eli5: Why is pronouncing words from other languages difficult?

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I know our brains are trained in a certain way from childhood, but could someone elaborate? It seems physically impossible yet it is very much possible

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Anonymous 0 Comments

You’re simply out of practice. If your native language doesn’t have certain sounds, then you’re not experienced at producing those sounds.

The German words Kirche and Kirsche have different pronunciations. I know what those sounds are, I can recognise the difference, but I can’t say Kirche properly without immense effort, I always just pronounce both like Kirsche.

Like anything you do, it’s just a matter of experience. Enough exposure and practice, and you’ll be able to pronounce anything properly.

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