What is a Foreign Accent?
Anyone who learned a second language after the age of five will have what is known as a foreign accent in that language.
Why?
The sounds you have learned to create in your native language may be similar to, but not the same as those in your new language.
Some sounds in your new language may not exist at all in your first language and vice versa!
There may also be different patterns of stress in your language.
For example: In English most of our two-syllable words are stressed on either the first syllable (for nouns) or second syllable (for verbs), creating words in which pitch and loudness change as we speak.
As an example, the word "contract" as a noun is said stressing the first syllable: "contract”. As a verb the stress would be on the second syllable: "contract".
Thus, if you don’t choose the correct stress pattern, your speech may sound either "choppy" if both syllables receive equal stress, or have a confusing meaning.
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Foreign Accent Modification/Accent Reduction
Forest Hills, Queens, New York City
We provide expert training intended for those individuals who were born in a foreign country and wish to improve their pronunciation of American English.
You may have a mild, moderate or heavy foreign accent that interferes with your daily business and social communication.
Individual or small group training sessions can be held at your corporate office or at our office.
- You will be given a thorough evaluation to ascertain and analyze your speech.
- These findings will be discussed with you, to ensure understanding.
- A program designed specifically for you will be created from the above findings.
- 12 or 18 hours of individualized training at our office or at yours.
- Small group training also offered
- All materials will be supplied including Audio CD’s, CD ROMs, books, and materials created especially for you by Ms. Boardman, as needed.
- Written interim and final reports will be provided for corporate clients.
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