
In American English, the /h/ sound is a crucial element in distinguishing words and conveying the intended meaning. It is an aspirated sound, produced by releasing air through the vocal cords without vibrating them. Pronouncing the /h/ sound correctly is essential for clear communication and will make you sound more like a native speaker.

In this lesson, you'll learn how to produce the /h/ sound correctly and avoid common mistakes English learners often make.


Introduction


1. **Relax your vocal cords:** The /h/ sound is voiceless, which means your vocal cords should be relaxed and not vibrating when you produce the sound.
2. **Open your mouth slightly:** Allow your jaw to drop a little, creating an open space for the air to flow out.
3. **Place your tongue on the floor of your mouth:** The tip of your tongue should be resting lightly against the lower front teeth.
4. **Exhale through your mouth:** Build up some air pressure behind your relaxed vocal cords, then release the air through the open space in your mouth. You should feel a gentle stream of air as you make the /h/ sound.


## Practice Tips
- **Beware of silent /h/:** In some languages, the /h/ sound may be silent or nearly inaudible. In American English, the /h/ sound should be clearly audible. Practice exaggerating the /h/ sound to ensure you're producing enough aspiration.
- **Differentiate /h/ from other sounds:** English learners sometimes confuse the /h/ sound with other sounds, such as /x/ or /ʃ/. Pay attention to the difference between these sounds and make sure to produce a clear /h/ sound.
- **Stress and /h/:** The /h/ sound is often found in stressed syllables, so be mindful of the stress patterns in words that contain the /h/ sound. For example, in the word "highlight," the first syllable is stressed, so make sure to emphasize the /h/ sound.
- **Word-initial /h/:** Practice words that begin with the /h/ sound, such as "house," "happy," and "hope." Focus on producing a clear and audible /h/ sound at the beginning of the word.
- **Word-internal /h/:** The /h/ sound can also appear in the middle of words, such as "perhaps" and "vehicle." Make sure to maintain the aspiration when pronouncing /h/ in these contexts.

By following these instructions and practice tips, you'll be well on your way to mastering the /h/ sound in American English. Remember, consistent practice is key to improving your pronunciation. Good luck!