How to raise the back of the tongue to touch the soft palate?

[DontBanMe]

Please close this thread!

[BobK]

"How do you raise your hand to touch the tip of your nose?" The answer's the same: you have already described the operation; just do it!

b

[DontBanMe]

well, How to avoid your front part of the tongue make contact with the roof of the mouth when you make the /ng/ sound?
would your back of the tongue raise to touch the soft palate NATURALLY when you make the k sound properly
or you must raise the back of your tongue to touch the soft palate PURPOSELY before making the k sound?
(Like the /th/ sound,you must put the tip of your tongue between the upper teeth and bottom teeth before
making that sound properly.
I hope you'll understand what I'm trying to say.

[Tdol]

The tongue can be bent in that way; if it doesn't come naturally, then it's a question of practice and forcing it until it does become more natural. Go somewhere where no one can hear you and force the sounds until you're satisfied.

[DontBanMe]

The tongue can be bent in that way; if it doesn't come naturally, then it's a question of practice and forcing it until it does become more natural. Go somewhere where no one can hear you and force the sounds until you're satisfied.

I can sort of make the G and K sound.
As for the /ng/ sound, it sounds a little bit weird and akward.
You know, If I bent my back of the tongue to touch the soft palate, my front part of the tongue wouldn't remain low. (They said your tip of the tongue remain low when you make the /ng/ sound.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NduCJKb4iR8
The video says, To make this sound, you raise the back of the tongue to touch the soft palate.
Your front part of the tongue is lightly touching the bottom front teeth.
Plus, Would you please watch this video as well? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCeIH...eature=related
She said, Make sure your tongue is touching the roof of your mouth AND HOLD IT. I'm puzzled. Who's RIGHT?
Anywho, I think I need to practise more.

[Raymott]

How to raise the back of the tongue to touch the soft palate?

Please note that “How to X?” is not a proper sentence or question in English. It is a dependent clause lacking a finite verb.
This construction is never used by native speakers.
The simplest correct alternative is "How do you X?"

(This is a semi-automated reply)

[DontBanMe]

Please note that “How to X?” is not a proper sentence or question in English. It is a dependent clause lacking a finite verb.
This construction is never used by native speakers.

(This is a semi-automated reply)

Well, Thank you for your correction!
so, Instead of typing how to X, what sentences should I use?

[Raymott]

Well, Thank you for your correction!
so, Instead of typing how to X, what sentences should I use?

Thanks for asking. There are several ways. The easiest is the way Bob suggested enigmatically above:
"How do you raise your hand to touch the tip of your nose?"
"How do you X?"
I will add this suggestion to my too-frequently needed auto-post.

Other versions which might be used, as necessary are:
"How does one do X?" - This is the real meaning of "How do you do X?" But it's fairly posh for speaking. If you ask "How do you do X?" in the context of a forum question, it will mean this, and not, "How do you, personally, do X".
"How can you do X?" - You could have used this form with your question.
"How do people do X?"
"How is X done?", for example, "How is 'phthysis' pronounced?" - This is simply the passive form of "How do you do X?" or "How does one do X?"

[DontBanMe]

Thanks for asking. There are several ways. The easiest is the way Bob suggested enigmatically above:
"How do you raise your hand to touch the tip of your nose?"
"How do you X?"
I will add this suggestion to my too-frequently needed auto-post.

Other versions which might be used, as necessary are:
"How does one do X?" - This is the real meaning of "How do you do X?" But it's fairly posh for speaking. If you ask "How do you do X?" in the context of a forum question, it will mean this, and not, "How do you, personally, do X".
"How can you do X?" - You could have used this form with your question.
"How do people do X?"
"How is X done?", for example, "How is 'phthysis' pronounced?" - This is simply the passive form of "How do you do X?" or "How does one do X?"

I didn't know that *HOW TO X* was wrong because most of the people I met,including my american facebook friends always say how to X instead of
how do you X.

[BobK]

I didn't know that *HOW TO X* was wrong because most of the people I met,including my american facebook friends always say how to X instead of
how do you X.

It's easier (just use a to-infinitive and don't worry about conjugating the verb - do,does,did...); that doesn't make it right. Many people use it in a coaching role, as a sort of sub-heading:

How to make a pot of tea:

• Put the kettle on
• Get the tea ready - loose leaf or bags
• ... etc

b