What is accent reduction training?

by Judy Ravin | | Accent Comprehension, Diversity

Accent reduction training, also known as accent modification, is a specialized form of communication training. It’s designed to help individuals acquire the pronunciation patterns of a second language. Accent reduction training teaches non-native speakers how to pronounce the sounds of a target language that don’t exist in their primary language.

Key Components of Accent Reduction Training

1. Phonology: The study of sounds. Learning to articulate the vowels, consonants, syllable stress, intonation, and rhythm of a second language creates clarity of speech. In American English, there are 21 vowel sounds, 26 consonants, and tens upon tens of important speech patterns. It’s typical for a non-native English speaker, of any given language, to be missing seven or eight of these sounds. They simply don’t occur in the speaker’s first language. Accent reduction training enables non-native speakers to pronounce these sounds with ease and accuracy.
2. Sound Discrimination: People typically learn new things by making comparisons. For example, we learn what “hot” is by comparing it to “cold”. The same can be said for accent reduction training. An important element of sound production is the ability to compare a “target” sound to other sounds. Let’s imagine a person doesn’t have the sound “ih”, as in the word “sit”, in their first language. (Linguists refer to this vowel as “Short i”.) One way to think about “ih” is by comparing the following words: sit and seat, hit and heat, list and least, etc. These are called “minimal pairs”. Sound discrimination is often the first step in accent reduction training.
3. Articulation Exercises: Tell your mouth what to do! Acquiring a new sound is all about identifying the correct placement of the tongue, teeth, lips, and jaw…and then doing it. For example, to make “th”, be sure the tip of your tongue is between your teeth and your lips are horizontal. Ask yourself, what does it feel like to make “th”? What does it look like to make “th”? Recognizing the mechanics of accurate articulation facilitates the “how to” of sound production, thereby creating clear speech.
4. Intonation and Stress Patterns: Accent reduction training includes learning the intonation and syllable stress patterns of the language. Let’s look at questions that begin with the words “What”, “Where”, “When”, “How”, and “Why”. The speaker will use ‘falling intonation’ at the end of the question. This means the pitch of the voice goes down.  However, if you ask a question that you’d expect a “yes” or “no” answer, the speaker will use “rising intonation” at the end of the question. This means the pitch of the voice goes up. Try saying aloud, “Where did you have lunch?” The intonation should fall on the word “lunch”. Now say aloud, “Did you have lunch?” The intonation should rise on the word “lunch”.

Syllable stress patterns are equally important to master. Correct syllable stress can determine the meaning of a word. If you were to say, “the object” (stressing the first syllable) versus “to object” (stressing the second syllable) you’d be conveying two very different things.

1. Customized Practice: Accent reduction training is most effective when articulation of vowels, consonants, and speech patterns are taught within the learner’s industry specific terminology. At Accents International, clients in healthcare have a curriculum that’s designed to include healthcare vocabulary. Likewise, financial services consultants learn pronunciation within the context of financial services terminology.
2. Feedback and Correction: Receiving guided feedback from an accent reduction coach is essential for rapid improvement. The coach must identify how the learner should use their teeth, tongue, lips, etc. to correctly produce the sound, and then convey this to their client with patience, understanding, and compassion. English pronunciation is challenging. It’s not the learner, it’s the language! The best accent reduction coaches see themselves as partners and guides, and they lead their clients to success.
3. Consistency and Practice: Regular practice and reinforcement of the new pronunciation techniques is essential for long-term mastery. Our linguists are firm believers that “Practice Makes Permanent”! How much practice is ideal? Fifteen minutes a day, five days a week. When learning accent reduction, cramming doesn’t work. The rule of thumb is “consistency over duration”.

Benefits of Accent Reduction Training

• Improved Communication: Mispronunciations are caused by an ability to pronounce the sounds and speech patterns of a second language. Mastering these missing sounds creates clear communication.
• Increased Confidence: Accent reduction training allows non-native speakers to convey their professional expertise without being asked, “What? What did you say?” This leads to a surge in confidence. The speaker can deliver their message with self-assurance.
• Professional Opportunities: With improved communication, doors to professional opportunities and advancement are more likely to open.
• Expanded Social Networks: Clear and confident communication leads to greater collaboration and partnership.

Accent Reduction Training Programs

Several effective options are available. At Accents International, we believe the following are ideal:

• One-on-One Coaching: Personalized training customized per the learner’s needs and objectives.
• Group Classes: Small group programs of up to five learners.
• Online Courses: Digital platforms where instruction and feedback are given in real-time.
• Self-Study Learning Materials: Ask us about our online learning, American Pronunciation: Core Techniques for Success. It provides audio-visual instruction for speakers of every language background.

Accent reduction training is a tried-and-true learning process that empowers non-native speakers with clear communication. At Accent International, we would love to help you determine which program is best for you. A solid Accent Reduction Program with our university level accent reduction coaches will take your communication to a whole new level.

Contact us today!

For more information: Accent Reduction For Corporations Page or visit our Home Page for a complete list of services.