Accent Modification
What is “Accent Modification”?
If you stop to listen to others speaking, you will often notice variations in how words or sounds are pronounced. Variations may be associated with different regions of a country or may be heard when a speaker has learned English as a second language. An “accent” is simply the unique manner in which groups of people pronounce words. As such, we ALL can be said to speak with an accent of some kind!
Speaking with an “accent” is not a “disorder”. There is not one accent that is better than another and often a person’s accent does not affect their ability to communicate at all. If, however, one’s accent makes it difficulty for them to be understood easily, the accent may become a barrier to communicating effectively. One’s accent may even interfere with education, career goals, or other activities. In these situations, “Accent Modification” training could help one learn to pronounce speech sounds in a manner that is more easily understood.
Speech Language Pathologists are trained in understanding HOW speech sounds are produced. As such, an SLP can help people “modify” their accented speech in order to be more easily understood.
Who might benefit from Accent Modification?
People who speak English as a second language.
People who want to change their regional accent.
Professionals who want to communicate better at work.
Actors who need to learn a new accent for a role.
Robin Williams was truly a master at incorporating accented speech in his acting roles. Here is a compilation of some of his work!
The Compton PESL Accent Modification Method
I am a Certified Instructor with the Compton PESL Accent Method (Pronouncing English as a Second Language) and am pleased to offer Accent Modification Training using this excellent research based method. The Compton Method is a proven, evidence-based technique derived from 30 years of research by Dr Arthur.J Compton, Institute of Language and Phonology, San Francisco. Training using the PESL program teaches non-native and regional American English speakers how to produce the pronunciation patterns of American English as it is spoken by most in the United States. It is completely customized to an individuals’ specific accent “habit” patterns and pronunciation proficiency level.
Contact us today to schedule a Free Consultation Visit to learn more about Accent Modification services.
