accent reduction

Accent reduction: Break habits, change perception

To lessen the intensity of accents, both speech production and listening skills should improve. This is because accented speakers tend to have problems not only with producing the correct speech sounds for the language of concern, but also with perceiving the speech sounds in a way similar to native speakers of the language. The cause of this phenomenon relates to the brain generalizing acoustic input for the benefit of improved listening efficiency. In fact, many are unaware that this perceptual dimension applies to US accent training and to those learning any other foreign language. Thus, an accent reduction program or language training program should incorporate articulation practice to improve production of speech sounds and listening activities to help the trainee better identify and discriminate between speech sounds.

US Accent Training has unique challenges

Those learning to speak the Standard American Dialect have unique challenges to face. The US intonation patterns and speech reductions present especial difficulties. Accent reduction training often requires learning to perceive and produce speech very foreign to the trainee. Students may have learned “should not have” where US accent training would include recognizing “shud'na”. The US accent training offered at CAL Learning can efficiently tackle problems and unique challenges faced by those who are trying to learn the English language. Our Business English classes implement the latest training techniques to reduce accents for the benefit of the trainees' business and personal lives.

Other Business English Classes

CALLearning.com provides a gateway to a plethora of communication and culture courses, those for both English language learners and native speakers. Please take advantage of the wealth of information this site provides regarding our Business English classes and more. We look forward to helping you improve the communication and social skills necessary for successful business operations. Please contact us if you have questions or need assistance selecting the course that is right for you.