Disclaimer: THIS IS ALL JUST ME GUESSING!!!
Every language is different and has different native sounds, so I guess that would vary depending on the native language each particular SEAsian has. I assume you were thinking of the english R when you wrote this comment, but I can't help but think that maybe, on this issue, the long way could be a better way, and it might be easier for someone to distinguish R from L learning either the Spanish R (which has vibration in the tongue, so it is quite different from L), the French R (that comes from the throat, so also quite different from L) or the Br. Portuguese R (which is that "cleaning your throat" kind of R) and from then learning the english R (which also happens to be the Br. Portuguese Caipira R)
Hi @Connie - thanks for that - good idea
@Filipe - that is also a good idea, it could be the part subject of a lesson!
Hi Loic!
Please do not generalize all SE Asians. It is not an issue for Indonesian speakers (and we are statistically the majority in SE Asia), as we have very thick "R" sounds in many words. I remember how my parents trained me when I was little, they told me to put the tip of my tongue behind my upper teeth while saying many words with "R" sounds. Generally, we pronounce "R" like the Dutch. Given the fact that we were colonized by the Dutch for 3.5 centuries. All I can remember I needed to struggle to smoothen my "R" sounds when I firstly learned english. You can google to seek how Indonesian sounds like.
So maybe you can teach these other SE Asians with the Indonesian method as mentioned above. If Indonesians can do it, other SE Asians can too. :D
Cheers
Connie
Hello there! I find that the most effective way in countering this problem is to encourage them to speak with their mouth wider. I realise that in order to sound like a native english speaker you have to move your mouth along with the real pronunciation of the alphabet/the way the word is suppose to sound.
Another way is to get the hang of how English sounds. You could probably encourage them to watch more english language shows and get them to involve more in speaking (probably you could start with something casual like self introduction to make your student feel less nervous/shy)
Hope it helps. Best of luck!
