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Language is a powerful and connecting source for interacting with people and expressing thoughts. If the world didn’t have the set of languages to connect, the world would be in a chaotic state. Luckily that is not the case.
When it comes to English, it is one of the most spoken languages in the world. People across the world use this language for both official and non-official use, but a plethora of accent variations can be seen.
Accents are auditory clues to an individual’s background. From the first sound and pronunciation of certain words, narrates the background – geographical area and culture – of the speaker.
Whether you admire your accent or dislike it, having one is an inescapable part of speaking. Once we become adults the tasks of replacing a native accent turns out to be a challenge.
What makes the accent so tough to learn and try?
It is the habit and sounds learned in terms of the native language.
On a general note, there are two kinds of accents. First one is the accent or variation in the use of one’s native language. When it comes to variations, it can be related to the geographical area or the cultural background.
The second kind of accent is an accent that occurs when a native speaker of a distinct language learns to speak. The accent is the breakthrough of the native language phonology into English.
What Exactly Is an Accent?
Well, communication is a two-way process in which both the speaker and the listener have a responsibility for the act of communication.
According to American Speech-Language-Hearing, “it is the unique way that speech is pronounced by a group of people speaking the same language.” Have you ever thought why an individual from New York generally sounds much different than someone from Mississippi or London.
According to Dr. Christina Schelletter, head of English Language and Communication at the University of Hertfordshire, “foreign accents come about as a combination of “non-native speakers trying to substitute their native sound for non-equivalent sound in the target language,” and this results in a difference in stress, rhythm, and intonation among the two languages. Moreover, “There are individual differences in terms of how strong an accent is, but overall, age and length of exposure of the second language very much contribute to the accent,” Schelletter told Medical Daily.
What Make Losing an Accent So Difficult?
Our native accents have been engraved into our mind and language from our early stage of life. But, this can turn out to be a complicated task. With the growing age, the accent develops and strengthens as the sounds are repeated. Thus, it gets really overwhelming for an individual to learn a new language.
Pros and Cons of Adopting a New Accent
Accents enable everyone to connect and express feelings. If you are just putting on an accent and willing to learn a new accent for a native language, it can be challenging. Having an accent problem can be a challenging task for others as well.
On the other hand, accents play a prominent role in one’s personal identity. On a general aspect, it can be challenging for you to attain certain sounds and pronunciations that are difficult in terms of adaptation.
Common Techniques and Goals of Accent Neutralization
Well, here are some common focus areas for accent reduction training:
- Intonation and rhythm
- Voice production
- Modify speech patterns
- What can be the Reasons behind Accent Reduction of Regional Accents?
- Boost personal and professional opportunities
- More confident and effective, both professionally and socially
- Engaging in extensive presentations, conversation, and telephone calls
- Mastering regional accents to create better personal and professional opportunities
- Attaining a better understanding from listeners
Before finalizing the accent reduction training session, it is really pivotal that you know which language you want to learn. In addition to this, will that language help you on long-run, what are pros and cons associated with it, can you manage the challenges that you will come across and much more.
If you are looking to adopt a new language with professional pronunciation sounds such as “th” “v” “w” “r” and “t” sound. It takes time to get fluent and master a native accent, especially, when you have a strong hand over your primary local language and accent.
The science behind accent reduction is not so complicated, but there are certain factors that you need to consider and work upon them.
Feel free to contact LocalMasters, to find the best Accent Reduction Coach.
