Pronunciation games with minimal pairs

Fecha de creación

17/05/2025

Creado por

ESLforeal

Idioma

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Minimal pairs are pairs of words that differ by one sound (phoneme) in the same position, and this difference changes the meaning of the words.

For example: bit /bɪt/ vs. beat /biːt/ – the vowel sound changes.

Minimal pairs are pairs of words that differ by one sound (phoneme) in the same position, and this difference changes the meaning of the words.

For example: bit /bɪt/ vs. beat /biːt/ – the vowel sound changes.

Improved phonemic awareness: Minimal pairs help learners become aware of distinct sounds in the target language, especially when those sounds don’t exist in their native language.
Focus on listening discrimination: They train learners to hear subtle differences, improving their listening skills and their ability to understand native speakers.
Clear pronunciation targets: Practicing minimal pairs gives learners a concrete way to correct specific pronunciation errors and produce sounds more accurately.
Communicative clarity: Because minimal pairs involve meaningful contrasts (e.g., ship vs sheep), learners understand that mispronunciations can lead to misunderstandings, making practice more relevant.
Diagnostic tool: As teachers, we can use minimal pairs to identify problem sounds and tailor pronunciation instruction to students’ specific needs.

Do you feel like giving them a try? Download the minimal pair word cards and a list of activities to use!

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