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Communication Tips

Always Understood, L.L.C.
We provide services within the Minneapolis/St Paul, MN area. Classes are held at your employer's site or the AU office

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Communication Tips
Take every opportunity to introduce yourself and talk to new people as frequently as possible!

Research shows that people who make an effort to get acquainted with others and understand the new culture make the best progress in their language studies.

PRONOUNCE  WORD ENDINGS - Pay attention to ends of words as you pronounce sentences, especially, the  “s” , “d” and “-ed “.

  • The “s” will indicate whether you are discussing the plural form (hat – hats) or the present tense of an activity (“He cuts the bread now” – “He cut the bread yesterday”.)
     

  • The “d” or “ed” indicates the past tense of an activity ( “John wants the money today” – “John wanted the money, yesterday”,  “It rained  yesterday” – It rains today.)

Note: Some  words ending in “d” are actually pronounced as a “t” (“walked” pronounced  “t”). Some word endings ending in the letter “s” are actually pronounced as “z” (as, Knows).


CAN vs. CAN’T
It is very easy to misunderstand these words during conversation! To ensure  that you are understood, make an effort  to :

  • Pronounce “can “ as “KEN” + a strong  “n” ending.
     

  • Pronounce “can’t” as “ca-a-a-n’t” with a drawn out, longer vowel +  “t”


STRESS RULE FOR NUMBERS
This rule is especially important for phone numbers, addresses,  etc.  .

  • For numbers  13 through 19 emphasize the stress on the  2nd syllable (thirTEEN, fourTEEN, fifTEEN…)

  • For the the ten numbers like 20, 30, 40…90 emphasize stress on the 1st syllable (THIRty, FOURty,FIFty,…NINEty)