Answers
Jul 20, 2011 - 06:42 PM
I've found that sometimes just using the letter "D" can substitute for the rolled R.
Jul 20, 2011 - 11:02 PM
The only advice I can give is practice--ALOT. When I first started learning Spanish I couldn't roll my r's either. But I practiced ALL day long for about a week before I finally got it. I practiced in the shower, when doing dishes, while driving, etc., etc. I still have trouble when trying to make my words flow together as in normal speech (I tend to pause before words that begin with an "r" that needs to be rolled) but the fact that I can at least do it now is very encouraging to me. I read somewhere that the muscle in your tongue that helps you be able to roll your r's is a muscle that is unused in most English speakers. By practicing constantly you strengthen that muscle and eventually it will be strong enough for you to do it. Good luck and don't get discouraged. You'll be able to roll your r's before you know it!
Jul 22, 2011 - 12:13 AM
I found it helpful to pretend I was gargling. Once the vibration started in the back of my throat, I just moved it forward.
Jul 22, 2011 - 05:36 PM
I'm with klmorin on this, especially while cooking an Italian meal for friends. Highly entertaining and only gets easier with more vino
Jul 22, 2011 - 06:04 PM
Like you, at first I could only roll my R's with one word (giorno). I was told to quickly say "tee-dee-va" over and over to build muscle strength in the tongue. I also practice saying giorno and feel exactly what I'm doing. I probably sound ridiculous. After about 2-3 weeks of this I can now roll my r's on quite a few other words and can even occasionally say arrivederci :) It's not 100% consistent but it's coming. I would take the fact that you can say "vorrei" as a really good sign. Keep at it. It literally came to me one day and all of a sudden I made all kinds of progress. Good luck!
Feb 23, 2012 - 09:17 AM
Break the word down into two syllables such as 'vor' , then 'rei'. Then speed up a little at a time until it is one smooth sound. Your tongue won't have time to reset its position under the pallet, and the "rrrrr" will transfer to the second syllable. Try it.
Feb 24, 2012 - 05:50 PM
It is difficult for us English speakers. Vorrei is easier than some other combinations because it has a vowel before the "rr." The difficulty is when there is a consonant before, like "vorrei un riso in brodo." I have to sort of fake it by exhaling as my tongue is cocked above my front teeth and adding voice at the same time. Does this sound weird?
Mar 15, 2012 - 11:07 PM
I also have to add more air volume to the "r" in order to get my tongue to roll. I remember when taking French in high school having difficulty with the French "r"; the back of the tongue to the palate while breathing out. But don't worry, it's not unique to us English speakers. The French have difficulty with our "th" and say "ze" instead of "the". What I'm more concerned about are the little subtle nuances that peg me as a complete novice Italian learner; the Italian vowel sounds (especially "o") which I can hear when our native Italian instructors speak, but never seem to mimic perfectly on my own. I suppose I should just move to Italy for a few years until I get it right!
Jul 14, 2012 - 01:17 AM
I had a vocal teacher who used a technique that seemed very helpful, this actually helped my sister learn to roll her "r's". Say the phrase "pot of tea". Start slowly then start saying it faster, and the "of" will turn into "a", like you are saying "pot a tea". As you say "pot a tea" faster, you may notice that it is the same pronunciation as "parti" with a rolled r. It just a suggestion, works for some, for others it doesn't. Good luck!
Jul 16, 2012 - 10:26 PM
I have had the same issue. Then one day I could roll the r in arrivederci a little bit. Encouraged, I kept at it, and found that I could roll Rs when it was followed by a consonant but not a vowel. I had particular trouble with vorrei and birra. Then I got to colors and thought " great, marrone, I'll never get that one". I practiced the ones I could roll the did marrone and it worked! Then even vorrei a little. Still not birra though. The more force I use the better it is (though I am practically yelling at times). I figure it will eventually get easier with practice. If I can do it, anyone can.