Pronunciation can be one of the hardest things to master when learning French, and that difficulty is compounded by self-study. While you can learn grammar rules and memorize vocabulary lists from books, at least in theory, no amount of reading will teach you how to pronounce French sounds. You need to hear them, which means that if you can't take a class or learn with a tutor, you'll have to use other audio tools like CDs, software, and online sound files.
One such tool, suitable for students with GCSE-level / two years of high school French, is the DVD set French Pronunciation: Your key to success, by Penny Sewell. Over the course of 4½ hours, Ms Sewell explains the basics of French pronunciation, comparing it to (British) English whenever possible. The sounds of letters and letter combinations are explained in detail, with information about lip and tongue placement as well as simple graphics. She also addresses other aspects of French pronunciation, such as word stress, rhythm, and intonation.
I believe the usefulness of this set will vary according the student's learning style. Personally, I found the oral lessons tedious - I would have preferred to read them, and then use the DVD just for listening to examples and doing practice exercises. But I am a very visual learner: I learn best by reading, and I find it difficult to concentrate on spoken explanations. However, I can imagine that for an aural learner, the audio might be more interesting and useful.
Because the explanations are in English, French Pronunciation: Your key to success is suitable for intermediate French students. More advanced French speakers might want to consider the French-only DVD set, La prononciation française pour de vrai, which offers more detail and an extra hour of audio.
One such tool, suitable for students with GCSE-level / two years of high school French, is the DVD set French Pronunciation: Your key to success, by Penny Sewell. Over the course of 4½ hours, Ms Sewell explains the basics of French pronunciation, comparing it to (British) English whenever possible. The sounds of letters and letter combinations are explained in detail, with information about lip and tongue placement as well as simple graphics. She also addresses other aspects of French pronunciation, such as word stress, rhythm, and intonation.
I believe the usefulness of this set will vary according the student's learning style. Personally, I found the oral lessons tedious - I would have preferred to read them, and then use the DVD just for listening to examples and doing practice exercises. But I am a very visual learner: I learn best by reading, and I find it difficult to concentrate on spoken explanations. However, I can imagine that for an aural learner, the audio might be more interesting and useful.
Because the explanations are in English, French Pronunciation: Your key to success is suitable for intermediate French students. More advanced French speakers might want to consider the French-only DVD set, La prononciation française pour de vrai, which offers more detail and an extra hour of audio.
