American Accent Training for all Nationalities

Sofia Vergara "too old" to improve accent?

"Modern Family" actress Sofia Vergara, notorious for her exaggerated Columbian accent, told American TV host Ellen DGeneres that she was "too old" to improve her pronunciation.

Wow, I did not realize that improving your accent had an age limit!! I have had students who were very young, and many who were well over 50 years of age make marked improvements with their accents.  It takes practice, a good coach, and time to change your accent. 

Vergara appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres show and was chatting with the host over a cup of "pure cafe Columbiano,"delivered personally by "Juan Valdez", when the conversation turned to Vergara's heavy accent.  DeGeneres noted that several audience members were whispering to one another, apparently unable to understand what Vergara was saying.  The actress did not take offense, and explained that her son gets frustrated when she speaks in English.

"He tells me "your the only person in the world that after many years in a country gets worse and worse.  That's not normal."  Vergara told DeGeneres.

The TV star went on to say that sometimes she can't even understand her own voice. 

For most people, it would be very difficult to get a new job or advance in a company if people don't understand you.  For her, her thick Columbian accent, is not hurting her.  People feel that she is sexy and was recently voted the most Sexiest woman alive. 

For more information on accent modification and how it can help you improve your speech, help you advance in your present career, and boost your confidence, check out www.instituteofaccentmodification.com    

 

American English Pronunciation - How to Pronounce "S" and "Z"

The spoken sounds of the letters S and Z can be confusing for non-native English speakers.  Here are some techniques for pronouncing the sounds correctly. 

1. First you must understand the tongue position for the /s/ and /z/ sounds. The tip of the tongue for both sounds is behind your upper gum ridge.  The tongue is pointed and slightly curved up.
2. Second, you must understand the difference between voiceless and voiced sounds.   The /s/ is a voiceless sound.  Your vocal chords are relaxed when you make the /s/ sound.  The /z/ is a voiced sound.  Your vocal chords vibrate when you make the /z/ sound.
3. You must also become familiar with all the different spellings for the letters S and Z.  Notice that the S has the /z/ sound and the C often has the /s/ sound.


Here are some common spellings for the /s/ sound

s:  some, yes, must

ss:  class, discuss

c:  city, nice , place

sc:  science, scary

Here are some common spellings for the /z/ sound

z: size, prize, quiz

zz: dizzy, blizzard

s:  busy, because, visit

se:  these, cause, lose

s:  plays, does, girl's

Here are some Practice phrases: 

Remember, the S in each word has a /z/ sound.  When you pronounce the S make sure you create a vibration in your vocal chords.

1. goes away
2. closes at 10:00
3. noisy visitors
4. doesn't work
5. easy does it
6. use these
7. always late

 

Teaching ESL- The 4 most difficult things about the English language

English language learners from other countries often struggle with American English.  To be able to effectively work through the many complicated stress patterns and quick fluid rhythms of American English can be quite difficult. 

#1    Idioms and Expressions

Every language has its idioms and expressions.  In fact, it sometimes seems that over 50% of what we say is idiomatic with the grammatical portion of the language just acting as connectors.  Idioms are phrases that when spoken usually do not have much if anything to do with the words being used.  No wonder ESL students have comprehension problems.  Let's look at some sample idioms to give you some examples:

• "What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?"
• "Joe's always on his high horse about something."
• "You'll just have to grin and bear it."
• "Don't let him push your buttons."
• "She's barking up the wrong tree."

There are countless of other expressions I could have listed here, but these are the types of phrases often exchanged among Americans.  These can be difficult to explain to foreign students because they often have nothing to relate them to.

#2    Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs are verbs containing more than one word.  Let's look at some examples

The word "up" is used all the time amongst Americans:  bone up, break up, burn up, butter up, call up, dress up, ease up, hurry up, look up, move up, tie up, etc...

The word "off" is another word used a lot:  back off, face off, hold off, show off, tell off

# 3  Homonyms

Homonyms are words that are pronounced the same but mean different things.  They are often spelled differently as well.  They can be very confusing for new students. For example:

• The referee blew his blue whistle.
• Cheryl rode her bike as we rowed our little boat in the river
• She had never seen such a beautiful scene. 
• Some people know that you add to find the sum.
• I ate the eight cakes that were on my plate.
• We only won one prize.
• The boy threw the ball through the window. 


#4  Word and Sentence Stress

Some languages are described as musical.  In the English language, in words of two syllables or more, only one is stress or spoken a little louder than the rest.

ESL learners have a tough time trying to figure this out.  It takes a lot of practice.  Certain words or parts of words in sentences are spoike a little louder to signify their importance in the meaning of the sentence.  Sentences are usually spoken in "thought groups", and thee is usaully only one stressed point per thought group.

Here's an example of a sentence with four thought groups with the stressed point shown in caps:

I'm GOING  to the MARket  by mySELF on SATurday.

As native speakers, we say it quickly and don't even think about it, but for non native speakers, it takes a lot of practice listening to and imitating English speakers.  If you are learning English, the best way is to be in a country where English is the main language.  If you cannot, join an English Club, read books, newspapers, and magazaines aloud everyday.  Replay them a few times and listen to the stress, the idioms, and the way the language is used. 

Spanish Professor improves American Accent: Institute of Accent Modification

Spanish professor Improve American Accent & English Pronunciation over 60 %

   The institute of Accent Modification, located in Chicago Illinoi specializes in the implementation of communication and accent neutralization workshops for foreign born professionals.   View the video below and hear how one of students who is a professor from Spain did in our 12 week core program.  This is an example of how the program can help you increase your confidence, improve presentation skills, and help you to become more comfortable communicating on a daily basis.

