Accent on Speaking

As an English language learner, you might be wondering whether it is more important to speak slowly or to speak fast when speaking in English. The truth is that there is really no ideal speed for speaking in English. What is more important is to be understood – and most of the time, this has little to do with how fast or how slow you speak. As long as you speak with the proper accent, the meaning of your words will come through no matter how fast you speak.

Many people who try to learn English as a second language do not get very far in their studies even after years of attempting to acquire book knowledge of English by studying its grammar, syntax and even the proper pronunciation of individual words. Even after years of learning, many English language learners still cannot speak consistent and fluent English because they were not taught one very important aspect of the English language – and this is accent. If you are trying to learn English in order to be able to effectively communicate with native speakers from the U.S., Canada or other English-speaking territories, then you definitely need to start incorporating the American accent into your learning activities.

Accent is actually made up of three major components which are:

• Rhythm
• Intonation
• Timing

All three of these must coexist and together with proper pronunciation in your speech in order for you to become effective in English communication. The problem is that English tutors and instructors for English language learners often neglect to teach their students the American Accent and opt to focus on the proper pronunciation of individual words in English as well as proper grammar in all instances. While grammar and pronunciation are both important, without knowing how to connect the words in English and how to listen as well as use the natural music of the English language when you speak as well as listen to English, you will often find yourself unable to follow a conversation in English, much less express yourself properly.

This highlights the importance of learning the American Accent for proper communication using the English language. Even if you do not have perfect grammar and pronunciation, what is more important is for you to be able to string the words together in English fluently and naturally. The fact of the matter is that even little kids with poor grammar skills can have excellent accent. This is because accent is best learned at an instinctive level when you are just beginning to develop your overall language skills. The reason that you can speak your native language so well is because the particular accent of your language has been hardwired into your system and this comes out naturally whenever you speak. The same is also true for Americans and other native speakers of the English language.

The problem with being an English language learner is that you probably did not have the advantage of being exposed to oral English as it is spoken by native speakers when you were still very young. Thus, unless you make a conscious effort to actually learn the American Accent step-by-step, you cannot and should not be expected to be able to speak English on the same level as a native speaker. Thankfully, it is not impossible to pick up the American Accent at any age. In fact, this is why the American Accent Audio Course was created. It is an English language learning product that was designed specifically for non-native English speakers living in the U.S. or Canada who wish to improve their oral English skills. The American Accent Audio Course consists of 24 audio lessons delivered via downloadable mp3 files. What makes the audio course extremely useful is that you can download the files and listen to them anywhere from your USB speakers to your mobile phone or dedicated mp3 player.

http://www.AmericanAccentAudioCourse.com

All types of spoken languages have their own accent. In fact, on an even broader scale, all individuals can be said to have an accent. Americans are no different. Even though native speakers often like to deny this, it is a fact that there exists an American accent – and this is what foreign English language learners really need to learn if they wish to develop fluency in their spoken English.

By learning how to listen to the music of English, one can gain an understanding of how the American Accent works. This music can be broken down into three main components which are:

• Intonation – the particular way the voice rises and falls in English
• Rhythm – the systematic arrangement of sounds in the English language
• Timing – the consistency of the speaker in the way he speaks in English

So, together with constant practice, listen to the music of English in the way an American speaks the language and try to compare it with your own recorded speech in order to spot where you hit the wrong notes.

One of the simplest and most often overlooked techniques towards self-improvement as far as spoken English for foreigners is concerned is oral reading. In fact, studies done on English language learners (ELLs) show that frequently engaging the students in oral reading activities not only helps to develop English fluency, but also has a motivating effect on other students when they hear their classmates speak and actually improve with each activity. When doing oral reading exercises, try to keep the following in mind:

• Do not read in a monosyllabic tone. Try to understand the text that you are reading and give voice to the thoughts behind the written words.
• Storybooks are the best for oral reading practice since they actually allow for simulated conversations. Try to act out the words spoken by each character in the book.
• Record yourself while doing oral reading exercises so that you can catch your mistakes in grammar, intonation and rhythm and correct yourself the next time.

Here is a tip that can help you if you have problems saying combined sounds like GR, TR, and BR.

You need to start the R before you finish the first sound.

If you finish the first sound and then start the next one, you will get a small extra vowel sound between the two. So instead of saying GREAT, you might say GuREAT.

If the first sound allows it, pull your tongue back to make the R as you start the first letter.

For example, you don't need your tongue to make a B sound so you can start pulling your tongue back the same time you make the B. Then BR like in BREAD comes out smoothly.

For the GR and TR where you need to use your tongue for the first letter, start rounding your lips for the R as you say the G or T.

Then you will be ready for words like GREAT and TRAIN.

It takes a bit of practice but you can do it with some work.