Hi people,
I think I can speak at a native-like level, but sometimes I get questions like, where are you from, etc, because of my accent (it might be slight, but it's there).
Just wondering if any of you can give advice on accent reduction to make it sound more "native", or any of you have experiences with it?
Thanks!
I think I can speak at a native-like level, but sometimes I get questions like, where are you from, etc, because of my accent (it might be slight, but it's there).
Just wondering if any of you can give advice on accent reduction to make it sound more "native", or any of you have experiences with it?
Thanks!
|
|
|
|
コメント(31)
You need a 'good ear' to manage a good accent. How good are you at copying other people? Can you imitate them?
You might need to break the language down into the individual sounds = phonics to make sure you're pronouncing them correctly. Then it's a case of copying spoken language - maybe from TV/films/radio.
It might not be pronunciation that's the problem but the rhythm of the language. Trying to copy spoken English 'at speed' and without necessarily knowing what is being said is good practice I think.
You might need to break the language down into the individual sounds = phonics to make sure you're pronouncing them correctly. Then it's a case of copying spoken language - maybe from TV/films/radio.
It might not be pronunciation that's the problem but the rhythm of the language. Trying to copy spoken English 'at speed' and without necessarily knowing what is being said is good practice I think.
You may need to copy the people you deal with all the time. Sounding like a native English speaker can't be defined to one country or area. At the very least you have Canada, England, America, and Australia to choose from. Then you'll have to subdivide it again for the different regional accents.
I live in the Southern part of the states, and I try to get rid of my Southern accent all the time. I have managed to reduce it alot since my brother's friends had to ask where I live. They all live farther West.
I live in the Southern part of the states, and I try to get rid of my Southern accent all the time. I have managed to reduce it alot since my brother's friends had to ask where I live. They all live farther West.
I just would like to say sometimes its good to have an accent (well maybe not a big one where people can't understand you) but sometimes an accent brings character to a person,it also represent where you come from and I have to say some people like to hear it some people like other people with accents ;)
I understand what いちごsan says but an accent, especially if it's quite strong, can be a barrier to communication.
In England at the moment, there is a lot of fuss about telephone call centres being in India. People complain that they can't understand what is being said. I thought this was just people being awkward and, maybe, racist. However, I class myself as a reasonably good linguist but I must admit that I have had the same problem. The English was perfect! but the accent was too strong for my ear to cope with it over the phone.
My own take on the situation is that if you want to learn another language then the sound system and speech rhythm are important parts of the overall 'picture' together with grammar and vocabulary.
In England at the moment, there is a lot of fuss about telephone call centres being in India. People complain that they can't understand what is being said. I thought this was just people being awkward and, maybe, racist. However, I class myself as a reasonably good linguist but I must admit that I have had the same problem. The English was perfect! but the accent was too strong for my ear to cope with it over the phone.
My own take on the situation is that if you want to learn another language then the sound system and speech rhythm are important parts of the overall 'picture' together with grammar and vocabulary.
I think actually it`s pretty cool to have a nice chic accent (of course if it doesn`t hinder others from understanding you). Exposure to the accent that you want is the key. I can recognize for example New Zealand accent, but I can`t mimic it simply because I don`t get enough exposure to it. However it`s not really that hard to speak like Queen Elizabeth, even if you don`t speak with a British accent.
If you want to speak like an American, there`s no better choice than the disney channel. That tv channel uses a very stereotypical type of American (hysterical) accent. People that I know who watched this can speak more like an American than the average American. The contents of the shows though, is another story.
If you want to speak like an American, there`s no better choice than the disney channel. That tv channel uses a very stereotypical type of American (hysterical) accent. People that I know who watched this can speak more like an American than the average American. The contents of the shows though, is another story.
There was recently an article in the New York Times emphasizing a method of "accent reduction" that relies of physical coaching by touching the speakers jaw muscles as they speak. Generally, Japanese muscles are tighter and the mouth does not open as much as that of a native English speaker. Apart from that, you might compare what are known as "minimal pairs" such as:
Burn
Barn
Then use them in the same sentence:
What made the barn burn?
If your brain learns that the different sounds cause a different meaning, it helps. And if you can find help about the jaw muscles, that also should help. Either that, or you can embrace your accent as part of your identity. I suggest considering whether it interferes with your communication, or not, as the main criterion.
Burn
Barn
Then use them in the same sentence:
What made the barn burn?
If your brain learns that the different sounds cause a different meaning, it helps. And if you can find help about the jaw muscles, that also should help. Either that, or you can embrace your accent as part of your identity. I suggest considering whether it interferes with your communication, or not, as the main criterion.
I agree with the mouth idea, but only in the sense that you *don't need to* open your mouth really big to speak Japanese -- not in the sense that Japanese people are not capable of opening their mouths wider. Of course, that was *not* what the poster アダム was saying.
