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
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
