?
Let us know in the comments section below!