I've found, always by accident (I can't do it consistently at all), that I speak Japanese better when I keep my mouth a little more closed. This keeps me from stretching out syllables too long so I can speak faster. Japanese syllables are short (even "clipped") compared to English (American English).
Conversely, Japanese speakers might find that opening their mouths more when they speak English will slow their pronunciation down enough to reduce their accent.
There is evidence of this: Does anyone here remember that fast-talking guy from US TV commercials in the 80's? When he spoke quickly, his mouth was very closed -- there was none of the longer jaw movement you would otherwise associate with speech.
Shorter jaw travel creates shorter transition time between syllables. Longer jaw travel creates longer transition times. Try it yourself in your language of choice.
You could always try accent reduction surgery, but it leaves so much scarring.
I've found, always by accident (I can't do it consistently at all), that I speak Japanese better when I keep my mouth a little more closed. This keeps me from stretching out syllables too long so I can speak faster. Japanese syllables are short (even "clipped") compared to English (American English).
Conversely, Japanese speakers might find that opening their mouths more when they speak English will slow their pronunciation down enough to reduce their accent.
There is evidence of this: Does anyone here remember that fast-talking guy from US TV commercials in the 80's? When he spoke quickly, his mouth was very closed -- there was none of the longer jaw movement you would otherwise associate with speech.
Shorter jaw travel creates shorter transition time between syllables. Longer jaw travel creates longer transition times. Try it yourself in your language of choice.
You could always try accent reduction surgery, but it leaves so much scarring.
The best way to get rid of an accent:
Go and live in America/Japan and then go out of your way to avoid people who speak your native language.
I had a Japanese neighbor who did this in college. His name was Hiro. All of his friends were American. He didn't know any of the other Japanese students. He stayed in a dorm room with American roommates. When I first met him, he told me that he wouldn't speak Japanese with me because he wanted to use only English while he lived in America. I thought it was a little extreme, but I have to admit, next to a Japanese person who lived in America for a few years during junior high/high school, his English is the most natural sounding of anyone I know.
Sure, there are some techniques you might be able to use to get rid of your accent, but if you really want to improve a lot, you have to be willing to take the plunge.
Go and live in America/Japan and then go out of your way to avoid people who speak your native language.
I had a Japanese neighbor who did this in college. His name was Hiro. All of his friends were American. He didn't know any of the other Japanese students. He stayed in a dorm room with American roommates. When I first met him, he told me that he wouldn't speak Japanese with me because he wanted to use only English while he lived in America. I thought it was a little extreme, but I have to admit, next to a Japanese person who lived in America for a few years during junior high/high school, his English is the most natural sounding of anyone I know.
Sure, there are some techniques you might be able to use to get rid of your accent, but if you really want to improve a lot, you have to be willing to take the plunge.
I lot of people have written some really good advice. This could probably be done with any language. I agree with Robert that it's really important just to listen to the language. Even if you don't understand what it being said, you can learn a lot by listening to sounds and watching how people speak. It also depends on what your definition of "native English" is because there are so many kinds (British, American, etc). And, just like Japanese dialects, there are also American dialects (southern English, Northern English, "standard" English).
I copy the way my Japanese friends speak a lot. It becomes more natural the more you listen to it.
Tounge twisters are a good mouth exercise. Like the "barn" "burn" example. By repeating similiar words you can concentrate on how your mouth changes when you say "barn" versus when you say "burn". This is a classic toungue twister:
Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. A peck of pickled peppers did Peter Piper picked. If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, how many peppers did Peter Piper pick?
I copy the way my Japanese friends speak a lot. It becomes more natural the more you listen to it.
Tounge twisters are a good mouth exercise. Like the "barn" "burn" example. By repeating similiar words you can concentrate on how your mouth changes when you say "barn" versus when you say "burn". This is a classic toungue twister:
Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. A peck of pickled peppers did Peter Piper picked. If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, how many peppers did Peter Piper pick?
wow. thanks. i read the article through and found lots of interesting points.
an English coach quoted here teaches "jaw exercises and muscle relaxation to reduce tightness in the jaw" "to change your way to hold your jaw, lips and tongue."
so if you want to get an american accent your face must look like an american. maybe.
an English coach quoted here teaches "jaw exercises and muscle relaxation to reduce tightness in the jaw" "to change your way to hold your jaw, lips and tongue."
so if you want to get an american accent your face must look like an american. maybe.
hi! gnomebubble.
THank you for your comments and i agree with you 100%.
0k. let me quickly correct this miscommunication.
what i am saying is more shallow thing, not something deep down to genetics.
when i say your face must look like an american, i meant your facial expression including something built up on your face as a result of speaking american english and living in american culture for long years, which is nothing to do with genetics.
a good example i know is that a french singer living in japan for many years has become pretty much looking like a japanese.
so a natural flow is language→face, but by doing the opposite(face→language）we may expedite our progress in acquiring a certain accent.
after all an accent is part of a whole culture of a certain group of people. so, back to the very first question of this topic of how to reduce accent or acquire an
accent, i guess my answer is to learn a whole culture.
