How to Reduce Strong Accent (and Why Do I Have It)

Posted on April 21, 2023

As a non-native English speaker, struggling with a strong accent can be a frustrating and challenging experience. You may find yourself constantly repeating yourself, struggling to be understood, and feeling self-conscious about your accent. This can make it difficult to communicate effectively and may hold you back in social or professional situations.

The causes of a strong accent can vary, from the sounds and rhythms of your native language to the way you learned English. Additionally, the age at which you started learning English and your exposure to English speakers can also play a role.

Fortunately, there are strategies you can use to reduce your accent and improve your English skills. By focusing on specific sounds, practicing pronunciation, and engaging in regular conversation with native English speakers, you can start speaking more clearly and confidently in English. In the following sections, we'll explore these strategies in more detail and provide tips and advice for reducing your accent.

Why do I have such a strong accent?

As a language school specialized in accent reduction, we often get asked, "Why do I have such a strong accent?". There are several reasons why someone may have a strong accent when speaking English.

First language influence

The first language you learned and the way you learned it can influence your English accent. If your first language has different sounds or intonation patterns than English, it can be challenging to adjust to the new language's sounds and rhythms.

For example, if you learned a language with a rolled "r" sound and then try to speak English, you may struggle to pronounce words with an "r" sound, leading to a distinct accent.

Age of acquisition

The age at which you start learning English can also influence your accent. Studies have shown that people who start learning a second language after puberty have more difficulty achieving native-like pronunciation.

This is because the brain's plasticity decreases with age, making it harder to adapt to new sounds and patterns. If you learned English later in life, you may have a harder time achieving a native-like accent.

Exposure to English speakers

The amount of exposure you have to English speakers can also influence your accent. If you grew up in an environment where English was not commonly spoken, you may not have had many opportunities to hear and practice the language.

On the other hand, if you grew up in an English-speaking environment or have spent a significant amount of time around English speakers, you may have a more native-like accent.

Motivation to improve

Finally, your motivation to improve your English skills can also influence your accent. If you're highly motivated and willing to put in the time and effort to improve your language skills, you may have a better chance of reducing your accent.

However, if you're not particularly motivated or don't have the time or resources to invest in language learning, you may have a harder time achieving your language goals.

At American English Training, we understand that ever yone's language learning journey is unique, and we're here to help you achieve your goals, no matter your starting point.

How to get rid of accent?

Reducing a strong accent can be a challenging task, but it's certainly possible with the right strategies and consistent practice. 

Here are some specific tips and techniques you can use to start reducing your accent:

Focus on specific sounds

One of the best ways to reduce your accent is to focus on specific sounds that are challenging for you. For example, if you have trouble with the "th" sound, practice saying words that contain it until you can say it naturally.

You can also try using tongue twisters or other exercises that target specific sounds. This will help you become more comfortable with the sounds of English and improve your overall fluency.

Practice pronunciation

Correct pronunciation is crucial to reducing your accent and speaking English more fluently. One way to practice pronunciation is by listening to and mimicking native English speakers.

Pay attention to the sounds they make, the rhythm of their speech, and the stress they place on certain words. You can also record yourself speaking and listen back to it to identify areas where you need to improve.

Engage in regular conversation with native English speakers

Engaging in regular conversation with native English speakers is an effective way to reduce your accent and improve your communication skills. This will help you become more comfortable with the language and provide opportunities to practice your communication skills in real-life situations.

You can find conversation partners through language exchange programs, social media, or by attending English-speaking events in your local community. Make sure to focus on clear pronunciation and correct grammar when speaking.

Use online resources

There are many online resources available that can help you reduce your accent and improve your English skills. You can find pronunciation guides, language learning apps, and online courses that focus specifically on accent reduction.

These resources can be a great supplement to your regular language learning activities and can help you stay motivated and on track with your language goals.

Reducing your accent takes time and consistent practice, but with the right strategies and guidance, you can start speaking more fluently and confidently in English.

How can I talk like an American native speaker?

While speaking with the same accent as an American is generally very difficult and not often seen, we can definitely help you improve your communication by becoming more clear and articulated in English. The accent will still be there, but you won't have to repeat the sentence four times for someone to understand you. We will get rid of the awkward "could you repeat that" interactions.

Here are some strategies to help you sound more like a native English speaker:

• Pay attention to your intonation and stress: Native English speakers use a particular rhythm and stress patterns when they speak. Try to mimic this as much as possible when speaking.
• Learn common English idioms and expressions: This will help you sound more natural and comfortable when speaking English.
• Practice speaking English in different situations: Using the language in diverse situations, such as ordering food at a restaurant or giving a presentation at work, will help you become more comfortable with the language and build your confidence.
• Try to use contractions when speaking English: Native English speakers use contractions frequently, and it will help you sound more natural and fluent.

By focusing on these strategies, you can start speaking more like a native English speaker and become more confident in your communication skills.

How to improve my English? – A Step by Step Guide

Most of my students are adults who know how to write English but have difficulties when communicating in person. I break down sounds, rhythm, and phonetics and create exercises that help your English come out in a way that is easier to understand.

Improving your English skills can be a challenging task, but it is possible with dedication and consistent practice. Here are some step-by-step strategies that can help you improve your English skills:

Step 1: Practice basic phrases and expressions

If you're just starting to learn English, it's essential to practice basic phrases and expressions first. This could include greetings, introductions, and asking for directions. Practicing these phrases will help you build your confidence and get comfortable with the language's basic structure.

Once you feel confident with basic phrases, you can start to build your vocabulary and expand your language skills. Learning new words and phrases will help you understand and communicate more effectively with others.

Step 2: Build your vocabulary

Building your vocabulary is crucial to becoming a more fluent and confident English speaker. One way to expand your vocabulary is by reading books or articles in English, listening to English podcasts or watching English TV shows or movies.

You can also use flashcards to memorize new words and practice using them in context. It's important to remember that building your vocabulary is a gradual process and requires consistent practice over time.

Step 3: Practice your pronunciation

Correct pronunciation is essential to speaking English fluently and being understood by others. Start by breaking down sounds and practicing them in isolation. Once you feel comfortable with individual sounds, start incorporating them into words and sentences.

A great way to practice pronunciation is to listen to and mimic native English speakers. Pay attention to the sounds they make, the rhythm of their speech, and the stress they place on certain words.

Step 4: Work on your grammar

Grammar is a fundamental aspect of any language, and English is no exception. To improve your grammar, start by practicing the basic rules and structures of English. You can do this by using grammar books, taking online courses, or working with a tutor.

It's essential to practice your grammar in context by using it in your speaking and writing. This will help you become more comfortable with the language's structure and improve your communication skills.

Step 5: Engage in conversation with native English speakers

The best way to improve your English skills is by engaging in conversation with native English speakers. This will help you become more comfortable with the language and provide opportunities to practice your communication skills in real-life situations.

You can find conversation partners through language exchange programs, social media, or by attending English-speaking events in your local community. Engaging in regular conversation with native English speakers will help you build your confidence and fluency in the language.

Conclusion

Reducing your accent and improving your English skills can be a challenge, but with the right strategies and guidance, it's possible. 

At American English Training, we're committed to helping you achieve your language goals and become a more confident and proficient communicator in English. We offer accent reduction classes, English classes and more. Our focus is on building your confidence and proficiency in the language through a combination of practice exercises and engaging conversation.

If you're interested in learning more about our classes or would like to schedule a meeting, give us a call at (970)646-0680. 

Get in touch now and schedule a free consultation. We're here to help you succeed!