In many examples, R or L change the meaning of a word. For example: collect/correct. I’m sure you can understand when you see the whole phrase. For example, “I co**ect stamps.” or “Your answer is co**ect.” You can guess, and you’ll probably be right. The problem is, most people prefer to communicate clearly and concisely. If someone is busy, they may not feel they have the time or energy to figure out if you’re saying R or L. It can slow down communication. And in the world of business, time is money and many people are impatient.
The R and L sounds may be different in your first language than in English.
When you think of an English “R,” think of a pirate saying “Arrrrr!” Your mouth will form an “O” shape, your lips should stick out, and your tongue should be in the middle of your mouth, not touching any part of your mouth. It is softer than a Spanish “R,” which in English sounds more like a “D” sound.
When you think of an English “L,” think of a person singing “La, la la!” Your mouth will open, your lips do not stick out, and most importantly, your tongue should touch behind your top front teeth/gum area to produce the sound correctly. The “L” sound in English is sharper than the “L/ R” sound in Japanese or Chinese and results from placing your tongue behind your front teeth.
Try these minimal pairs for practice:
- Correct / Collect
- Red / Led
- Rice / Lice
- Rack / Lack
- Read / Lead
- Rate / Late
Keep going, I know you can do it with practice!
