IMPROVING A FOREIGN ACCENT

Most humans speak their native language instinctively without the awareness of the oral movements involved.

Learning another language entails learning “new” sounds.

How do we learn a new sound?

We learn through sound training, which includes a few phases:

Sound Identification

We need to adjust our ears to the sounds of another language and identify the ‘new’ sound.

This may sound ‘easy’ but since sounds are abstract and cannot be ‘seen’, we need to animate the sound and visualize it’

Visualization

How do we visualize what we hear?

By showing the sound in writing while hearing it. Color coding the sound is helpful.

Sound Production

Once sound identity is established, physical production can be shown. Sometimes, the mechanics of our articulators [ lips, teeth. Tongue and palate] are not visible, so sound is taught through listening called ‘ear training’ and imitation.

Sound Discrimination

Comparing similar sounds to sharpen the discrimination process.

Now that TARGET sound is identified, we integrate it into words and continue to practice with a mirror and/or listening guide to achieve comfort with the sound and increase its usage.

Check our “Accentuations“ Sound Lessons & Practice Sheets to acquire correct pronunciation in English.