Bit Isn't Two Sounds: Fixing the Short I

The vowel in English 'bit,' 'sit,' and 'fish' is meant to be one short, steady sound, but Bengali's vowel inventory can pull it toward a diphthong-like glide, making 'bit' sound like it has two small vowel movements instead of one crisp one. This kind of vowel-quality shift has been specifically identified in Bengali speakers' English pronunciation. The fix is about keeping your tongue and jaw still for the whole vowel - no gliding, no extra movement, just one quick, relaxed sound with your tongue slightly lower and more central than for 'beat.' Try 'bit/beat,' 'sit/seat,' 'fish/feesh.' Today, say 'bit' five times, holding your jaw and tongue completely frozen for the entire vowel, resisting any urge to move toward another shape. Recording yourself and comparing to a native speaker's 'bit' can reveal the gliding fast. This is a small, fixable habit - you'll notice progress quickly!