American Accent Training: the word THE

This video on the pronunciation of “the” is the  best. The number one most common word in American  

English has two different pronunciations. Either  the schwa, [ðə], when the next word begins with a  

consonant, the best, [ðə]. Or the [i] vowel when  the next word begins with a vowel or diphthong,  

the absolute best, [ði]. Notice these words should  be said really quickly. It's not [ðʌ], the best,  

or [ði], the absolute best. But it's [ði], [ði],  the absolute best. And here's a tip for that TH,  

you don't need to bring your tongue tip  all the way through since the word should  

be so fast. Just press it against  the backs of the teeth, the best.