logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2024
39m 51s

425. The Schwa: How One TINY Sound Can M...

HADAR SHEMESH
About this episode

We’re revisiting some of our most popular and favorite episodes on the podcast.

I mention the schwa almost every time I speak about American English. That’s because this vowel is all over the place, and once you hear it, you never stop hearing it 🙂

The schwa is a very short and “relaxed” kind of vowel. It’s a pretty tricky vowel for non-native speakers but if you get it, you get the secret to American English pronunciation and you become SO much clearer.

Also, you will find yourself investing much less energy in speaking, which is also important 🙂

Tune in and learn more about this special vowel and how to use it. And let me know what you think in the comments below.

Check out a new episode about the schwa here: https://hadarshemesh.com/podcast/157/

You can also watch my older video about the schwa: https://goo.gl/tvDJ6o

And you’ll also find my video on American Intonation helpful: https://hadarshemesh.com/magazine/american-intonation/

Up next
Aug 22
New Sound Scholarships Now Open! [Deadline August 30]
Are you ready to take your English pronunciation to the next level? We’re offering 10 full scholarships for lifetime access to New Sound, my transformative 12-week pronunciation coaching program. This is your chance to get world-class training and personal support, all completely ... Show More
4m 29s
Aug 19
474. Elevate your English: Linking words you can use beyond ‘However’ and ‘Or’
In this episode, we'll explore different linking words that you can add to your English vocabulary. You’ll get more ideas to express your thoughts differently, beyond words like "however" or "or"! You’ll learn how to connect your ideas more naturally and fluently, making your spe ... Show More
15m 16s
Aug 12
473. Build your English confidence step-by-step [7-day challenge]
Confidence doesn’t magically appear overnight, it’s something you build, one step at a time. The truth is, confidence is a skill, and just like any other skill, you can learn it, practice it, and get better at it. In this episode, I’ll share the most common things that get in the ... Show More
12m 49s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2020
The Most Important Sound in English Pronunciation
In this episode I explain schwa (ə), the most common sound in the English language, when to use it, and how you can use it correctly to sound more like a native speaker. 
15m 35s
Jul 2024
3 Ways to Develop a Better BRITISH ACCENT With The Help Of Your Dog 🐶 - Why is it literally so tricky? - I’m super insecure about my accent 😢 - What accent should I study - Mastering the 'ish' Suffix
Want to get in touch ? Email: mail@learningbritishaccent.com Want the British Accent Training Courses? Details: https://learningbritishaccent.com/bundle/ 12 month subscription: https://learningbritishaccent.com/product/british-accent-bundle-12-month-access-2/   Support The Podcas ... Show More
14m 18s
Jul 2014
American “Ash” (æ) Sound Video #3: My Video Response to Greg’s Comment
Initially I published a video on the American “ash” sound where I shared my observations in relation to how the letter ‘A’ is pronounced in certain words in American English. Then, more than a year later, I published a follow-up on the original video where I’m talking about my la ... Show More
12m 1s
Jul 2014
How to Pronounce Near-open Front Unrounded Vowel (æ) in American English
A while back I published an article and also a video where I focused upon pronunciation of the so-called “ash” sound (æ) in American English. You see, back then I’d just realized that the letter ‘A’ can be pronounced differently in certain words despite the phonetic description n ... Show More
11m 14s
May 13
Say PIN vs. PEN and other words like a native English speaker!
🤩 Download FREE pronunciation guide: https://espressoenglish.lpages.co/free-pdf-pronunciation-guide-american-english-sounds/ ⭐ American English Pronunciation Course: https://courses.espressoenglish.net/american-english-pronunciation-course-and-shadowing-with-shayna/?aff=09c3ed58 ... Show More
7m 7s
Dec 2024
#422 - 40 English Words You’re Probably Pronouncing Wrong (and How to Fix Them)
Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. English pronunciation can be tricky — sometimes even the most common words trip us up! In today's episode, we’ll dive into some fascinating examples of words that are often mispronounced. We’ll share practical tips ... Show More
33m 24s
Jul 21
#451 - How I Learned to Speak with an American Accent (Here's the Truth) — Lesson with Examples from TV show, Music, etc.
Listen with FREE Interactive Transcript only on the RealLife App. In this powerful episode, Izzy shares a game-changing mindset shift for English learners: accent and language are not the same thing. Discover why focusing on the music of the language — not just the accent — can h ... Show More
21m 17s
Aug 2014
“Ash” Sound (Æ) in American English: Æ Tensing
This is it! I’ve finally found out everything about the “ash” sound in American English – and if you’ve also been wondering about the following problem: Why is it that in some American English words the letter ‘A’ gets pronounced as [eə] despite the phonetic transcription describ ... Show More
14m 2s
Mar 2025
English Speaking & Listening Shadowing -- Discussing Fact vs Fiction
American English shadowing exercises are for people interested in expanding their American English accents, whether you are located in the US, North America, or other areas around the world. For the best use of shadowing exercises in American English, listen to a section of audio ... Show More
8m 42s
Oct 2024
763 - How To Improve Pronunciation
These days, it seems like a lot of people all over the world speak English, doesn't it? And that means that there are ton of different English accents out there. Which is totally fine, you know? But if you are concerned about your English pronunciation, then stick around till the ... Show More
9m 33s