Blog

WHAT IS AN ACCENT?

• An accent is the unique way that speech is pronounced by a group of people speaking the same language.
• Accents are a natural part of spoken language and reflects distinct characteristics and background of a person
• Accents are not a disorder! However, some individuals with accents have difficulty communicating with others
  • People not understanding
  • Avoiding social interaction
  • Frustration from having to repeat yourself
  • People focusing on your accent

ACCENT MODIFICATION TRAINING

• Accent modification focuses on learning how to reduce the influence of your native language in order to sound more like a native English speaker
• Changing the way one speaks is a difficult task, as speaking style is a well-engrained motor habit (Ojakangas, 2013).
• Accent modification takes 3-4 months with optimal motivation and effort.
• Innate ability + motivation + intensity of practice + amount of socialization with native speakers contribute to changes in accent

Rose Costanzo MA CF-SLP, TSSLD