Do I qualify for accent modification instruction?
Only some individuals qualify for my services.
For example, I work with people who have been asked to repeat things, have gotten looks of confusion from people when they speak, or have difficulties being understood. I also work with people who have a very mild accent and want to learn the differences between how they speak and what they hear around them. Accent modification can be an excellent solution for either of these groups of people.
However, the needs of some people are outside of the services that I offer, such as those who do not like the way they sound because they sound different. If you feel like you don't have the vocabulary you want to fully express yourself, you could consider working with a private English as a Second Language tutor. Or if you feel like you struggle to articulate yourself when you're talking to groups or having to spontaneously answer something, a public speaking course could help.
If you're still having trouble determining if you need accent modification instruction, please call, I would be happy to help you figure it out.
How much English do I need to know to start the accent modification (reduction) process?
Many of my clients have been in the United States for several years. If they ever took an ESL (English as a Second Language) course, they graduated from the advanced level. They have a good grasp of grammar and vocabulary, and they rarely have to think about what word they want to use when speaking. If you find that you are struggling with vocabulary and grammar, I would recommend that you take one or two ESL courses so that you can feel more confident with your language skills before working on the accent portion of your speech.
Do you teach vocabulary and grammar
Our sessions will focus on accent modification. Since some pronunciations of English words relate to grammar, you will find that we occasionally review grammar or new words. I may give you idioms to memorize and teach you new words, and while we may work on articles or making sure that you pronounce words in the plural form, our main focus will be on your accent.
What is GAE?
While native speakers throughout the U.S. speak a variety of dialects, General American English (GAE) is a variety of the English language that is generally used in professional communication. It is speech that was commonly used by television and radio broadcasters. Many people think of it as a “neutral” accent, lacking any distinctly regional characteristics.
My accent is who I am. Do I have to get rid of it?
Absolutely not! Many of my students justifiably identify with their accents as they do their cultures. Their goal is not to remove all traces of their former accent, but to speak so that it takes less energy for others to understand them. With these students, my objective is to teach them how to obtain a more mild accent so that they can use it to improve the flow of their communication when they find the need. When they do not need it, they can just be themselves. Other students want to achieve as close to a General American English (GAE) accent as possible, which we can strive for as well.
Only some individuals qualify for my services.
For example, I work with people who have been asked to repeat things, have gotten looks of confusion from people when they speak, or have difficulties being understood. I also work with people who have a very mild accent and want to learn the differences between how they speak and what they hear around them. Accent modification can be an excellent solution for either of these groups of people.
However, the needs of some people are outside of the services that I offer, such as those who do not like the way they sound because they sound different. If you feel like you don't have the vocabulary you want to fully express yourself, you could consider working with a private English as a Second Language tutor. Or if you feel like you struggle to articulate yourself when you're talking to groups or having to spontaneously answer something, a public speaking course could help.
If you're still having trouble determining if you need accent modification instruction, please call, I would be happy to help you figure it out.
How much English do I need to know to start the accent modification (reduction) process?
Many of my clients have been in the United States for several years. If they ever took an ESL (English as a Second Language) course, they graduated from the advanced level. They have a good grasp of grammar and vocabulary, and they rarely have to think about what word they want to use when speaking. If you find that you are struggling with vocabulary and grammar, I would recommend that you take one or two ESL courses so that you can feel more confident with your language skills before working on the accent portion of your speech.
Do you teach vocabulary and grammar
Our sessions will focus on accent modification. Since some pronunciations of English words relate to grammar, you will find that we occasionally review grammar or new words. I may give you idioms to memorize and teach you new words, and while we may work on articles or making sure that you pronounce words in the plural form, our main focus will be on your accent.
What is GAE?
While native speakers throughout the U.S. speak a variety of dialects, General American English (GAE) is a variety of the English language that is generally used in professional communication. It is speech that was commonly used by television and radio broadcasters. Many people think of it as a “neutral” accent, lacking any distinctly regional characteristics.
My accent is who I am. Do I have to get rid of it?
Absolutely not! Many of my students justifiably identify with their accents as they do their cultures. Their goal is not to remove all traces of their former accent, but to speak so that it takes less energy for others to understand them. With these students, my objective is to teach them how to obtain a more mild accent so that they can use it to improve the flow of their communication when they find the need. When they do not need it, they can just be themselves. Other students want to achieve as close to a General American English (GAE) accent as possible, which we can strive for as well.
How old is too old to modify my accent?
