7 MORE Things You Should Know About Accents and Accent Modification

De-accentuate Your Spoken English With

Accent Modification

Working to change your accent is done through a process known as accent modification or accent reduction. With the assistance and guidance of a speech coach, adults can learn to reduce their accents by making changes in speech pronunciation and production.

Here are 7 more things you should know about accents and the modification of accented speech.

What can I expect from an accent modification program?

Programs begin with a screening and are followed by a thorough assessment of your individual speech patterns while reading and repeating words, phrases and sentences. Speech is also examined during conversational or spontaneous production. Once the information is collected, the trainer is able to analyze:

·      Pronunciation of consonants

·      Pronunciation of vowels

·      Stress

·      Rhythm

·      Intonation

The speech coach creates a goal-directed training program based on individual needs for accent modification and communication improvement. 

How is training delivered?

Accent coaches offer individual and group training that is available in a variety of ways:

  

·      Classroom instruction

·      Short courses

·      Seminars

·      Apps

·      Books

·      Recordings

·      Software

·      In person

·      By Telephone

·      Via webcam

 Talk with your speech coach about which option will best suit your learning style, your use of technology and your schedule.

Will an accent modification program actually work?

Successful modification of speech patterns and habits will require a commitment of time and regular practice. Your coach will teach you how to practice and then provide materials to be used during independent practice.

You can’t just show up to a tennis lesson and expect to be a better tennis player. The real change occurs when you use what you learned at the lesson during practice on your own. The same is true with accent modification programs. Sure, you’ll learn important things, but just hearing about them won’t result in lasting changes. Daily practice will help you to learn new patterns of production and that’s what will enable lasting change.

While there are no guarantees, a serious student can expect to reduce their accent by 50% or more.

 What kind of time commitment will be required?

Depending on the intensity of the accent and the individual goals:

·      Training programs can range in length from 3 days to 13 weeks

·      Individual training sessions typically last 45-60 minutes

·      Group training sessions typically last 1 ½ -2 hours

·      Each day, 60 minutes of independent practice is recommended

Who can benefit from an accent reduction training program?

·      Accountants

·      Actors

·      Airline pilots

·      Attorneys

·      Business professionals

·      Computer programmers

·      Engineers

·       Entrepreneurs 

·      Medical professionals

·      Ministers and priests

·      Physicians

·      Public speakers

·      Receptionists

·      Sales professionals

·      Secretaries

·      Stay at home moms

·      Students

·      Teachers and trainers

·      Telemarketers

·      University professors

How much will all of this cost?

Because an accent is not considered a speech or language disorder, insurance companies in the United States will not cover the cost of accent modification programs.

Employers such as corporations, universities and government agencies may provide reimbursement to employees who seek to improve their speech communication skills.

Individuals considering services should discuss specific costs of materials and training with their speech coach.

Where can I find a speech coach?

Spontaneous Speech will soon be providing Coaching Services that are available on-line. We'll keep you posted!  In the meantime, think about the consequences of consider how accent reduction may benefit you. 

Speak clearly if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall.
Oliver Wendell Holmes

7 Things You Should Know About Accents and Accent Modification

De-accentuate Your Spoken English With

Accent Modification

The art of communication has evolved as a result of globalization.  In today’s world, we must be careful to ensure that our intended messages are clearly understood as we interact with culturally diverse friends, neighbors, teachers, doctors, coworkers, employers and business associates.

While communication breakdown can occur between people who speak the same language, it’s not surprising that speakers from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds face communication barriers as well. Something as simple as accented speech can be a source of misunderstanding.

As a communication expert, people come to me with questions about speech pronunciation issues such as accents. Let’s take a look at the most commonly asked questions.

What is an accent?

An accent is the unique and distinctive mode of pronunciation of a language, especially one associated with a particular nation or locality. 

Do you have to be from another country to have accented speech?

Not necessarily. While an accent depends on many factors, they are usually grouped in one of two categories:  regional and foreign.

Regional speech patterns are based on geography. This explains why people from the south sound different than people who are from the north.

Foreign accents are based on speech patterns of someone who was raised speaking one language and then learned another.  This is why someone who was raised speaking English will sound different than someone who was raised speaking Cantonese and then learned English later. 

I have an accent. Is that a bad thing?

No. According to the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), accents are a natural part of spoken language. It is important to realize that no accent is better than another. It should also be emphasized that accents are not a speech or language disorder. 

Then why does my accent sometimes get in the way of effective communication?

A person’s accent reflects their unique background and characteristics, and for that reason, many people take great pride in their accent. However, sometimes, communication difficulty arises because of an accent.

