Accent Reduction Classroom

Do you have problems being understood when you talk with American English speaking friends and colleagues?  You are not alone! Here are three strategies you must learn if you want to improve your American English pronunciation.

 Accent Reduction Strategy 1-Learn to Use Syllable Stress

In English words with two or more syllables, one syllable always receives strong stress or emphasis.  Here is a common syllable stress pattern: 90% of two syllable English nouns are stressed on the first syllable. That means that you should pronounce the words TEA-cher and STU-dent with strong emphasis on the first syllable. The second syllable is reduced.

You must learn English syllable stress rules and patterns if you want to improve your American English pronunciation because Americans listen for syllable stress in order to identify words and meaning. 

 Accent Reduction Strategy 2-Learn to Lengthen the Vowel Sounds in Stressed Syllables

The vowels in stressed syllables take on a special quality in spoken English. These vowels must be lengthened and pronounced with a high pitch in order to make words sound comprehensible to American listeners.

Lengthening vowel sounds in stressed syllables is vital to the rhythm of spoken English so you must do this if you want to improve your American English pronunciation.  For example, when you say the word TEA-cher you need to lengthen the EA and say it with a high pitch.

 Accent Reduction Strategy 3-Learn to Use the “schwa” Vowel Sound in Reduced Syllables

In American English the vowels in reduced syllables are NOT pronounced long and clear. Instead these vowels have the “schwa” sound. The schwa is a low pitched “uh” sound. For example, when you say the word STU-dent the e in the second (or reduced) syllable sounds like “uh” and the word sounds like STU-duhnt.

The schwa is sound is the most frequent sound in spoken English but many learners are unaware of it. Learning to use the schwa sound for vowels in reduced syllables is one of the best ways to improve your accent.

By learning to apply the three accent reduction strategies that I describe here, you can begin improve your American English pronunciation. Your listening comprehension will improve and you will enjoy speaking English with American friends and colleagues!

I teach you all of these PROVEN STRATEGIES in my Accent Reduction Intensive Course.