Chitika

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Improve Communication With Accent Reduction Classes

By Lenore Bolton


Strong accents can be a hindrance when trying to communicate in another language and can prevent achievement of personal and professional goals. In the competitive world we live in today, it is vital to communicate as clearly as possible. Mastery of a language means more than just learning vocabulary and grammar. It also means having to pronounce words correctly and understand the rhythm of the language being spoken as all languages have a different rhythm. Accent reduction classes are available to help you do this.

The type of training to reduce accents is offered in many different forms such as workshops, online software and one-to-one coaching. One-to-one coaching or small classes are good options for those who have difficulty learning. Online help can work well for others.

Accents are not a speech or language disorder. They are simply the unique way in which people pronounce words in a particular area or country. With the number of people moving around the world today many individuals require assistance in reducing accents. There are many non-native English speakers and those with regional accents who seek this help. Business and medical professionals may want to improve their communication skills for work purposes and even actors may want to learn how to speak in a certain way for a performance.

A thorough evaluation of individual speech patterns is conducted. This may involve reading of words, sentences and paragraphs. Speech in conversation is also noted. Once information has been collected, the trainer will decide what needs to be done. A set of goals based on individual needs will be developed.

The most common errors which are picked up are pronouncing of vowels and consonants incorrectly. Languages all have different rhythms and intonations and these errors are also common, with stress often being placed on the wrong syllables or words. These problems require a change in the way the tongue and lips move. New muscles need to be developed and this can only happen with practice.

Eliminating an accent is therefore not something that happens overnight. Many people often expect instant results and give up too quickly. Research has revealed that it can take as much as three months of daily practice to develop the muscles in the mouth and tongue for the speaking of a different language.

Participants are taught where they are making mistakes. They learn how to distinguish the difference between how they are saying a word and how it should sound so that they can begin to pick up their own errors. Difficult sounds are often mastered by playing games or doing activities. Workbooks may also be used for practicing.

Accent reduction classes help those individuals trying to master a second language to alter their speech so that they can be more clearly understood.The more participants begin to master the new sounds, the more confident they feel. This gives them the freedom to communicate clearly and accurately. They are more easily understood and this opens up more opportunities for them, removing any barriers which may prevent successful integration.




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