The Importance Of A Proper Accent In English... Or In Any Language
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The Importance of a Proper Accent in English?"Or Any Language
How to Improve Your Accent
Are you frequently asked to repeat yourself because people struggle to understand you? Maybe your friends casually say, "Just do this!" expecting you to nail the sound immediately. If you'd like a clear guide on shaping your lips, tongue, and mouth to master the sounds of English, read on.
Perhaps everything sounds alike to you. You know your pronunciation is off, you're pausing too much, or your speech doesn't quite sound like English. Wouldn't it be great to identify the common errors in English pronunciation so you can focus on fixing them?
Understanding Accent Components
First, understand that an accent comprises three elements: intonation, liaisons, and pronunciation.
1. Intonation: This is the "music" or rhythm of a language and is the most challenging aspect to change.
2. Liaisons (Linkages): These refer to how words and parts of words are connected in a language, often differing significantly from your native tongue.
3. Pronunciation: This is about producing sounds in a new language. These sounds might be similar to those in your own language or entirely different. Learning involves understanding where the sound originates in the mouth and the tongue's position.
Why Work on an Accent?
Not everyone prioritizes improving their accent. Some do develop excellent accents after years of living in a new country or using a new language. However, this isn't automatic; many never shed a heavy accent.
For those living and working among native speakers, enhancing your accent can be crucial. Sadly, some people judge your intelligence and worth based on your fluency and accent. Chinese American writer Amy Tan shares insights about her mother's accent:
> “I've often thought about the kind of English my mother speaks. I've described it as 'broken' or 'fractured,' although I dislike these terms. They imply something is damaged and needs fixing. These perceptions also affected my view of her ability to express thoughts.”
Tan's experience shows that people, even family members, can underestimate someone's abilities based on their accent. Improving your accent can help prevent such misconceptions.
How to Improve Your Accent
You can invest in a specialist to work with you, though this can be costly. Alternatively, using recordings and courses can be effective if you commit to regular practice. Think of it like choosing between gym equipment at home and a personal trainer?"the key is consistency.
Visit resources like [GoodAccent.com](http://www.goodaccent.com/accentbooks.htm) for useful accent reduction programs.
Here’s a simple exercise to start: Listen to recordings of native speakers in your target language. Record your voice, compare, and adjust as needed.
Pronunciation: A Key Aspect of Accent
Proper pronunciation is vital, though some experts believe intonation is even more crucial. However, pronunciation is an area where language learners can make significant strides.
For instance, in English, long vowels (like the "e" in "May" or the "o" in "toe") end with a slight "slide," causing native speakers to "smile" after a "long a" or "pucker" after an "o." Speakers of other languages might use less mouth movement for vowels.
Another useful tip: In English, consonants like "p" and "t" are pronounced with a puff of air. Practice saying words like "Peter," "pepper," and "table" with a lit match in front of your mouth?"if the flame flickers, you’re on the right track.
These examples offer a glimpse into accent improvement, which requires more detailed exploration and practice. Remember, an accent is more than just pronunciation?"it's a combination of several elements that work together harmoniously.
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