Non-native speakers often struggle with pronouncing proper nouns in English due to a variety of reasons. One common issue is unfamiliarity with English vowel sounds and their corresponding symbols in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Proper nouns often contain vowel sounds that may not exist in the speaker’s native language, leading to difficulties in producing them accurately.

Additionally, incorrect stress patterns play a significant role in the mispronunciation of proper nouns. English is a stress-timed language, meaning that certain syllables within words are stressed more than others. Misplacing stress in a proper noun can alter its pronunciation significantly and make it sound unnatural.

To learn to pronounce proper nouns more accurately, here are some strategies:

1. Listen and Repeat: The best way to improve pronunciation is through listening to native speakers pronounce proper nouns and then repeating after them. This helps in developing a sense of the correct sounds and stress patterns.

2. Use Phonetic Transcriptions: Utilize resources that provide phonetic transcriptions of proper nouns. Understanding the IPA symbols and how they correspond to sounds can aid in correct pronunciation.

3. Practice Pronunciation Drills: Engage in regular pronunciation drills focusing on proper nouns. This could involve recording yourself and comparing it to native speakers’ pronunciation.

4. Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from native speakers or language instructors. They can provide guidance on areas where improvement is needed.

5. Use Online Resources: There are various online tools and apps available specifically for improving pronunciation skills, including proper