Accent Reduction Center

American English Idioms Used By Doctors and Patients: Learn Them to Improve English Fluency

Are you a professional looking to improve your English speaking abilities? You are not alone. So many doctors, surgeons, and the like are seeking to be able to speak a second or third language fluently: the most popular being English. In the medical world, knowing English is part of your critical path to practicing medicine. What’s even more vital is to be able to speak some slang and know a few idioms to really be able to connect with those around you.

Being able to throw out a bit of jargon is going to help you along the often-rocky road to becoming fully fluent and understandable in the English language. Learning some American English idioms is one way you can be a step ahead of the game! One example of a good medical idiom to keep in mind is, “He’s alive and kicking!”—this means that the person is healthy and doing just fine, usually after some sort of event, e.g. sickness.

Learning proper grammar and the right vocabulary is all well and good, but knowing some informal language will surely propel you into the English-speaking world while at the same time gain you some respect among native English speakers. In fact, it is probably one of the most overlooked pointers for nonnative English speakers. Traditional schools and courses do not typically spend a lot of time teaching English language learners any slang or idioms. That’s why it depends on you to teach yourself these things, and reap the benefits when you see how useful it is.

When you are going for English fluency, it’s wise to not forget things like idioms. Another great idiom to note is “She’s as happy as a clam!” While clams are sea creatures, and we aren’t really sure whether they are actually happy or not, this idiom means that the person is feeling good and has peace of mind. Though they are often disregarded, they’re arguably equally as important as pronunciation. It might not make logical sense to you at first, but keep in mind that native English speakers will appreciate that you used an idiom, and it will gain you “points” as a nonnative speaker.

One last idiom to note is “There are plenty of fish in the sea.” The statement rarely has to do with actual fish or the actual sea. In reality it is usually told to people after they have gone through a breakup or divorce of some sort. It’s one of the most common American English idioms that almost every American English speaker will be able to understand and/or identify with. Try out an idiom next time you are practicing your American English with a native. Enjoy how it will make them smile to see you delving deeper into the language and trying out something different in the conversation.

Two Important Tips on How to Reduce Your Foreign Accent in English

If you are on the way to improving your accent in English, you are not alone. Though the path can be challenging and there are obstacles, there are a few things to keep in mind when on this very rewarding path. Anybody who speaks more than one language likely understands the difficulty and frustration that can occur when trying to master a new one. That’s why keeping in mind these vital accent reduction tips is going to really help you on your journey!

One of the best ways you can start the adventure of mastering a new language is by utilizing tools that are right at your fingertips. The Internet, for example, holds so many sources for people looking to improve their accents. The first step is realizing your accent may not be as perfect as you wish it was—and that’s okay! If the thought “how do I reduce my foreign accent?” has even crossed your mind, then you’re already on the right track.

There are several problems (with solutions!) that come up with people who are learning English. One of the most common is known as “devoicing.” What happens is that the person trying to speak English fluently and convey messages has a tendency to go misunderstood, especially to native English speakers. When it comes to pronouncing consonants, those learning English tend to have difficulties differentiating between the consonants that cause the vocal chords to vibrate and the ones that do not. To practice, say certain words that sound alike (such as “wad” and “watt”) and observe when your vocal chords vibrate and when they do not.

Another one of the best accent reduction tips out there includes a focus on hearing your own voice say the new words. Record yourself saying these words using the best English accent you can muster up. Then, use a pen and paper to write down what you voiced in the recording. This is going to help you immensely to know exactly what you are saying. Hearing what you are saying and knowing what you want to say, then understanding if they are two different things is an important factor that you can start to connect when you use this method.

There are online forums and teachers that can be of enormous assistance to those seeking to perfect their spoken English. It’s no wonder how much online pronunciation practice helps nonnative speakers; the proof is in the pudding, as Americans would say! People who utilize the accent reduction tools on the Internet are much more likely to have success with their English pronunciation.

French Canadians Working on Their Foreign Accents in English

Of all the accents in the world, French is one of the most notable—especially when a French native is speaking English. Because the pronunciation is so starkly different between English and French, it’s easy to pick a Parisian out in a crowd. Sometimes the accent can be seen as an endearing characteristic, and other times it can actually impede someone’s ability to get hired—especially as a French actor speaking English.

It’s imperative for actors in particular to learn how to reduce French accent in English because if not, it will more than likely have a negative impact on their career. French actor Matthieu Lorrain is an actor originating from Montreal, Canada. Since his native language is French, it never bothered him that he had a heavy French accent when he spoke English. However, now that he has entered the English-speaking acting realm, he thinks it best to try and improve his English accent.

Learning how to improve English pronunciation does not have to be a daunting task. In fact, there are many different places where people seeking accent improvement find success in this endeavor. There are speech therapists on the Internet that can be of major assistance to anyone looking to reduce their native accent when learning English. The demand is increasing for people interested in sounding more like a native English speaker.