Persons speaking with an accent are frequently asked to repeat themselves. Misunderstandings often result in communication breakdown. Social isolation is common as accented speakers would just rather say nothing than run the risk of being unintelligible. 

I don’t mind repeating myself to be understood.  What’s the big deal?

The types of communication problems associated with accented speech may have negative effects on personal, educational and professional levels. They are particularly difficult when they result in:

·      Poor self esteem

·      Diminished credibility

·      Reduced educational achievement

·      Reduced job performance

·      Limited job advancement

For all of these reasons and more, some people want to change or modify their accent.

Tell me more. What is accent modification all about?

Working to change your accent is done through a process known as accent modification or accent reduction.  With practice, determination and the assistance of a qualified speech coach, speakers may be able to lose, modify or even gain an accent.

Accent modification is beneficial for non-native speakers of English, for speakers who want to reduce a regional accent, and for actors who need to learn a new accent for a particular role or performance.  

Who can help me?

Accent modification programs are offered by various professionals including speech-language pathologists, linguists and ESL specialist.

Interested in learning more? Check back for part two of this blog next week, where I will answer additional questions about the details of accent modification training.  You won't want to miss it!


The accent of a man's native country remains in his mind and in his heart, as it does in his speech. 
Francois de La Rouchefoucauld

7 Things You Should Be Doing NOW To Reduce Your Risk Of Stroke

May is National Stroke Awareness Month

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of severe disability. Nonetheless, many people are unaware of the signs and symptoms of a stroke, and even fewer are aware of stroke risk factors.

Although stroke threatens millions of lives and can have devastating effects on victims and their families, it is estimated that more than 80 percent of strokes can be prevented. 

According to the American Stroke Association, high blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke, with 75 percent of stroke victims suffering from the condition.  While some risk factors cannot be prevented, other risk factors, such as obesity and diabetes, can be managed or controlled through diet and exercise.

In observation of National Stroke Awareness Month, take time to learn about strokes and stroke risk factors…they can be easily detected and diagnosed through routine checkups with a primary care provider or with a simple screening tool such as this:

How did you do?  If you are at low risk...congratulations and keep up the good work. If your score put you in the caution zone...start working today to reduce your risk of having a stroke. If you scored in the high risk zone...talk to your doctor right away about stroke prevention. 

To reduce your risk of having a stroke and to achieve ideal health, the American Heart Association recommends Life's Simple 7:   

7 Things To Do NOW To Reduce Your Risk of Stroke

1. Don't smoke
2. Be physically active
3. Eat a healthy diet
4. Maintain a healthy body weight
5. Control your blood pressure
6. Control your blood sugar
7. Control your cholesterol

Join the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association as they campaign to put an end to stroke...become a Stroke Hero. You can activate your super powers by learning the 5 things every stroke hero should know. Sharing this information could save a life...even yours!

The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new. 
Socrates

Lose Your Hearing, Lose Your Mind!

The Devastating Link Between 

Hearing Loss and Dementia

While researching for a blog post I was writing about Better Hearing and Speech Month, I ran across a DIY hearing test. My eyes nearly popped out of my head! How in the world can you test your own hearing?

Come to find out, it was ASHA, our national professional organization, that published the test.  I clicked on the link and found this…

It’s a self-administered test that can be used as an initial screen to determine if you or your child needs an audiologic evaluation.

Try it out. Click on the pop-out icon for a printable version of the test.

While the name “test” kind of tricked me, it certainly got my attention, and that’s exactly what we, as professionals, are trying to do. We want to get your attention and help you understand that hearing loss is a serious issue.

Now, I’m not trying to sell you a hearing aid and I’m not receiving any referral bonuses from an audiologist, but I wanted to point out the consequences of hearing impairment.

Take a look…

In children, hearing loss is associated with:

·       Developmental delays in speech and language skills
·       Learning problems
·       Reduced academic performance
·       Social isolation
·       Poor self concept

If your kids are anything like mine, don’t be alarmed that your teenage sons have bombed this test. My three did!  No one ever seems to be able to hear me when I’m asking for help in the kitchen. No one seems able to follow my directions for folding laundry.  “Huh?” is the typical response when I ask why their beds were not made and, when they finally come up with an answer, two of them mumble.

Hearing loss?  No way! Believe me, they hear just fine. So, of course, you must assess your results carefully for children between the ages of 13 and 15… at least that’s what I did. (I think you know what I mean)

All kidding aside, for toddlers, preschoolers and school aged children, this is an excellent screening tool, and any “yes” responses should be carefully considered.

