Every language has its own sound system and intonation patterns which makes it unique. Learning a new language means incorporating new sounds, new intonation patterns, grammar rules, as well as other skills, so that you can become an effective communicator.
Because Spanish is your native language, there are specific differences between your how you currently speak English and standard American English. Some of these differences may not significantly impact your ability to be understood by Americans, while others may make a tremendous difference in your speech.
The areas listed below are a few examples of general areas your accent reduction program may include.Other areas not included in this list may also be addressed, depending on your particular needs. 1. Spanish is a faster language than American English, so you are most likely used to speaking quickly.Combine that with an accent, and it may be very difficult for Americans to understand your speech.Speaking Your Best will teach you how to reduce your speaking rate so that you can speak at an appropriate rate for American English. We'll also show you how to maintain an appropriate rate in all speaking situations.This will be a very important part of your program.
2. There are several specific sounds in American English that you may have particular difficulty pronouncing. This is because you say them differently in your native language.In addition, you just don’t have some of these sounds in Spanish. In addition to pronouncing some sounds differently, you naturally may tend to omit final sounds of words. These are the sounds Speaking Your Best will teach you first.Speaking Your Best will evaluate your speech to determine which sounds are accented in your speech and work with you to help you master these sounds. 3. Spanish is a language of syllables.This means that when you speak Spanish, syllables tend to be stressed fairly equally.American English, on the other hand, is a language of stress.Our pitch goes up and down like a song to emphasize important words.Speaking Your Best will teach you the American English stressing and intonation patterns andhelp you “sing” in American English.
4. Spanish speakers often have difficulty with specific parts of speech in grammar, such as past tense, for example. Because Speaking Your Best customizes each program, we will determine your current level of grammar proficiency and work with you to develop those parts of speech specific to your needs.
Accent reduction courses with Speaking Your Best are customized to meet the specific needs you have and are designed to help you become an effective communicator in all speaking situations.Contact us today and learn how you can be a success by speaking your best!