Many French actors and other people looking to reduce their accents are young professionals and graduate students. According to speech therapist Anna Van Tiunen, the /th/ sound is one of the toughest for French speakers to master. This is one thing therapists must focus intently on for native French speakers in online accent reduction courses. Online accent reduction exercises should be designed to train students to listen to the new sounds they are working on pronouncing.

Native French speakers can learn to speak more like an American through online accent reduction exercises. These assist both the speaker and help the audience gain and maintain clarity with the words they are hearing. It’s vital for an actor, speaker, or presenter to be able to convey messages, especially if they are speaking in a language that is not their native tongue. Modifying one’s accent and using the help that is readily available is a wonderful way for French speakers to be able to connect with English speakers much more easily.

Will My Foreign Accent Affect My Ability to Be an Effective Attorney in the Courtroom?

When you make a career decision like becoming an attorney, it’s important to take into account whether you are a strong public speaker. You are representing other people and their issues, and it’s vital to be able to convey messages clearly so as to avoid miscommunication and misinterpretation. If you are someone who speaks a second or third language and have ever asked yourself, “How can I practice my English pronunciation?”, it might be beneficial to know that there are many places to get the help you need.

As an attorney, it’s essential that you look, act, and sound experienced and professional for the sake of your reputation as an attorney as well as for representing your client well in the courtroom or during depositions. Though it is 100 percent illegal to hold any biased against those from different countries and cultures, you will lessen your chances of being taken seriously if you have a strong accent when speaking English. Learning how to reduce your foreign accent is one thing you can do to really increase your chances of getting hired as an attorney and moving up the ladder at your firm.

These days, people can be a bit critical when it comes to foreigners and their articulation of the English language. Especially if you are in some sort of position of power, you face a higher chance of being judged, perhaps unfairly. It is up to you (if you speak more than one language) to prove that you want to make an effort to reduce your foreign accent. The idea is to master the language you are working primarily with and do everything you can to sound like a native.

You can still maintain the integrity of your native culture while being taken seriously as a fluent English speaker in and out of the courtroom. Accent reduction courses online are prevalent nowadays and have proven to be very useful tools to sound more like a native English speaker. Regrettably, having a strong foreign accent in the workplace—especially a court of law—is not always the charming characteristic it can be outside of it. Taking the time to learn how to reduce your foreign accent is one thing that will always work in your favor.

When you take the time and energy to focus on superior speaking skills, people will take notice of this. You can maintain your individuality and also do your part to fit the mold that you desire. Becoming an attorney could be the smartest career move of your life; you just need to make sure you are doing everything you can to improve your English accent and not be judged for it!

Can Foreign Accents Among Team Players on US Soccer Team Interfere With Performance During World Cup?

Though foreign accents have a reputation for being endearing, they have their share of drawbacks, and the professional sports world is no exception. The German soccer players currently participating in the World Cup on the US team are running into some communication issues. Fortunately for World Cup soccer players with heavy foreign accents, there are ways to significantly reduce pronunciation problems.

Foreign accents in sports are not an uncommon obstacle these days. Besides communication barriers via the language, there are also other cultural differences. For example, Germans on the US soccer team attest that they are a bit more disciplined than Americans in that they are always striving to be better and almost never satisfied with themselves. Luckily, most participants in the World Cup this year have maintained respect between the different countries’ teams.

However, there are certainly times when the language barrier proves to be a real problem even among team members. Not knowing another language fluently can cause others to wrongly believe that the person not fluent in the prominent language is less courteous than they actually are. Though foreign accents in sports are a common occurrence, there are things that can be done to better a situation and possibly lighten some of the tension that can exist between different cultures.

Learning how to reduce a foreign accent is something that a person with a strong accent can do to better their lives, and their peers’ lives as well. If the soccer players in the current World Cup continue to speak their foreign language around those who don’t understand it, it could cause a lack of respect among the different cultures present in such a multicultural event. Learning how to speak a language with the best pronunciation and diction possible is a sign of respect to those who speak the language fluently.

One way those with strong foreign accents can improve their accents is by enrolling in accent reduction classes. These classes are now routine among people who are trying to refine their English as a second language. World Cup soccer players who find themselves having difficulties conveying the right message to their teammates might find solace in these programs that assist with accent reduction. If they chose to go the extra mile and tried to improve their foreign accents, they would without question gain better communication among their peers.

It is especially important for those who exist on a team together—not just a World Cup team—to try and mesh as best they can. Germans on the US soccer team can make a great impression if they attempt to reduce their foreign accent. They maintain the integrity of their culture while assimilating to an American environment. It might even gain them more opportunities on the field!

