There are nine consonants (p, t, k, m, n, l, s, j, w) and five vowels (i, e, a, o, u) in toki ma. And every one of them is always pronounced the same. Most of the consonants are pronounced like in English, except for j (which is pronounced like 'y' in English):
p [sound] (like in span)
t [sound] (like in stone)
k [sound] (like in skin)
m [sound] (like in map)
n [sound] (like in nice)
l [sound] (like in left)
s [sound] (like in sit)
j [sound] (like in yes)
w [sound] (like in we)
Notice that in the examples, p, t, and k are after an s. That is because they are not aspirated. When you pronounce for example pat, the p will have a burst of breath with it. While it is not wrong to pronounce it like that, the correct way is without the aspiration. But it is ok if you pronounce it aspirated! In toki ma, there are many alternatives to how to pronounce a sound, so wherever you came from you can pronounce it with ease. In fact, p, t, k can be pronounced like b, d, g!
The vowels in toki ma are similar to those in Spanish or Italian:
i [sound] (like in happy)
e [sound] (like in dress)
a [sound] (like in trap)
o [sound] (like go)
u [sound] (like boot)
In toki ma we do not normally use capital letters (you will learn later an exception!), not even in the start of a sentence. It is not forbidden, but why do it if it is not necessary?
And how about syllables? They are easier than syllables in English, for sure! (I'm looking at you, strengths) Every syllable in toki ma has (sometimes) an initial consonant, a vowel, and maybe a final -n. The initial consonant is mandatory in every syllable, except if it is the first of a word.
And finally, when a word has more than one syllable, the vowel in the first syllable has the stress or accent. So it is pronounced louder, longer and/or in a higher pitch, depending on what is easier for you!
So here there are a few words in toki ma. I have written in bold the stressed vowel (if any). You will learn their meanings during the course, but for now just try to pronounce them like in the audio:
a, ala, pana, nalama, jan, meli, mije, moku, mute, talili, koma, suli, ewin, wile, lansan, monsuta
Listen to the words here.