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Fun with English: The Pronunciation Manual and Book Videos
Featured earlier today on the Ellen DeGeneres show were two insightful ways to pronounce words in the American English language. The Pronunciation Book is a series of English pronunciation videos of single words correctly spoken. The other, The Pronunciation Manual, is a spoof on the Pronunciation Book videos. Here is a video of Ellen’s feature on the topic: What is the Pronunciation [...]
Why are Some Dialects and Accents More Accepted than Others?
Within the English language, there are hundreds of different dialects and accents utilized throughout the country. The variety of accents spoken around the United States most likely came from individuals who were raised in a different country, were taught to speak in a different language, and later moved here and learned English as a second [...]
What is the Origin of Language?
There is no universal consensus on a specific origin date language was brought into the world. Although there is evidence that suggests humans existed hundreds of thousands of years ago, there are still debates regarding the specific origin of language. There have also been a number of different theories developed regarding language origins, but the [...]
What Kind of Dialects are Spoken in the U.S.?
There are several different American accents that are used across the nation and there are even more dialects. Some people believe accents and dialects have the same meaning, but they are actually quite different. Accents are strictly related to the pronunciation of sounds in speech, and dialect involves not only pronunciation, but vocabulary and grammar [...]
Difference Between an American Accent and Dialect
At times, people may find it difficult to distinguish between accents versus dialects. These two terms, while similar in ways, are actually quite different. In order to be able to comprehend why they shouldn’t be used interchangeably, it is necessary to examine each term individually. An accent is a form of pronunciation that is distinctive [...]
Why Do Americans Make Fun of Foreign Accents?
There isn’t an individual reason as to why Americans “make fun” of other accents. It is not so much that they mock other accents with the intentions of hurting the peoples’ feelings; rather they could simply be attempting to sound like them. When Americans have been so accustomed to speaking with a standard American accent, [...]
Top ten reasons to speak American English with an American Accent
Why would someone want to change their accent when speaking American English? Improves your intelligibility Improves your intelligibility with your elders Promotes friendships Expands dating potential Provides a perception that you are well educated or a polished professional Builds trust and credibility for you with new acquaintances Reduces prejudice for you with some Americans Advances [...]
Can I learn to speak with an American accent as an adult?
One should not believe the myth that after the age of twelve people are incapable of learning a new language. Children before the age of twelve appear to have an easier time learning new languages because the language centers in their brain are more attune to the rhythm and pronunciations found in a language. Children learn by repeating the words aloud as the first step in learning a new language, whereas an adult would be more inclined to try and read unfamiliar words before speaking them. Children are less self conscious about making mistakes. Adults who are learning a new language know that they could be easily stereotyped by someone they are interacting with should they make a mistake, so in order to avoid this possible embarrassment they communicate in their native language. For adults, learning a new language may be viewed as a necessary hurdle rather than a true learning experience for pleasure. Adults can learn a new language if they are willing to make the extra effort.
What does it mean to “speak American”?
There is a general American English Accent which can be found across the United States. As more people from specific regions have begun to migrate across the country in search of jobs and other opportunities, the accents that used to distinguish certain areas are slowly disappearing. Even Americans who grew up in the United States and speak only American English sometimes choose to work individually or with a speech-language pathologist to change their accent. Although this fact may seem surprising, the reality is true. A Northern Midwest American Accent is widely considered standard American English and is most often spoken by scholars and other well educated individuals including national television and radio commentators and hosts.
Will I change my identity if I lose my natural accent while speaking American English?
Reducing your natural accent has the potential to feel forced initially; therefore, individuals should change their accent at their own pace. A speech-language pathologist can help with this process. Regardless of how quickly you make the decision to change your accent, you must be comfortable with the changes above all else. This comfort level usually develops slowly, as some people acknowledge that changing their accent makes them feel like they are losing a part of their identity.
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