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06/12/2014
Blog
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Nonnative Accents: A Disadvantage for Entrepreneurs and Investors

If you’ve ever thought to yourself “How can I get rid of my accent?” you are not alone. For entrepreneurs and other ambitious venture capitalists, being foreign-born with an accent can actually cause significant disadvantages for business. Though many of us Americans find foreign accents to be endearing, this is not the case when it comes to going big in the business world.

According to co-founder of Y Combinator (an American seed accelerator) Paul Graham, a CEO with a strong foreign accent is a negative mark for them. Though it’s tough to put a finger on exactly why that is, it’s a subtle yet irksome concern for those who have a strong accent. There are so many things that a CEO needs to be able to convey to key people, and sometimes expressing them includes using English idioms or even puns. This is why accent therapy is recommended for all those with thick foreign accents who want to be successful in the business world.

The effects of nonnative accents on managerial and entrepreneurial ventures are more consequential than most might think. According to a new study by Wharton management professor Laura Huang, entrepreneurs with heavy foreign accents are less likely to get funding if they want to start a business. So if you are a foreign-born person who is aspiring to start your business in the United States, perhaps it’s time to think about investing in some accent therapy of your own.

There are so many other business-minded folks who were not born in the United States who want to reduce their accent in English. Because of increased globalization in the professional realm, there are many more people working who do not speak English as their native language. While it is a bit of an extra challenge for you if you are foreign-born, if you are determined enough, it’s likely you will overcome your thick accent and be able to communicate to people more clearly.

If the thought “How to reduce my accent in English?” is still fluttering around your mind, don’t waste any more time thinking about it. Get ahead in the business world by partaking in an accent reduction class online. There are so many programs that offer the assistance you are going to need to overcome this barrier that could be getting in the way of your rise in the business world. Don’t let your foreign accent be the thing that causes you to fall when you’re already committed to doing whatever it takes to be a successful businessman or woman.

Elizabeth Pothier
05/23/2014
Blog
accent therapy, get rid of my accent, how to reduce my accent in English
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English Pronunciation is Great, But Superior Fluency Matters Just as Much

Though pronunciation is an extremely important aspect of learning and mastering the English language, it has been discovered that fluency in the language may be even more vital. The fluency can include things like pauses, speech rate, and restarts, according to research from Purdue University. Balancing between pronunciation and fluency is a good formula for success in learning to speak English fluently.

One of the negative aspects of not being able to speak the language fluently is that those who speak English as a second language are more probable to face discrimination. No matter how well the words are pronounced, the flow and fluency of the language is what appears to matter more. The good thing about American English fluency is that when it’s finally grasped, the listener can really hone in on what a non-native English speaker is saying. This reduces the possibility for a listener to get lost in a conversation trying to understand the meanings of thoughts trying to be conveyed.

If you ever wanted to find out how to learn American English online, it might be a relief to know that there are many places to do so. Many companies specialize in teaching and tutoring fluency and pronunciation of American English. It’s important to note that getting to a proficient speaking level depends more on building fluent speech patterns and less on being perceived as a native speaker of the language. Though it might seem opposite of common sense, these findings are based on actual research studies.

Another reason why it’s better for the speaker to focus more on American English fluency rather than pronunciation is because they create a better opportunity for connection between them and the listener. The listener will be delighted to lend their ear because it takes a lot less effort to when the speaker is more articulate. The listener will also be able to make sense out of mispronunciations if the speaker makes a big effort to not try so hard to sound native.

Take advantage of pronunciation programs online that help you perfect and master your American English. Don’t risk the chance of being judged for putting too much emphasis on pronunciation, and too little on fluency of the actual language. It will all come to you in time with dedication, but it’s wise to begin with the knowledge that fluency may in fact be more important than pronunciation.

Elizabeth Pothier
05/20/2014
Blog
American English fluency, how to learn American English online, speak English fluently
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The Crucial Importance of Listening to English—And Repeating Correctly

Learning a different language, especially American English, is a challenging feat to take on. If you are brave (and wise) enough to begin the process of mastering the English language, fear not. There are plenty of resources where you can get the help you need to perfect the language, namely accent reduction classes online.

One of the most important aspects of learning a new language is the ability to pronounce the words correctly. Some say that’s half the battle! Mispronunciation can lead to misinterpretation by the speaker’s audience—and this can cause a whole slew of confusion. American English in particular can be tricky because there are many words that begin with the same letters, but are pronounced completely differently. Take the words “chef” and “chemical”. Both begin with a ‘ch’, but are not pronounced the same way at all.

Listening to spoken English, or even listening to it in songs and then repeating what you’ve heard is one of the best ways to master pronunciation. In addition to doing that, American English accent practice lessons are plentiful on the internet—so you can practice whenever, wherever you want. Nonnative speakers of English may find that it is challenging to master the pronunciation. Different from many other languages, English is not always spoken phonetically. Memorization, listening, and practicing speaking are crucial to mastering American English.

