English Pronunciation vs. Speech Therapy

What Accent Modification/Reduction IS and what it ISN'T!

Not a single person on the planet is without an accent. But, when you're speaking a language that isn't your Native tongue, sounds, or a lack there of, from your Native language, can impede your ability to properly pronounce the words you're trying to speak in your non-native one.

In the case of English, many people can become fluent in the language but, still struggle with being understood because when they learned English they may not have had proper instruction on the sounds they needed to produce in order for the words they are speaking to make sense.

Because of this, sometimes people want to be able to alter the way they speak those words so that others don't have as much of an issue discerning what they're trying to say. Speech language pathologists (SLPs), are uniquely qualified to help.

What's the deal with accents?

As you know everyone has an accent of some sort. Accents can be thought of in two ways. Regional accents are those accents that people have when they speak the same Native language but, their pronunciation differs usually due to the specific location, or region, in which they were born. Think of a Texas accent vs. a New York one.

A National origin accent is one where someone learns to speak a second language. Think of someone who was born in France growing up speaking French who learned English as a second language later on in life.

So as you can see accents themselves are completely natural, no matter what language you're speaking. This makes no single accent better over another. Further, it is crucial to recognize that having an accent is in no way a speech or language disorder it's simply a speech difference.

That being said there is a dirty little secret ESL teachers’ may not want you to know: An ESL teacher focuses primarily on syntax, vocabulary, tense use, and grammar.

But, it's not enough to just focus on sounds or the proper placement of the tongue, teeth, and lips. Linking, intonation, reduction, and stress are just as important. And that’s why an SLP in the role of an English pronunciation (accent modification instructor) is invaluable.

Due to the rigorous educational background and training an SLP goes through they have specific and intimate knowledge of the anatomy of the speech mechanism, specifically when it comes to articulation. This makes it possible for them to better coach those trying to improve their pronunciation on exactly what sounds they need to make for certain words but, also EXACTLY how to produce them.

Working with a client one-on-one is the best environment for success as the SLP will be able to give direct and specific feedback to their individual client. It isn't a cookie cutter approach. The highest degree of success comes from a fully supported one-on-one method.

Again, It should be noted, that English pronunciation / accent modification / accent reduction instruction IS NOT speech therapy. This is because having an accent is not a speech or language disorder.

Although working with someone who is a licensed SLP or was an SLP in the past, gives you an advantage when it comes to achieving your English pronunciation goals, it must be clear they are not treating you as an SLP but, rather an English pronunciation or accent modification instructor.