Accent Reduction
Introduction
There is a wide range of accents spoken in the UK. Some of these accents have
an almost universal appeal and are considered pleasant or even desirable:
Welsh, Somerset and the ‘Home Counties’ accents. However, some accents are
viewed rather differently – with the speakers of such accents being unfairly
judged by the way that they speak. For example, those with a broad Birmingham
accent - or ‘Brummie’ accent - are often considered dull and boring and
lacking in authority.
What is accent reduction?
Few of us are actually taught to speak in a formal setting; we acquire our
speech and use of language from those around us – picking up the faults along
the way. Most of the time we are unaware of our accents, until we move to
another area. Suddenly, we find people judging us on the way we sound.
Accent reduction is the process by which the three pillars of speech
and language are ‘re-learnt’. The three pillars are:
- Vowels
- Consonants
- Modulation
Accents can be defined in these three ways and so it follows that if we learn
the correct way of pronouncing vowels, consonants and how these relate to
modulation, then our accent will change.
Rather than replace your accent, accent reduction offers you the choice
of a new way of speaking. It is entirely up to you whether you replace
your accent fully, or prefer to keep some features whilst softening other
features.
How Long Will It Take To Reduce My Accent?
As you will appreciate, this can vary depending upon the client. It is
important to follow the exercises and attend the sessions regularly if
you are going to achieve your goal.