We have a number of customized programs available.  Contact the Institute for your complimentary speech analysis and consultation Today!   I always welcome your comments.         Click  Here

 

 

French Speakers: Challenging American English pronunciation problems

French Students and "TH" consonant Sound

My french speakers often compain how difficult American English is to them.  The French do not have the voiced or unvoiced "Th" in their language, such as the words "this", and "that".  The same problem often exists with my other students from all over the world; it is often very difficult to pronounce sounds that don't originate in your native language.

To assist my French students with the voiced "Th" sound, which is usually misprounced as "s" or "f",  you must place the tip of your tonge slighly past the bottom edge of your top front teeth.  The tongue must be relaxed with a continuous sound. 

Try pronouncing these words:  this, gathered, together, mother

For additional help, try our speech analysis  at www.instituteofaccentmodification.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spanish Speakers with American Accent Training- The Spanish R

The Spanish R

In American accent training, I find that Spanish speakers typically roll their "r's", which makes it sound more like a "d" to most Americans.   When my Spanish students pronounce the "R", they touch the ridge behind their front teeth.  When Americans pronounce "R", the tongue is curled back toward the palate and the lips are usually rounded with the airstream directed over the tongue. 

What makes this sound dificult is that in Spanish language, the pronounciation of "R" changes according to how it is spelled.  In American English, the pronunciation of "R" doesn't change according to how it is spelled. 

Practice these words:  Retired, Runner, Rainy, and Raccoon

If you find this exercise difficult, try our 1 class Special program.  You can get more details at www.iamworkshops.com.  This American Accent 1 class program will give you a private class with an American Accent coach that is customized to address your individual speech errors. 

Chinese to English - Producing the final "ng" American Consonant Sound

Chinese to English speakers frequently have difficulty pronouncing the final "ng" sound.  Such as the words:  sang, wrong, evening, eating, and swallowing.  Many of my students will either omit the sound or substitute the "n" consonant. 

The "ng" sound is a voiced, nasal sound which involves raising the back of your tongue, and touching the back of your molars and soft palate to block the flow of air which is then released through your nose.  For additional practice repeat the following words:  bring, lung, sing, and bang.

If you are still having difficulty, please take a look at my latest book:  "7 Weeks to a Better American Accent for Native Mandarin Speakers" - volume 1.  It is available at www.sovereignlanguagepress.com.  You soon will be able to hear the MP3 Audios on Amazon.com (MP3 store), very shortly. 

You should also consider having your speech analysed.  Take our speech analysis to discover which error patterns are contributing to your accented speech.  Accent reduction training will help you boost your confidence. The speech analysis link is located at http://www.instituteofaccentmodification.com

 

 

Hindi to English speakers - Producing the Initial "V" Sound

American Accent Training students from Brazil and India often have difficulty with the initial "v" sound.  This error pattern often appears on the initial speech analysis, which is given to all students at the Institute of Accent Modification.  The initial speech analysis is the foundation for the entire program and will reveal other areas needed for concentration during the program. 

Many Portugese and Hindi speakers will often try to substitute "v" for "w". The Initial V sound is a voiced sound, which involves putting your top teeth on the lower tip to block the air.  You will release a noisy flow of air through this opening which if done properly has continous vibrations. 

Practice saying these words:  vegetable, violet, vet, vein, volt, and voice

Did you notice the vocal fold vibration?  Try practicing until you reach your desired level of competency.  There is a new book that will be available soon for Hindi to english speakers.  Please visit www.sovereignlanguagepress.com   "Future publications",   for more details 

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Hindi & Farsi Speakers - Master the consonants "v" and "w"

I work with a lot of english as a second language students from India. In American accent training, Hindi speakers of English, usually reverse w/v.  For example, one of my students will say....Sue "vent" shopping yesterday.  Instead of Sue went shopping yesterday. 

When you pronounce "w" , your lips are pursed and there is no contact with the teeth and gums. When you pronounce : v" , there is contact between the teeth and gums.  For more details, visit www.instituteofaccentmodification.com  and sign up for your free speech analysis. The speech analysis will reveal exactly how your pronunciation varies from standard American English pronunciation and will identify specific areas for concentration. 

Sign up for the 1 class special.  This special offer will give our services a "test drive" prior to signing up for any of our workshops.  The class is private with 45 minutes of instruction and will provide valuable feedback to improve your speech.  Experience this class with the convenience of our online meeting center.  The class is only $75 .  Get started today!! Visit www.iamworkshops.com

Don't worry if you don't pronunce everything perfectly the first time.  Just remember to make a list of frequently used words that you have difficulty pronuncing and ask someone who speaks well to record the words for you.  This way, you will have an example to refer to as you practice. 

"7 Weeks to A Better American Accent for Native Mandarin Speakers"

 Stay tuned for our newest publication, "7 Weeks to a Better American Accent for Native Mandarin Speakers, Volume 1".  This guide will be an E-book and available on all readers & includes a Bonus MP3 download. This American accent training guide and download will teach you the following:

1. How to master intonation and understand the rhythm and flow of the American English language
2. How to correctly pronounce American consonants and vowels
3. Steps on how to improve your speaking rate
4. Learn how to improve your voice projection
5. Learn how to initiate conversations with confidence
6. Discover secrets of using American idiomatic expressions in everyday conversations
7. Improve your listening skills and improve English accent
8. Tips on how to build an advanced level vocabulary

Visit www.sovereignlanguagepress.com  for more details and pick up your copy today!!!