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 is a variety of the English language that is generally used in professional communication.(speech that is often 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 learn 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. 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
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 is a variety of the English language that is generally used in professional communication.(speech that is often 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 learn 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. 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 each week?
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.
Where do we meet?
English Accent Tutor is located at 3828 Georgia Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20011 (as well as at 1100 N. Glebe Road, Suite 1010, Arlington, VA 22201, between 5:00pm and 8:00pm on certain weeknights), but we can also meet at your home, in a conference room at your work, or other convenient, quiet location. Please visit my contact page to learn more about the areas I serve.
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 and location. Please contact me to learn more.
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 each week?
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.
Where do we meet?
English Accent Tutor is located at 3828 Georgia Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20011 (as well as at 1100 N. Glebe Road, Suite 1010, Arlington, VA 22201, between 5:00pm and 8:00pm on certain weeknights), but we can also meet at your home, in a conference room at your work, or other convenient, quiet location. Please visit my contact page to learn more about the areas I serve.
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 and location. Please contact me to learn more.