Accent is an imprecise word. It refers to the differences we notice in the way each of us speaks. We usually think accent refers to just the pronunciation differences. However, grammatical differences may also contribute to the overall impression of a person’s accent.
Even among native speakers of a language, many differences can be observed. Sometimes these speech and language variations are based on geographic regions, social class, or ethnicity. Native speakers from the same region, social class, or ethnic group tend to have more contact and communication with each other. As a result, they naturally tend to speak more like one another.
What about people who learn a second language and speak it with an accent? When we speak a second or third language, we often continue to speak it with a noticeable accent. This can be true even if we are proficient, fluent speakers of the second language. In this case, the accent comes from the language and pronunciation differences between the two languages. We may continue to make a some grammatical errors when we speak the second language. We simply have not fully mastered the grammar of the newer language. In addition, the native language and the new language usually do not use all the same speech sounds. Some sounds in the two languages will be quite similar, but not entirely so. The way that we pronounce the sounds in our native language influences our pronunciation in a language we have learned later in life. The result is a communication and pronunciation that are perceived as “accented.” It is even possible that a person with a strong accent may be difficult to understand.
People can learn to speak a second language so that they are easier to understand. Here are 6 tips so that you can be easier to understand in English:
- Notice the grammatical patterns of educated English speakers. If your grammar is different, notice the differences and try to modify the way you form your sentences.
- Hear how your pronunciation of certain sounds and words differs from the pronunciation of mainstream, native English speakers.
- Make a list of words that you need to pronounce more clearly. The words might contain English sounds that you find difficult to pronounce or words that simply have unexpected pronunciations. Practice saying these words as closely as possible to the way native, mainstream English speakers pronounce them. (Use dictionary software that pronounces the words out loud!)
- Make up sentences for each of the words, and try to pronounce the words correctly as you say the sentences.
- Use your new, correct pronunciations as you actually speak with people. Make a point of saying each of the words correctly in a real speaking situation.
- Face to face training can give a tremendous boost to your English pronunciation. For best results sign up for a comprehensive accent modification training given by a speech-language pathologist. If you are in the New York area, come to Confident Speech and achieve outstanding results!