THank you for your comments and i agree with you 100%.
0k. let me quickly correct this miscommunication.
what i am saying is more shallow thing, not something deep down to genetics.
when i say your face must look like an american, i meant your facial expression including something built up on your face as a result of speaking american english and living in american culture for long years, which is nothing to do with genetics.
a good example i know is that a french singer living in japan for many years has become pretty much looking like a japanese.
so a natural flow is language→face, but by doing the opposite(face→language）we may expedite our progress in acquiring a certain accent.
after all an accent is part of a whole culture of a certain group of people. so, back to the very first question of this topic of how to reduce accent or acquire an
accent, i guess my answer is to learn a whole culture.
Haha, very interesting comment, Skyfxxk =)
What you said reminds me of a joke...not really related to the main topic, but oh well...here it is
--------------------------------------------
The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or the Americans.
On the other hand, the French eat a lot of fat and also suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or the Americans.
The Japanese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or the Americans.
The Italians drink excessive amounts of red wine and also suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or the Americans.
Conclusion: Eat and drink whatever you like. It's speaking English that kills you.
What you said reminds me of a joke...not really related to the main topic, but oh well...here it is
--------------------------------------------
The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or the Americans.
On the other hand, the French eat a lot of fat and also suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or the Americans.
The Japanese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or the Americans.
The Italians drink excessive amounts of red wine and also suffer fewer heart attacks than the British or the Americans.
Conclusion: Eat and drink whatever you like. It's speaking English that kills you.
Accent is a hard beast to tackle. Like Robert says it takes a good ear, but it takes you to use vocab. Like for me I have a decent ear for words in Japanese (I have been told) but when I hear a new word I sound really like someone who can't speak Japanese at all.. once I get used to the word then I can focus on the pronunciation of it and what not..
I don't think you should be concerned about it if it doesn't interfere with understanding. For most adults, it's extremely difficult to completely "lose" the accent that identifies them as a non-native speaker. It's no big deal--dumb people might treat you differently, but smart people will be impressed that your English is so excellent.
Besides, I think our accents in our second languages are part of our character. :)
Besides, I think our accents in our second languages are part of our character. :)
Sorry for misunderstanding スカイフック. Well, I don't know if it affect your facial features, but the way you pronounce vowels in different languages surely requires different degrees of opening your mouth, moving your jaws or rounding your lips.
But then, do all the u's in French make the French have a puckered mouth? Maybe that's why they don't get heart attacks.
But then, do all the u's in French make the French have a puckered mouth? Maybe that's why they don't get heart attacks.
Research suggests that it is unlikely you will ever overcome your mother language accent if you approach language learning after the age of about 13.
An example of this is well documented by neurolinguistic researchers in that Japanese adults no longer hear a difference between r and l - as measured by brain monitoring techniques - whereas Japanese children's brains still notice the difference.
In my experience, young children have none of the difficulties with sounds that adults (usually) have and I really believe that young children should be exposed to a range of different sounds in their development so their brains don't become so 'fixed'.
I remember how difficult I found it to learn how to make the click sounds in Zulu when taught by a friend (at the age of 19) but got there in the end. Talk to any non-tonal language speaker about the tones in Chinese and you're on to a losing streak already. I did some Chinese and found it very difficult to hear the differences - yet managed in the end.
I think the story here is, damn what the researchers say, it's the effort you put in that gives the final result.
An example of this is well documented by neurolinguistic researchers in that Japanese adults no longer hear a difference between r and l - as measured by brain monitoring techniques - whereas Japanese children's brains still notice the difference.
In my experience, young children have none of the difficulties with sounds that adults (usually) have and I really believe that young children should be exposed to a range of different sounds in their development so their brains don't become so 'fixed'.
I remember how difficult I found it to learn how to make the click sounds in Zulu when taught by a friend (at the age of 19) but got there in the end. Talk to any non-tonal language speaker about the tones in Chinese and you're on to a losing streak already. I did some Chinese and found it very difficult to hear the differences - yet managed in the end.
I think the story here is, damn what the researchers say, it's the effort you put in that gives the final result.
- mixiユーザー
- ログインしてコメントしよう！
|
|
|
|
☆NihonJack⇔日本ジャック☆ 更新情報
-
最新のアンケート
☆NihonJack⇔日本ジャック☆のメンバーはこんなコミュニティにも参加しています
人気コミュニティランキング
- 1位
- 30代〜40代から友達作り【友活】
- 35819人
- 2位
- 40歳以上のおじさん&おばさん
- 14762人
- 3位
- マイミク募集💖50代60代70代
- 2398人