Some North American words are very hard to pronounce for students. One example is a common name: ‘Carter’.
It consists of many sounds characteristic of just North American English. Here is the breakdown:
/k/ is voiceless and followed by a puff of air. (It’s the same in British English)
In most languages, the sound /k/ is voiced without a puff of air.
/a/is deeper and longer in North American English than in most languages but not as long as in British English.
/r/ is always pronounced strongly in North American English, it’s a very loud sound nonexistent in most languages.
(In British English it’s weaker but not pronounced in the middle of the name Carter.)
/t/ is pronounced almost like /d/ in most languages but it just slightly touches the gum ridge, not as strongly as the /d/ in most languages.
It’s called the North American flap sound. /t̬/
The phonetic symbol is like a letter ‘t’ with a line below.
This sound does not exist in British English.
/ə/ this sound follows /r/. It’s called the ‘schwa’.
When you pronounce nothing between the two consonant sounds, this sound will be perfect.
Please do not pronounce /e/ from your language when you say Carter.
/r/ is always pronounced strongly again in final position in North American English. 
(it’s usually not pronounced in British English)
Here is the phonetic transcription of Carter:
/ˈkɑːr.t̬ər/ – Canada/US pronunciation
/ˈkɑː.tə/ – UK,
(In British English final letter ‘r’ is pronounced if the next word starts with a vowel sound in connected speech, as in ‘Carter and’ pronounced fast)

Thanks Carter and good luck practicing guys! 
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If you should need more help improving your English pronunciation, please contact our English school in Ottawa! 
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