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.

Listen to the following word pairs. Repeat them, being careful to make the distinction between the two sounds.

Discuss with other students: What other words can you think of that have this sound?