3-1 /l/ & /r/ Sounds

There are two /l/ sounds in English. One is the light /l/, which occurs at the beginning of a word, and the dark /l/, which can be found in the middle or at the end of a word. To make the light /l/, place the tip of your tongue just behind your top teeth. Your breath should pass along both sides of the tongue and through the open lips. The dark /l/ is similar, except have the tip of your tongue further back. /r/ is very close to the dark /l/, except the tip of your tongue should not touch the roof of your mouth. Work with a partner to find these words.

Listen to the following words and repeat.