Vowels:
* a: like the "a" in "father"
* ā: like the "a" in "far"
* i: like the "i" in "machine"
* ī: like the "ee" in "see"
* u: like the "oo" in "boot"
* ū: like the "oo" in "flute"
* ṛ: like the "ri" in "bird"
* ṝ: a longer "ri" sound
* ḷ: similar to "l" but with the tongue curled slightly back
* ḹ: a longer "l" sound
* e: like the "e" in "bet"
* ē: like the "ay" in "say"
* o: like the "o" in "go"
* ō: like the "oh" in "go"
Consonants:
* k: like the "k" in "kit"
* kh: like the "ch" in "loch" (Scottish pronunciation)
* g: like the "g" in "gate"
* gh: like the "gh" in "ghost"
* ṅ: like the "ng" in "sing"
* c: like the "ch" in "church"
* ch: like the "ch" in "cheese"
* j: like the "j" in "jump"
* jh: like the "j" in "judge"
* ñ: like the "ny" in "canyon"
* ṭ: like the "t" in "tulip" (tongue slightly curled back)
* ṭh: like the "th" in "thin" (tongue slightly curled back)
* ḍ: like the "d" in "do" (tongue slightly curled back)
* ḍh: like the "dh" in "the" (tongue slightly curled back)
* ṇ: like the "n" in "sun" (tongue slightly curled back)
* t: like the "t" in "time"
* th: like the "th" in "thin"
* d: like the "d" in "do"
* dh: like the "dh" in "the"
* n: like the "n" in "sun"
* p: like the "p" in "pen"
* ph: like the "ph" in "phone"
* b: like the "b" in "bed"
* bh: like the "bh" in "bhaji" (an Indian dish)
* m: like the "m" in "man"
* y: like the "y" in "yes"
* r: like the "r" in "run"
* l: like the "l" in "lie"
* v: like the "v" in "van"
* ś: like the "sh" in "ship"
* ṣ: like the "sh" in "bush"
* s: like the "s" in "sun"
* h: like the "h" in "hat"
Tips:
* Listen to recordings: There are many resources online, including YouTube videos and audio recordings, that offer guidance on Sanskrit pronunciation.
* Practice with a native speaker: If you have the opportunity to learn from someone who speaks Sanskrit, this is the most effective way to develop accurate pronunciation.
* Pay attention to intonation: Sanskrit has a specific intonation pattern, which can affect the meaning of words.
* Don't be afraid to make mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes when learning a new language, including Sanskrit. The important thing is to keep practicing and improving your pronunciation.
Remember, the goal is to communicate effectively, not to achieve perfect pronunciation. As you practice, your pronunciation will naturally improve.