The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is a set of symbols that correspond to the sounds of language. When you know the IPA, you can pronounce words that are spelled phonetically, even if you don't know the language. Thus, the first step in learning ESL pronunciation and correction is to learn the IPA. Marianne Wartoff's educational freeware site (wartoft.nu/software) contains a program that can help you learn the IPA. Next, you can practice and correct your pronunciation by focusing on one English sound, or IPA symbol, at a time and by completing IPA pronunciation lessons such as those available from ESL Exercises (englishmedialab.com), which offers free English exercises online.
Using hardware, such as a head set with a microphone, and software, you can practice and correct your English pronunciation with or without the help of a native speaker. ESL software programs from companies such as Tell Me More and Rosetta Stone have features that allow you to record yourself speaking English, listen to a native speaker saying the same word or phrase and compare your speech with the native speaker's. With free voice-recording software such as Audacity, you can record yourself speaking or reading English and play it back to critique it yourself or with a friend.
Correcting your English pronunciation isn't just about memorizing different sounds. It's also about training your vocal apparatus to function differently so that you can make the desired sounds. For this reason, you can use a number of physiological techniques to correct your pronunciation, the first of which is learning about your vocal apparatus and how it produces different sounds. You can then use this information to apply practical methods that can help you correct your English pronunciation. For example, learn the difference between voiced and voiceless sounds by putting your hand on your throat to feel your vocal cords vibrate when making voiced sounds. Similarly, practice making different vowel sounds by looking at diagrams of how your mouth and tongue should be positioned before attempting the vowel sound on your own.
One of the best ways of improving your pronunciation is to practice and practice often. Conversation groups allow great forums for pronunciation, not only because you spend time speaking in English but also because you are speaking English in a "real life" scenario. In other words, you aren't simply repeating memorized phrases, but are actually trying to communicate. Improve your pronunciation using conversation by asking members of your group to write down words or sounds that they notice you are having difficulty with. Also, keep your own notebook of the words and phrases you have said that others don't understand so you can practice them on your own before returning to the group. Joining a group with native speakers or advanced speakers can give you someone to emulate, but you can also correct your pronunciation through the constant practice that frequently speaking English gives you, regardless of the person with whom you are speaking. If you have trouble finding local conversation groups, use the Internet to find a language learning partner anywhere in the world. With a pair of headphones and a microphone, you can correct your English pronunciation by conversing with this person on a daily or weekly basis. English Club.com and English, Baby! both offer online chat rooms where you can meet language learning partners.
Although they may be the most boring of the English pronunciation and correction techniques, listening and repeating techniques can be beneficial, especially if you have a great deal of difficulty with several words or phrases. Using a tape, or with a live English speaker, listen to the word, phrase or sound that you find difficult, then repeat it. Do this until you feel you have mastered this particular example. You can also practice repeating tongue-twisters or rhymes to challenge your pronunciation skills.