CHANGE OF AN ACCENT

WHICH IS THE EASIEST WAY TO CHANGE THE ACCENT

[Steven D]

Originally Posted by RIFFAT

WHICH IS THE EASIEST WAY TO CHANGE THE ACCENT

You should find a teacher that can tell you about English stress and intonation patterns. Linking is something you should ask a teacher about as well. Vowel sounds are often a lot shorter in other languages. Work on stretching out the vowel sounds on the stressed syllables. You should find a teacher that can help you approach this at the sentence level.

Words are strung together in English to form typical pronunciation patterns. These patterns change when we speak sometimes in order to give extra meaning to what we say.

Generally, English has falling intonation, whereas many other languages have rising intonation. This would be at the end of words, phrases, clauses, and sentences.

I would find a teacher who can help you understand these things. There's more to it than what I can type here.

Do people ever have a hard time understanding you when you speak English?

Using some relaxed informal pronunciation would be of some help if you are living in an English speaking country. I would look for guidance in this area from someone whose first language is English. You should know, however, that different people have different views where this is concerned. It would seem that I have a more "liberal" view of this. I teach, and I advocate teaching, informal/relaxed/colloquial pronunciation. It really is part of the reality of speaking English.

Also, find out about "schwa".

[Steven D]

Originally Posted by RIFFAT

WHICH IS THE EASIEST WAY TO CHANGE THE ACCENT

I've already answered here. However, I should add that there is no easy way. You need the right teacher and materials. And then you have to practice a little every day. Pronunciation is habit forming. You can teach yourself new habits with the right teacher and materials.

[Steven D]

It would seem that I have a more "liberal" view of this. I teach, and I advocate teaching, informal/relaxed/colloquial pronunciation. It really is part of the reality of speaking English. <<<<

There are regional differences in this area. I believe there are also enough commonalities. Someone whose first language is English might have a feel for what could be the same from one region to another.

For example, "d" often turns into a "j" sound when it is followed by a word that begins with "y".

I told you. - can be - I tolj you - in informal speaking. Informal speaking is more of an occurence than formal speaking. Not everyone would speak that way. But it certainly is common, and it is not a sign of poor language skills or a lack of education.

[blacknomi]

Do people ever have a hard time understanding you when you speak English?

Ye, when the key wor dis Chinese. Sometimes I don' know how ta nae-ma thing, I wou jus use thee other way to express wha dai wanta say.

[blacknomi]

Pronunciation is habit forming.>>

Old habits die hard.

[twostep]

You may think you can change an accent completley but you will slip. I can tell when I am exhausted. Then I have to watch out.

[Casiopea]

Emotion is the true test! If an actor's first language is, say, English, and s/he is playing a part with, say, a French accent, you can tell how good s/he is at mimicry the moment s/he has to deliver an emotional line. Emotion is the true test.