While studies have proven that the ability to modify an accent differs largely from person to person, becoming fluent and accent-free in a new language becomes increasingly difficult as we age (anecdotally, I would say impossible). While this may be disappointing news to adults, Patricia Kuhl, who is the director of the Center for Mind, Brain, and Learning at the University of Washington, says that “People talk about a 'window of opportunity' for learning language. The implication is that if you miss that opportunity, it's too late. I don't agree. It is more difficult with the years. But not impossible." If you are prepared to work hard and be consistent with your practice, then it is never too late!
Retrieved from https://www.medicaldaily.com/your-accent-here-stay-science-explains-why-it-so-hard-us-change-way-we-speak-291914
How do you measure my progress? How can I tell that I'm improving?
You should never wonder if you are improving. Each time we meet, I note your percentage accuracy for the sounds and speech patterns we target that day. In addition to me telling you when you have met a new short-term goal each week, I also email you a progress sheet each month so that you always know how close you are to meeting your long-term goals.
How long does it take to modify (reduce) my accent, and how will I sound when I'm done?
Depending on your goals, the process to modify your accent can often take anywhere from eight months to a year (or more). The answer to this question varies greatly from person to person. It depends on how strong someone’s accent is when we begin working together. It also depends on how easily someone can imitate me and understand speech concepts. Mostly importantly, it depends on how much they are practicing at home and using their new modified accent during their everyday conversations.
How frequently do individuals meet with you?
Most of my students sign up for one-on-one sessions once a week. This is frequent enough to remember what they learned in their sessions with me, while still giving them enough time to practice what they already learned on their own.
How do we meet?
English Accent Tutor in the Petworth neighborhood of Washington, DC, but I am currently only providing virtual instruction, on weekdays. Please make sure that you have a quiet location where you will not have distractions.
Where do I need to live in order to receive instruction from English Accent Tutor?
I serve Washington D.C. and surrounding areas only, including Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Ashburn, Baltimore, Bethesda, Fairfax, Falls Church, Hyattsville, McLean, Reston and Silver Spring. I only serve these areas because I am only licensed to practice in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.
What is your availability?
Weekly sessions can be reserved weekdays between 10:00am and 8:00pm.
What are your rates?
Rates vary depending on the agreed upon time you would like to meet. Please contact me to learn more.
While studies have proven that the ability to modify an accent differs largely from person to person, becoming fluent and accent-free in a new language becomes increasingly difficult as we age (anecdotally, I would say impossible). While this may be disappointing news to adults, Patricia Kuhl, who is the director of the Center for Mind, Brain, and Learning at the University of Washington, says that “People talk about a 'window of opportunity' for learning language. The implication is that if you miss that opportunity, it's too late. I don't agree. It is more difficult with the years. But not impossible." If you are prepared to work hard and be consistent with your practice, then it is never too late!
Retrieved from https://www.medicaldaily.com/your-accent-here-stay-science-explains-why-it-so-hard-us-change-way-we-speak-291914
How do you measure my progress? How can I tell that I'm improving?
You should never wonder if you are improving. Each time we meet, I note your percentage accuracy for the sounds and speech patterns we target that day. In addition to me telling you when you have met a new short-term goal each week, I also email you a progress sheet each month so that you always know how close you are to meeting your long-term goals.
How long does it take to modify (reduce) my accent, and how will I sound when I'm done?
Depending on your goals, the process to modify your accent can often take anywhere from eight months to a year (or more). The answer to this question varies greatly from person to person. It depends on how strong someone’s accent is when we begin working together. It also depends on how easily someone can imitate me and understand speech concepts. Mostly importantly, it depends on how much they are practicing at home and using their new modified accent during their everyday conversations.
How frequently do individuals meet with you?
Most of my students sign up for one-on-one sessions once a week. This is frequent enough to remember what they learned in their sessions with me, while still giving them enough time to practice what they already learned on their own.
How do we meet?
English Accent Tutor in the Petworth neighborhood of Washington, DC, but I am currently only providing virtual instruction, on weekdays. Please make sure that you have a quiet location where you will not have distractions.
Where do I need to live in order to receive instruction from English Accent Tutor?
I serve Washington D.C. and surrounding areas only, including Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Ashburn, Baltimore, Bethesda, Fairfax, Falls Church, Hyattsville, McLean, Reston and Silver Spring. I only serve these areas because I am only licensed to practice in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.
What is your availability?
Weekly sessions can be reserved weekdays between 10:00am and 8:00pm.
What are your rates?
Rates vary depending on the agreed upon time you would like to meet. Please contact me to learn more.