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Writer's pictureJuliana Russell

Learn Sounds before Grammar

You're well aware of the magic that words can create. They're like little keys that unlock doors to fascinating worlds, taking your child on exciting journeys through stories, conversations, and cultures. But have you ever wondered about the enchanting world of sounds behind those words?


Let's embark on a linguistic adventure together. Imagine a world where sounds are like puzzle pieces, each with its own unique shape and role. This journey starts with a powerful tool called phonetics, and it's not just for linguists or scholars; it's for curious kids and their dedicated parents too! Let's unlock the secrets of language through phonetics. We can cracking the Code with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)


The first stop on our adventure is the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Picture it as a treasure map, guiding you through the intricacies of pronunciation.


Learning the IPA is like deciphering a secret code, a code that holds the key to the hidden world of sounds in every language.


Let's take French as an example. Ever noticed how the final "s" often seems to vanish? "Où vas-tu ce soir?" looks quite different when written as [u va ty sə swar?]. Did you catch it? That final "s" is silent! Of course, there are exceptions (like "le fils" and "son" [fis]), but understanding these subtleties can elevate your child's language skills. It's about honing your ears from vowels to patterns.


Now, let's zoom in on French vowels. These are like the colorful building blocks of language. When your child learns to recognize patterns in vowel combinations, they're essentially learning the language's heartbeat.


But what about Japanese? It has its own set of secrets when it comes to sounds. Japanese created "Katakana," a script dedicated to foreign words. Imagine a world where a character represents each foreign word, making it easier for your child to recognize and pronounce borrowed words. The language learning adventure is active and passive exploration.


Language learning is an adventure, one that combines active exploration with passive absorption. It's an exhilarating journey that demands focus and courage. Think of it like a thrilling treasure hunt with words as your valuable loot.


As for grammar, that's a tale for another time. For now, focus on getting your child's mouth and ear familiar with the sounds of their chosen language. Encourage them to listen, repeat, and explore. After all, learning a language is all about diving into its sounds, its rhythms, and its magic. We have StoryDraw, with mini stories and activities to train that ear and learn a language!






So, here's to your child's linguistic adventure: [bɔn] [ʃɑ̃s] !!! (Good luck!) 🍀 Dive into the captivating world of language sounds, and watch your kiddo's linguistic skills flourish.




 

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