Proficiency in a foreign language is a very significant skill and will be useful in any field. Delivered speech, an extensive vocabulary and understanding of grammar - this is what will make you a person who knows the language. But at the same time, there is one detail, not as important as the previous ones, but nonetheless significant - the emphasis. Let's find out what it is and whether it is possible to get rid of the accent when talking in a foreign language.
What is accent?
Each person has his own native language. He speaks it from childhood. And this means that the brain works with speech, starting from the mother tongue. This affects pronunciation the most.
Each language has sound features. For example, in English the interdental sound “th” is not equivalent to the Russian “s”, however this is one of the most common mistakes. The brain is conservative, it is used to reproducing sounds in a certain way and does not want to change it. This situation leaves an imprint on the pronunciation - it becomes unnatural for the hearing of a native speaker.
We will offer you several ways to solve this common problem. The main thing is to practice them constantly and as early as possible. It is much easier to learn the right speech right away than to retrain later due to mistakes.
Cultural aspect
An important role in accent theory is played by culture. Everywhere people speak differently; shades and intonations differ. Even in neighboring regions of the same country, the pronunciation of the same words can be completely different.
That is, the emphasis is cultural in nature. This means that this is not necessarily a “fatal” flaw. Maybe even this is your "trick". Do not laugh, such cases are not uncommon. A man with his poor pronunciation can play in his favor.
An example is the Russian accent in America, which has traveled a considerable cultural path and is perceived by foreigners as part of a "mysterious" culture. Of course, mainly due to emigration, but this is just one of many examples. The Irish, for example, tend to “swallow” the endings of words, and the peculiarity of American pronunciation is a universal reduction.
Such a "trick" however has its limits. If, due to your accent, the interlocutor can hardly distinguish words, this is bad. In this case, it is better to partially abandon such a “cultural raid”.
Method 1: train the correct pronunciation
The main key to getting rid of the accent is a clear and true pronunciation. There is no need to rush anywhere. Words should sound slowly and correctly. Yes, this requires patience and perseverance, but the result will not disappoint. Speaking sounds correctly, you will better speak and understand foreign speech, and most importantly, it will be much easier for the interlocutors to find a common language with you.
Let's go back to the sound “th” [θ]. Immediately make a reservation that in the Russian language there is no such sound. Yes, he is somewhat reminiscent of “s,” but the difference in pronunciation is always visible. In fact, this is something between “c” and “z”. Because of such a minor error, the whole meaning of what is said can be distorted. For example, instead of “think” [θɪŋk] - to think - say “sink” [sɪŋk] - to sink. Instead of “thin” [θɪn] - thin - “sin” [sɪn] - sin is formed. This is the effect of the habit of Russian pronunciation.
The ability to separate a dull sound from a loud one also plays a large role. For example, “bad” [bæd] is bad, and “bat” [bæt] is a bat. It is equally important to identify short and long sounds. For example, “live” [lɪv] means living, and “leave” [liːv] means leaving.
To remember the pronunciation correctly, you must constantly train: pronounce the words slowly and as correctly as possible, clearly indicating each sound.
Method 2: constantly listen to the speech
This is the main advice for those who want to learn how to get rid of the accent. You just need to listen, try to catch the shades of speech and pronunciation details. Conversation is best for this. The best solution is to spend 30-60 minutes a day listening to speech.
Any films are good for this. In them, as a rule, dialogues are conducted in spoken language. If it’s difficult to understand the semantic part, you can always turn on subtitles. It turns out both learning and entertainment.
Do not forget about the radio. This is the same auditory perception. The disadvantage is the lack of a visual image, or rather, a talking person. It’s an order of magnitude more difficult to perceive such “impersonal” speech.
Method 3: practice the conversation
One of the most effective methods for getting rid of the Russian accent in English is dialogue. The effect of the conversation is difficult to overestimate. Especially if the interlocutor is a native speaker. But this method, unfortunately, is not always possible. Not everyone has a friend or acquaintance in another country. You can, of course, try to meet someone on the Internet or sign up for special courses. Here it all depends on your free time and / or perseverance.
But if possible, feel free to grab hold of it. Speaking practice is the fastest way to improve not only pronunciation, but also knowledge of the language as a whole.
Method 4: listen to music
Oddly enough, this helps a lot. Music activates the brain, and the words “sink”, which means they are remembered. This is not the most effective way to get rid of the accent in English, but certainly the most fun. Regular listening may not give such an effect as talking or listening to speech, but it will definitely allow you to study with pleasure.
The main problem is that the semantic part of most songs is difficult to perceive. Still, music has its own characteristics, to which the text is adjusted. But it does not matter at all. With such training, you do not have to literally understand the meaning of the work. Just relax and listen, and the necessary words will be remembered intuitively.
In the end, not everything is so bad ...
All these methods are best used together, periodically replacing them so that the process does not get boring with monotony. In this case, they will produce the best effect. Of course, do not wait for instant improvements. The process of getting rid of the accent is slow and smooth. Often, you may not even notice the change right away. So be patient, and your efforts will certainly bear fruit.