Diction is a fascinating part of learning a new language. In this article, we're going to delve into two reasons why pronunciation matters more than you might think because pronunciation affects communication.
First, inappropriate pronunciation affects communication skills, although not always in an obvious way. In short, the more complex and unpredictable your expressions become, the more critical your accent becomes. If the listener struggles to understand you, it will be more difficult for them to interpret the message you are trying to convey.
"Why bother? If I can make myself understood, that's fine!"
This is a widespread attitude, but you can't just say "communication is enough." Pronunciation is a representation of you and your communication skills.
The pronunciation determines how the interlocutor sees you
The second and perhaps equally important reason pronunciation matters are that it determines how other people see you.
Diction is so important because most other language skills are mediated through speech, at least in everyday interaction.
Pronunciation is not like other skills. It hits the listener right in the face. You can immediately establish how correct the speaker's pronunciation is, and the listener's judgment is so quick.
Never judge a book by its cover. We all know we shouldn't, but we always do. There is a tendency to underestimate people with lousy pronunciation and overestimate people who exhibit clean diction.
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