Understanding the Plasticity of the Human Brain
Many older adults are hesitant to begin accent reduction classes because of the assumption their brain has aged beyond a stage where it is receptive to their respective second language’s inherent structure. This is a theory which has been reinforced throughout the years by research and the media. Consequently, those adults who ultimately decide to work towards reducing their accent do so with the feeling that they are at a disadvantage compared to younger individuals. Contrary to what you may have heard; however, adults are capable of modifying their accents beyond adolescence using a multifaceted approach geared towards the client’s needs, which helps fortify neural connections in the brain. Regardless of our clients ages, all of the students at Accent Pros have reduced their accent by 50% or more within twelve sessions.
Brain Plasticity
Research has documented that children lose half of their neurons before birth as the brain begins to eliminate those neurons which were not adequately stimulated in the womb. During the first month, the number of synapses within the brain grows exponentially, from fifty trillion to one quadrillion. Subsequent development occurs in the frontal cortex, the section of the brain responsible for logic and critical thinking, up until the age of ten. This corresponds with the period that the brain is most receptive to the learning of a new language. As mentioned in another article, children can compartmentalize information about two separate languages in simultaneous language learning. By adulthood the brain is comprised of 100 billion neurons which form a dense network known as a connectdome that is modified throughout the lifespan as the brain is exposed to new information in a variety of forms, while gradually adapting new behaviors to compensate for subtle mental and physical changes that occur with age. This new information must actively engage and challenge the brain in order for it to be retained in long term memory. Simply performing a specific mental task on a daily basis, such as a crossword puzzle, in an effort to maintain your mental acuity will have little effect
Accent Reduction Training Options
Older adults have the same options for accent reduction training as younger individuals. You should consider confiding in a trusted friend to help you minimize your accent by giving them permission to monitor your speech and give you feedback on your accent overall. This may take the form of something as casual as scheduling an hour a week to discuss whatever you’d like with this person. A more organized approach includes developing a long list of words and asking your friend how to pronounce them with an American accent. An additional option includes using the website polyglotclub.com. Polyglot allows you to connect with other members who have a language or speech goal. You could teach a native speaking American how to speak your native language in exchange for some accent reduction tips when speaking American English. Additionally, you could consider professional accent reduction training. Accent Pros offers a variety of programs to meet your needs. Individual classes start at $60 per fifty minute session.
