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  Welcome! Date: 28/03/2024 




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.



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