Since the Hungarian alphabet is 99% phonetic, the key to learning the language is mastering the pronunciation of the Hungarian letters. From there, anyone can more confidently approach learning the language. Ignore this and a tiny mix-up in pronunciation of letters can change the meaning of your word completely. For example, you may end up saying “Let's put a mouse on your ass” (egérseggedre) instead of “Cheers!” (egészségedre).
This guide is designed for aiding expats, visitors, immigrants, and travelers in Hungary who have an interest in learning the language. The guide uses the General American accent (aka the flat American accent that doesn't belong to a certain region) to reflect sounds in English that are similar to the pronunciation of Hungarian letters.
This guide recommends learning Hungarian abbreviations and slang instead of long complex words - at least initially. Take advantage of slang words! Slang abbreviates long and difficult to pronounce words into fun and more easily manageable words, i.e. egészségedre becomes simply egs, which is pronounced “ehgsh.” This approach can curtail some frustration in speaking and thereby increase your enthusiasm to persevere and to learn more!
This book will not focus on grammar, but on pronunciation only. Hungarian grammar and exceptions can be daunting and overwhelming. But don't give up, just ask any Hungarian for a simple and fun explanation. With consistency and the examples within this book coupled with a patient teacher, you will be well on your way to speaking Hungarian!
This guide is designed for aiding expats, visitors, immigrants, and travelers in Hungary who have an interest in learning the language. The guide uses the General American accent (aka the flat American accent that doesn't belong to a certain region) to reflect sounds in English that are similar to the pronunciation of Hungarian letters.
This guide recommends learning Hungarian abbreviations and slang instead of long complex words - at least initially. Take advantage of slang words! Slang abbreviates long and difficult to pronounce words into fun and more easily manageable words, i.e. egészségedre becomes simply egs, which is pronounced “ehgsh.” This approach can curtail some frustration in speaking and thereby increase your enthusiasm to persevere and to learn more!
This book will not focus on grammar, but on pronunciation only. Hungarian grammar and exceptions can be daunting and overwhelming. But don't give up, just ask any Hungarian for a simple and fun explanation. With consistency and the examples within this book coupled with a patient teacher, you will be well on your way to speaking Hungarian!
