Have you ever wondered why you have an accent when you speak English, especially if you are a non-native English speaker? Accents often spark discussions about identity and culture, and understanding why they occur can help explain your unique way of speaking. This blog will break down the science behind accents in simpler terms, using relatable examples along the way.
Accents Are Unique Like Fruits
Think of languages and accents like different fruits. Each fruit has its own flavour, texture, and smell, just like each language has unique sounds and ways of speaking. For instance, imagine your native language is a juicy orange, and British English is like a crunchy apple. An orange and an apple are completely different fruits and so are both of the languages, your native language will be completely different to learning the British English Accent. Oranges have very distinct differences to an apple, you peel the skin, the inside of the orange is naturally divided into segments and it has juicy flesh compared to an apple. Your native language will also have lots of different elements that make it unique. Your tongue has shaped movements according to the native sounds from your native language. The way your tongue, lips, and jaw move when you speak is influenced by your first language. So when we speak English, our tongue needs to move in a completely different way. Oranges and apples are different so why are we trying to turn an orange into an apple? This is how we create an accent, because we are trying to change the orange into an apple and it doesn't work.
How Do Accents Work?
The very simple answer is moving your tongue. Any accent or language around the world is formed by moving your tongue in a certain way. Accents arise from differences in how sounds are produced, known as phonetic variations. Each language has its own set of sounds, or phonemes, which can vary widely from one language to another. While some sounds may be similar across languages, the way these sounds are combined and articulated can differ significantly.
For non-native speakers, the characteristic accent often comes from the way their tongues and mouths are used to produce sounds. For instance, if your first language doesn't require certain mouth movements to make English sounds, you may end up with an accent. Learning to move your tongue and mouth for English requires practice to develop new habits.
Listening To The Accent
Spend time listening to English speakers in films, podcasts, and songs. This helps you become familiar with the sounds and rhythms of the language. Immersing yourself in English media exposes you to different accents and speech patterns. You will start to hear the differences between your native language and the British English Accent.
Your Tongue Is A Muscle
But listening isn't enough, you still have to move your tongue to create the new sounds. Just as you learn to ride a bicycle through repetition, muscle memory plays a big part in mastering a new language or a new accent. At first, speaking English may feel awkward, much like learning to balance on two wheels. However, over time, your mouth will adapt to the new movements required to produce English sounds.
This development requires dedicated practice. It's not just about pronouncing individual sounds; it’s about putting them together in a fluid and natural way, similar to how a musician plays a song. They don’t just know the notes; they've trained themselves to play them effortlessly.
The Role Of A Pronunciation Coach
Whilst listening and moving your tongue may be a good way of changing how you sound. Working with a pronunciation coach will your new unique fruit a lot faster. They help you move your tongue, by listening to how you speak and then change the shape of your tongue to create the perfect sound. Without working with a Pronunciation Coach, many people will still have a foreign accent, and even though they have tried everything to make them sound like a native speaker, it would be impossible to change. A Pronunciation coach will make your life so much easier, by telling you how to change the shape of your tongue, so you can practise moving your tongue position in the new way. They will give you feedback to see if your lip position is wrong or your pitch for the sound is too low or too high. They tell you where the inflections or the stress of the word is different. By listening to an expert, you will progress much quicker and get the voice you want.
I specialise in the British English Accent also known as the Received Pronunciation Accent. I listen to how you sound, move your tongue in the correct position and help you speak English fluently like a British native speaker. You can achieve a neutral British Accent in just 6 months with my help. You will learn all 45 British sounds, the intonation, stress, pitch and rhythm of the English language. All you have to do is practice for at least 15 minutes every day.
Learning to speak English fluently involves more than just knowing vocabulary and grammar; it's about mastering the physical act of speaking. By putting in consistent practice, you can develop your English accent into something natural.
If you’re interested in enhancing your British English Pronunciation skills, check out my website to sign up to my monthly membership or get a personalised 1:1 programme with unlimited support. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine what you've learned, tailored guidance can make a difference.
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