(Part three)

21 SUGGESTIONS TO PROGRESSIVELY ACHIEVE A NEUTRALIZED ACCENT

1. Develop a personal lexicon of frequently used words that have been encountered in conversation or reading and have been difficult to pronounce. Make a recording of an accurate speaker saying these words and practice them. Write the words in relevant situational constructions so that their meaning is understood and they can be applied in practical everyday situations.

2. Build a personal library of e-learning or English language books on CD such as the 4S-SCILLS Companion and MP3 Audio Series and the e-learning Primer and Audio Program. There are also numerous, quality CD or DVD books available at reasonable prices.

3. Pretend to be a person of primary English speaking nationality, e.g. British, American, Australian, Irish, Scot. Take on a personality, like a movie star receiving an Oscar Award.

4. Select role play communication situations. Pretend to be a sports commentator, a master of ceremonies of a key event, a TV or radio news reader, etc.

5. Sing quality English songs – read poetry and limericks to get rhythm, practice tongue twisters. Read poems aloud. Record yourself singing and reading poetry and be self-critical.

6. Regularly READ ALOUD, preferably to someone each day. Be willing to accept constructive comments and criticism. Record yourself reading.

7. Use the My Lexicon to compile a list of words and phrases that you find difficult to pronounce.

8. Study and master The Characteristics of English, e.g. The different sounds that symbols and symbol combinations can make in words, e.g.
et > mallet chalet
ear > bear fear learn heart
ain > mountain contain
ice > suffice office police

9. Learn the symbols of the international and the English phonetic alphabet so that you can understand them when they are used to explain the pronunciation of words in a quality dictionary.

10. Slow down your TALKING SPEED while purposely, emphasizing key words and phrases when you speak , e.g. It was a huge task.

11. Discipline yourself to pronounce word-endings, i.e., the final consonant sound in words, particularly: “d”, “t”, “s”, “ed”, “en”, e.g. mound, find, bent, left, ducks, friends, dropped, baked, spoken, listen, etc.

12. Listen and observe people who speak English well. Try to imitate or copy their style of speech.

13. Watch the English news on TV. Listen to English radio programs. Endeavor to repeat what is being said while imitating the intonation and rhythm of their speech.

14. Practice correctly saying and using the words from the 4S list of 100 Wrongly Pronounced Words in sentences.

15. Work hard at eliminating common speech habits such as “um,” “ah,” “you know,” “actually,” etc. Be self-critical!

16. Practice pronouncing the words in the 4S Manual. Record each word, stressing the correct, emphasized syllables, e.g. ham/mer, pi/lot, e/quip/ment. Ask a friend to listen and assess.

17. Practice using appropriate colloquial English terms, e.g. He is doing it hard (Having difficulties).

18. Make short, 3-5 minute speeches about different topics standing in front of a mirror. Use words from your personal lexicon. Watch the positioning of your vocal organs – mouth, tongue, lips and teeth.

19. Buy a book on CD. Read and record selected text from an English audio book. Ask someone whom you trust and respect to compare your pronunciation with the original CD or tape presentation.

20. Make the thesaurus your favourite English learning tool and apply the Art of the Alternative.

21. Be determined to LISTENEN to yourself speak even if you do not like doing it. Be PATIENT!
In conclusion. not only should one be patient but also persistent, persevering, and above all willing to practice, practice and practice some more. The final “P” is PRETEND.

Pretend you are of British Royal stock. Pretend you are an American news presenter. Pretend you are an Australian academic with an International speaking voice.

Last but not least, SING ENGLISH SONGS. Lots of them! This makes learning English so enjoyable.

You not only gradually reduce you accent but you also increase the number of English words that you can then use with competence and confidence. Have you noticed that most of the international singers hardly sound like they have an accent!!

To obtain a free copy of “ My Lexicon” from the 4S-AEP Help Desk send an e-mail to contact@4Sliteracy.com.au