Maybe you're not worried about your child's hearing, but you probably know an adult with hearing difficulties. In fact,  48 million Americans have a significant hearing loss. That's troubling because...

In adults, hearing loss is linked to:

·       Mental decline

·       Accelerated brain tissue loss

·       Memory loss

·       Impaired cognitive function

·       Social isolation

·       Dementia

·       Alzheimer’s disease

Oh yeah, if that’s not bad enough, research has proven that, in adults, the risk for developing these problems escalates as the hearing loss grows worse. Yikes! 

Bottom line:  people with hearing loss not only get confused during conversation, they eventually just become confused. So, raise your hand if you're ready to see an audiologist about your hearing difficulties, but don't put it off because...losing your hearing could mean losing your mind.

Blindness cuts us off from things. Deafness cuts us off from people.
Helen Keller

Preserve Your Memory: 5 Fun Activities to Keep Your Brain Sharp

Synaptic Connections Using Solitaire: 

How to Preserve Brain Function

With Fun and Games

When it comes to memory loss, I've got good news and I've got bad news!

The bad news...there is no one single way to protect your memory.

The good news...there are a great variety of ways to do so...and it may be more fun than you think!

A new study published in AARP reveals that computers, cards, crafts and current issues of magazines are helpful in protecting your memory.  In fact, the things you are doing right now are helping to keep your brain sharp.

Here's more...

Scientist from the  Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Research Center followed a group of study participants for an average of four years. Members of the group were tested to determine whether or not they developed Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a condition that is often (but not always) a precursor to Alzheimer's Disease.

In the end, researchers determined that those who engaged in a variety of activities were 23% less likely to develop memory problems than those who were less engaged in fewer activities. 

These results help to prove that lifestyle factors may strengthen the brain to allow it to withstand disease. Additionally, these findings emphasize the importance of keeping he mind active as we age. 

Here's why...

Scientist concluded that participants who regularly used the computer and took part in social activities had a reduced risk of memory problems.  They determined that the increased number of synaptic connections promoted new neural connections.

Sparing you a lecture on the neuroscience of brain function, you'll just have to trust: 

increasing synapse + new connections = good for your brain.

Take a closer look at the recommended activities and see how much they reduced the risk for developing memory problems...

Five Fun Activities 

to Keep Your Brain Sharp

1.  Using computers:  Reduced Risk 44%

The Mayo Clinic Study of Aging followed about 2,00 men and women, age 70 and older. They determined that participants who used the computer at least once a week were 44% less likely to develop memory and thinking problems than those who rarely logged on. 

So put down that crossword puzzle and reduce your risk of developing memory problems right in front of the computer. What do you do once you get there?

• surf the web
• send and read emails
• check Facebook
• browse Pinterest
• shop online
• pay bills
• play brain games

2.  Playing Cards: Reduced Risk 14%

Whether alone, in pairs or in groups, playing cards and board games can protect your brain. Who's in for fun and games? Me!  Because my Clue game is too bulky, I'm partial to cards and carry a deck in my purse at all times. Here are a few suggestions for fun card games:

Solitaire, Concentration, Bowling Solitaire, Bakers Dozen and Monte Carlo are a few games to play by yourself.

If you have a friend, play a classic card game like Crazy Eights, Go Fish, Blackjack or Uno.

With a group, games like Bridge, Spades, Rummy, Skipbo and Spoons are lots of fun.

3.  Crafting:  Reduced Risk 16%

If a computer is just not your thing, or cards and games are out of the question, then work on a craft or a hobby. Pick up on old hobby or unfinished project, or find something new to enjoy. Need an idea of what to do? Consider:

• Gardening
• Painting
• Scrapbooking
• Completing DIY projects
• Researching genealogy
• Interior decorating 
• Holiday crafting

4.  Reading Magazines: Reduced Risk 30%

Reading is great for brain health! It allows stress reduction, mental stimulation and new knowledge. Magaizines don't require any extreme time commitment and, because magazine have numerous stories and articles, they offer a variety of subjects you can talk about. 






5.  Chatting

Experts emphasize the importance of staying socially connected. Not only does conversation keep you cognitively active, spending time talking with friends reduces depression and decreases blood pressure. This is the best news I've heard all day...I love to talk!  









These five activities have proven to be particularly effective in helping keep the brain sharp.  Even if they don't prevent dementia, staying mentally, physically and socially active is beneficial to your health and wellness. Share this information with someone you know and get started today! 

Time flies whether you're having fun or not. The choice is yours. 

Unknown