FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

What is an Accent?
An accent is simply the way a person pronounces a language. Everyone has an accent!

There is no "good" or "bad" accent. It is all subjective. You decide whether you're satisfied with your ability to communicate. Accents don't necessarily need to be reduced, it is all a matter of personal choice. That being said, you may have the desire to speak English with a more native sounding accent. With guidance and practice this is possible!

Can I change my Accent?

The short answer is "yes"!

Nothing important in life comes easily.

Accent Reduction is possible but it takes a commitment on your part.

An accent is a pattern of speaking that you've developed over time. It will take time to learn how to speak differently.  Your accent reduction trainer can help customize an individualized plan that's tailored to your specific sound, rhythm, and stress patterns.If you're motivated and regularly practice the exercises from your trainer you'll succeed!

Do adults have to work harder at changing an accent than children?
Yup! The process of language learning happens most naturally, rapidly, and effortlessly during childhood. Learning a second language in adulthood is much tougher and so is modifying an accent. The speech patterns of your native language become pretty resistant to change. The good news is that with specialized training and practice your native language speech habits can be overcome. Your drive to do this will be a very important component of your success. Accent Reducers use a proven method designed specifically to improve the spoken English of non-native English speakers. Yes it is hard but Accent Reducers are here to make it easier!

How can I get my accent to sound more American?
Learning how to speak English with a more American accent is a skill.
Whether you're learning how to play piano, basketball, or reducing your accent you will have to break down the skill into parts and then practice. Learning how to speak with a reduced accent will involve listening as well as speaking. Accent Reducers will break down the complex task of speaking English into small component skills. You will learn the building blocks to make your pronunciation clearer.

Is Accent Reduction Right for Me?

Maybe. Are you feeling frustrated when trying to communicate? Perhaps others are regularly asking you to repeat yourself? Do you feel that your accent is preventing you from social interactions and job opportunities/advancement. If so, Accent Reduction may be right for you.

At Accent Reducers we look at this process as a joint venture. We are here to guide you on your journey to better communication. We will  point out what can be changed and how to achieve a more native sounding American English dialect. We can not however make you practice. Your success is directly tied to your effort. The more you put in the happier you'll be with the final result. Accent Reducers focus on pronunciation, not grammar (minor grammar errors can be addressed). The ideal candidate for this program has mastered the basics of English literacy, vocabulary, and grammar. You understand English well but others just don't seem to understand you.   

How Does Accent Reduction Training Work?
Your program will be tailored to your specific needs. The length of the program will depend on your personal goals. You can expect a minimum of 8 (1 hour) sessions for a mild accent and 12 (1hour) sessions for a heavier accent. An Accent Reduction Specialist will suggest the program that's appropriate for you based on the results of your free screening. Your program will consist of a full assessment of your ability to produce the sounds of American English. This ability will be assessed at the word, sentence, and reading level. Your instructor will then develop an individualized program that addresses the sounds you either omitted or distorted. Session by session you will have opportunities to practice your specific target sounds. The end result will be speech that is a closer approximation of a standard American English dialect. At the end of your program your instructor will compare your pre- and post- training pronunciation. Prepare to be amazed! 

Are Training Sessions Live?
Absolutely. You will be working one-on-one with an Accent Reduction Specialist. At accentreducers we believe that accent reduction is most effective when it is completely customized to the individual. No group sessions here. Training sessions are delivered online
at a convenient time. Imagine working on your accent from the comfort of your own home or office.