Buzz
Similar to the challenge posed by the Japanese 'r', mastering the pronunciation of the Dutch 'g' can be quite difficult for those unfamiliar with the language.
Steps
Train your ear to recognize the correct sound.
Ensure proper airflow. The Dutch 'g' is categorized as a 'fricative', where air passes through a partially constricted opening in the mouth. Other examples of fricatives in English include the sounds of 'f' in 'fee', 's' in 'hiss', and 'th' in 'thistle'.
Avoid vibrating your vocal cords. This sound is voiceless. To distinguish between voiced and voiceless sounds, consider the words 'zap' and 'sap' in English. The 'z' in 'zap' is voiced, while the 's' in 'sap' is voiceless. Similarly, all fricatives mentioned earlier are voiceless.
Position your tongue against the roof of your mouth where the uvula hangs down (point 9 on the chart). This sound resembles the 'ch' in 'loch', although to the Dutch, it may still resemble a 'k' as in 'cat', since it is articulated against the 'velum' (point 8 on the chart), rather than the uvula. The Dutch sound can also be found in German, as in 'Dach' (roof). To pronounce the 'g' like a native Dutch speaker, attempt to mimic the sound of gargling.
Try pronouncing the word 'gek', which means 'crazy'. The '-ek' part is pronounced exactly like the '-eck' in 'check', resulting in a short gurgling sound followed by 'eck'. Alternatively, if you find the 'ch' in 'loch' easier, it would be pronounced as 'ch-eck'.
Practice. Since this phoneme is not common in English, practice using it regularly. Over time, you'll become accustomed to it and be able to produce it effortlessly.
Advice
- The sound originates from the far back of the roof of the mouth.
- In the southern regions of the Netherlands and northern Belgium, they use a 'soft g', which resembles the 'h' sound in Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian or the 'ch' sound in German 'ich'.
- Avoid getting caught up in debates over which pronunciation of the 'g' (hard or soft) is correct. While the soft version is more prevalent (also in Germany, written as 'ch'), speakers of the hard 'g' will argue that theirs is the correct one.
Caution
- Practicing this sound won't cause any harm.
