Questions & Answers With
Derra Huxley - Speech & Language Pathologist
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A native accent
reflects what is unique and interesting about your cultural
heritage. However, speakers of English as a second language
who may have a strong mastery of written English often find
that spoken English presents difficult challenges.
There are some
simple ways to know whether your accent is standing between
you and your success in an English-speaking society.
Are you often misunderstood?
Do people frequently
ask you to repeat yourself?
Do you feel that
people are focusing more on your accent than on what you
are saying?
Do you fear that
your accent is standing in the way of getting the job
you want, or from being promoted at your present job?
Do you feel embarrassed
and upset when people have difficulty understanding you?
Many people study English for years and
have no difficulty reading or writing in English but they
have problems speaking because:
Their teachers spoke
with a strong accent themselves
They didn't have
enough opportunities to practice speaking English
They never mastered
the "tricky" aspects of English, where there
are different ways to pronounce vowel sounds, and the
letters in some words are silent
English has many
"exceptions" to pronunciation rules, which can
be confusing
GOALS OF ACCENT MODIFICATION
The most important goals of accent
modification are speaking English with improved pronunciation
and being clearly understood by others. While retaining the
charm of your native accent, you will be able to:
Be more easily understood
at work and at school
Enhance your social
communication
Achieve greater professional
advancement
Build self-confidence
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM ACCENT MODIFICATION?
Non-native English
speakers
Native English speakers
who wish to reduce a regional accent
Business professionals
who wish to improve communication skills with colleagues,
clients, on the phone, and in presentations
Physicians and medical
staff seeking better communication with patients and colleagues
Individuals seeking
career advancement and promotions
Professors and educators
who want to communicate more effectively
