Discussion Groups / English Usage / July 2007

Slow down.  Or, as you say "pronounce consciously." [Note spelling of
"consciously"]

The best way to negotiate any unfamiliar series of sounds in a foreign
language is to speak more slowly.  In the case of "English speaker,"
most native speakers of English naturally introduce a very slight
pause between the words to keep the phonemes straight.  Follow their
example.

I think the easiest way is to stop considering it a problem. I put a
little "pause" between the two sounds, too, and I've been speaking
English since I could speak. My bet is that any native would do the same
if they valued clarity (as you seem to).

If it bothers you, though, you could say "speaker of English".

Although I tend to chose my words carefully, my pronunciation tends to
be somewhat sloppy (for example, "gonnuh" for "going to").  I think I
say something like "Englishpeaker".  If someone asked me in person how
to pronounce it, like other responders, I would put a slight pause
between the words.

Bill

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