Considering how to reduce foreign accent in English fast is never going to be a waste of your time when you are learning the language. Pronunciation is such an important factor, and possibly even the most difficult part. Another issue with English is that words are not pronounced the way they are spelled (much of the time). That is what makes the language even trickier to master. Utilizing resources like American English accent practice lessons is how you are going to be able to speak just like a native.

When learning any new language, one of the top recommended things to do is listen to a native speak or sing the language, and mimic whatever you’ve heard. It doesn’t even matter if you know not what all the words mean. Try to master the pronunciation, and vocabulary and meanings can all be learned in time. You’ll have a much better chance of making connections with native speakers of American English if you take the time to perfect your pronunciation.

Are You a Foreign-Born Doctor? Your Pronunciation Matters—A Lot

Having an accent can be an endearing characteristic of any person, but when it comes to dealing with serious issues like a person’s health and wellbeing it can become a bit of an issue. If you or someone you know is a doctor who was born in a country other than the United States and English is not your first language, it’s time you considered the options for improving your English pronunciation—or your patients’ sakes.

There has been quite a growth in the amount of foreign-born doctors practicing in the United States. It’s quite amazing because we get to utilize the skills and different techniques learned by these physicians. However, things can get tricky if their patients don’t understand what they’re trying to transmit. It’s recommended to these particular physicians to get involved in English pronunciation classes in order to make things run a lot smoother in the office.

Miscommunications can happen whether there is a language barrier or not. If you are a foreign-born doctor, though, it can be an even bigger challenge for you and your patients to properly communicate needs and other pertinent information. Problems such as wrong diagnoses, incorrectly taken prescription medications, and misunderstandings can all occur as a result of not speaking English fluently.

This is why there are so many English courses for doctors to take part in. If you yourself are a foreign-born doctor practicing in the U.S., it’s vital to recognize that you are still mastering the language, and there is help available. Though the process takes time and dedication, through English pronunciation classes, you can become a better communicator, doctor, and person! Your patients will be much more enthusiastic about your practice, and thereby less confused when you take the time to better your English communication skills.

It’s now recognized that having exemplary verbal expression is pivotal for professional success. Having a strong accent, while charming at times, is not always desirable in the workplace – especially when it comes to people’s health. Their medical states must be communicated in a straightforward and well-articulated way, so that they can understand exactly what is going on with them. It’s your duty as a physician to do what you can to pass on the knowledge you’ve gained about a person’s health.

Working with a speech or language specialist will strengthen your ability as a foreign-born doctor to be able to communicate and pronounce English better. With the proper time and commitment (which should be no problem for you as a physician), you will be pronouncing English like a native—and maybe even bonding more with your trusted patients.

Why Adding High Brow Suffixes Doesn’t Make You Sound Smarter

improve your English online with accent reduction center

Instead of getting fancy when you speak, master real world, important words.

The English language can be a complicated one to master if you were not raised in a household of English language speakers. However, there is no real need to make your process of learning the language even trickier by using suffixes that do not really add to your professionalism. Understanding how to pronounce English can be fun if you leave out the unnecessary stuff.

Suffixes are added to the ends of English words, such as “-ing,” “-ation” and “-ify.” We use them quite often, but there are times where it’s simply not essential to the word to include them. The suffix “-age” is a great example of this. If your goal is to learn proper English pronunciation, it’s important to recognize that this particular suffix denotes a collection, process, or aggregation. An example that all of us have probably heard could be the word “marriage”, or the union of a man and a woman.

While many times throughout your conversations in English you may use these types of suffixes, it is most certainly not always necessary to use them. Pronunciation for professionals includes using the correct word choices, tones, emphasis, and even suffixes. Lots of folks use the “-age” suffix because they think it makes them sound more intelligent. Using these types of suffixes to upraise a word to make it sound “better” is not always the right thing to do. Though they are indeed actual words, sometimes it’s best to forgo the pretentious-sounding words – especially if you want to learn proper English pronunciation.

It’s vital to your English pronunciation and learning process to understand that specialized language, or jargon, has its time and place within your sentences. The idea when you’re learning a new language is not to sound like a know-it-all. If you are not a native English speaker, it will almost definitely show within your first year or more of learning the language. There’s no need to give people the impression that you know how to use suffixes if in reality you are not using them correctly.

When you are learning English, or any language other than your native one for that matter, it’s best to stay as humble as possible. This will help you help yourself because admitting that you don’t know how to pronounce English perfectly is the first step to opening the door to taking in new ideas and words. Refraining from using unnecessary suffixes is just one way to improve your method of learning the English language.