Accent Reduction

 

 

 

 

 

Accent Reduction is designed for mid to high-level non-native speakers of

English who want to reduce their accent and develop confidence in speaking with native English speakers. It focuses on the most distinctive sound patterns of English: stress, intonation, and rhythm.  (Students learning English for the first time should take Pronunciation, not Accent Reduction).

 

 

 

 

Course Outcomes

 

 

 

Course Content

 
  • Become aware of how first language influences English pronunciation
  • Demonstrate production of final consonants in spontaneous speaking
  • Use intonation, phrasing, stress, and linking more naturally
  • Develop personal lists containing difficult sounds specific to ones native language
  • Be able, in controlled situations, to produce most English sounds with reasonable accuracy.

 

·        Oral taping and review

·        Contrastive Analysis

·        Pausing and Rhythm

·        Controlling Interactions

·        Stressing Words for Effective Communication

·        Stressing Phrases

·        Blending Words and Phrases for Coherence

·        Understanding and responding appropriately to ‘Spoken’ Cues

·        In-class practice of the phonetic alphabet

 

 

Who should take this course?

 

 

Permanent residents, refugees, U.S. citizens, and professionals working or training in the United States, international students or international visitors for whom English is not their native language. Accent Reduction students use English in their daily lives but realize their pronunciation makes it difficult for them to be understood in different situations.