Śrila Prabhupāda‘s BBT publications have the correct transliteration of Sanskrit words, but the tradition of mispronunciation as passed down by the 'paramparā of errata' has continued. If we fail to correct this now or introduce some standards, then the mistakes will become a part of our tradition. 

Just as when someone whispers a secret into one person‘s ear, who whispers it to another person, who whispers it to other and the result is completely different to the original, similarly in a few hundred years we may even have completely different mantras. 

Some words that devotees mispronounce change the meaning of, or have the opposite meaning to the original words. Unfortunately this will eventually lead to philosophical misunderstandings.  Therefore, we have to stop now, go back to the basics and hear things right.

Mispronunciation of words is nothing to feel ashamed about. Learning a foreign language‘s grammar is difficult, and learning the foreign language‘s pronunciation is even more difficult. This is because our tongue is conditioned according to our native language. Due to the differences in pronunciation between other languages and Sanskrit, it is sometimes difficult for foreign devotees to pronounce Sanskrit words properly. Also, many Indian devotees do a poor job pronouncing Sanskrit. But with practice and the right assocation, one can learn the proper pronunciation of the Sanskrit language.

Any eager, keen, and opportunistic student can learn the Sanskrit (or any other new) language with motivation and a respectful outlook towards the language and cultures surrounding the language. Along with enthusiasm and attitude, strategies and methods for commiting the new vocabulary and grammar to memory are also essential. This is to be augmented by hearing the language regularly and attentively (either by direct association with native speakers or through audio/video), which is the best way of learning it. 

To improve our pronunciation, we can begin by attentively hearing and reciting the morning Bhāgavatam ślokas. A book, even the best one, can only help in a limited way if the language is not heard regularly and spoken without inhibition. Excerpt from Samskritoccāranam (p vii) by Lokanāth Swami, ISKCON GBC Minister for Kirtan and Sanskrit Pronunciation.

"Being part of Shlokarship Unlimited has been a wonderful learning experience for me. Sakhyarasa Prema Prabhu takes extra effort to inculcate the importance of chanting shlokas.  His knowledge of Bhagavad gita and other Vedic shastras has given us clarity on many aspects of life.  I am grateful to him for his teachings and motivation."  

Lata Easwar