When it comes to mastering the pronunciation of English words, there are a few that might trip you up, and ‘December’ is one of them. This month is a staple in the calendar, yet its pronunciation can be a bit tricky for those who are not native speakers. Let’s dive into the nuances of how to say ‘December’ correctly in English.
Breaking Down the Word
The word ‘December’ is derived from the Latin word “december,” which means “tenth month.” In the Roman calendar, December was the tenth month, but it was moved to the twelfth position in the Gregorian calendar we use today.
The word is composed of two parts: “deci-” and “-ember.”
- “Deci-” is a prefix that means “ten.”
- ”-ember” is a suffix that is related to the Latin word “aemere,” meaning “to take away” or “to remove.”
So, when you put it all together, “December” can be understood as “the tenth month that was taken away” or “the month that was originally the tenth.”
Pronunciation Guide
Now, let’s get to the pronunciation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you say ‘December’ correctly:
Start with the ‘de’ sound: Pronounce the first two letters as “de,” which sounds like the “d” in “dog” followed by the “e” in “bed.” So, it’s a short “d” followed by a long “e” sound.
The ‘c’ sound: After the “de,” you’ll say the “c” sound. It’s the same “c” as in “cat,” which is a soft “k” sound.
The ‘em’ sound: After the “c,” you’ll have the “em” sound. This is like the “em” in “time,” which is a long “e” sound followed by a short “m” sound.
The ‘ber’ sound: Finally, you’ll say “ber.” This is like the “b” in “bat” followed by the “er” in “sir.” The “b” is a soft “b” sound, and the “er” is a long “e” followed by a short “r” sound.
So, when you put it all together, the pronunciation of ‘December’ is “deh-KEM-ber.”
Practice and Tips
Here are a few tips to help you master the pronunciation of ‘December’:
Listen and Repeat: Listen to native speakers pronounce the word and then try to mimic their pronunciation. This can be done through audio recordings, movies, or even by asking a friend.
Break It Down: As we’ve done here, break the word down into its individual sounds and practice each one separately before putting them together.
Use Mnemonics: Create a mnemonic device to help you remember the pronunciation. For example, you could think of “deh-CHEM-ber” to help with the “c” and “em” sounds.
Practice Regularly: Like any skill, pronunciation improves with practice. Try to use the word ‘December’ in sentences regularly to reinforce your pronunciation.
Remember, pronunciation is a skill that takes time to develop, especially for non-native speakers. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t come naturally at first. With consistent practice, you’ll be able to pronounce ‘December’ with confidence.