The letter r (and the double rr) are perhaps the most difficult letters for nonnative speakers of Italian to master. It is interesting to note that the English “r” is also very difficult for non-native speakers of English. Say aloud the following English words, focusing on the motions made by your mouth and tongue: “roar,” “rice,” “car,” “hair,” “roam,” “right,” “ring,” “rack.” You will have noticed that the English “r” is formed in the back of the mouth with the back of the tongue and that it is a soft, round sound. The Italian r is formed using the tip of the tongue on the upper palate behind the front teeth. For practice, try pronouncing the following English words, paying close attention to the placement of the tip of the tongue when pronouncing the letter “d,” as in “dog,” “dinner,” “dart,” and “duck.”

Exercise 19: Pronunciation of the Letter R

TRACK 62

Repeat each word.