When I lived in Germany so many people asked me what the secret was to English pronunciation. How could you tell from the spelling how a word is pronounced? I t

When I lived in Germany so many people asked me what the secret was to English pronunciation. How could you tell from the spelling how a word is pronounced? I told them to do what I was taught to do when I come across an unfamiliar word - check a dictionary. They were hoping for a different answer. (It's also the answer to "yes/no" questions. Answer in a sentence, don't just say "yes" or "no". There's rules about how English speakers use them "yes" and "no" and when we use full sentences, but if you're asking me, the answer is just "always say 'i do' or 'she won't' or whatever", because it's 100% guaranteed to be clear and unambiguous. It's also easier to remember in the heat of the moment despite the complexity. If you want to be really good, you can practise "no, I don't", but leave "yes, I do".)