Frequently Asked Questions
What is an "accent"?
Everyone speaks with an accent of some kind. It reflects an individual’s language background and is often regarded as a unique aspect of that person’s identity. When someone speaks English as another (or second) language, their first or native language may affect how they pronounce the sounds of English. This may cause them to speak English with an accent that is different from the way English is spoken by others around them. This does not mean that their speech is "abnormal"; it simply reflects the systemic influence of their native language upon their spoken English.
What is accent modification?
Accent modification, also known as foreign accent reduction, is formal training to make the speech of a non-native speaker of English more understandable. Note that Standard North American English is just one example of many accents in English; other examples include the British accent, Australian accent, Indian accent, South African accent, and the Southern accent in the United States.
How do I know if I need to change my accent?
In some cases, North American listeners may not be accustomed to hearing English spoken in a different manner from their own. Therefore, they may have difficulty understanding someone with a so-called “foreign accent”. If you frequently meet listeners who have trouble understanding your spoken English and you think it may be due to your accent, then accent modification training would help you.
Will I lose my “foreign accent” entirely with accent modification training?
The goal of accent modification training is not to erase an accent but rather to learn a new accent that would improve communication ability. It is actually unlikely for anyone to completely lose their accent but through proper training and practice, individuals can learn techniques to speak English with a North American-style accent. This process requires some time and effort but the experience can be fun and rewarding. Accent modification training gives individuals the freedom to switch back and forth between different accents depending upon the communication situation.
What is a speech-language pathologist?
Speech-language pathologists, also known as speech therapists, are experts in human communication. We are professionally-trained at the graduate level in linguistics, speech, and hearing sciences (articulation, phonetics, voice, acoustics, etc.), as well as studies of grammatical and word structure (syntax, morphology, etc.). We have extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of speech and language difficulties related to English as a Second Language, articulation, dysfluency (stuttering), voice disorders, aphasia (brain injury or disease), and other communication disorders.
How is accent modification training different from studying ESL?
As speech-language pathologists, we have the knowledge and expertise to offer customized accent modification training based on each individual's unique pronunciation difficulties. We use clinical procedures to identify your speech errors, to correct them effectively, and to monitor your progress as you train at your own pace. We provide a special focus on pronunciation and communication skills which may not be emphasized or taught as in-depth in an ESL program.
How is accent modification training different from using self-study materials?
Unlike the use of self-help learning methods which are often limited to imitation of recorded sounds, rote memorization, and drills, Lingo-Ease clients receive direct guidance, feedback, and encouragement from a speech and language specialist in a dynamic and interactive learning environment.
