Yes, I speak with an American accent. Is that the ‘best’ accent or the most common accent? Not necessarily. But I would argue that the American accent is making gains internationally and could be set to overtake British English when it comes to ‘proper English pronunciation’.
Many ESL teachers are now teaching the American accent in their classes, whether they personally are American or not. The general consensus in the English language learning and teaching communities is that American English (or at least the American accent) is the future norm. There are several signs pointing in this direction already.
It’s important to note that I’m based in Singapore, and I normally work with adults. I took on my very first high school program just a few weeks ago. When I met the students (members of the speech and debate team), my first question for them was, “Why do all of you sound like me?”
Due to Singapore’s history as a British colony, these students have been taught British English in school and write English according to British conventions. Their spoken English, on the other hand, was much closer to an American accent than a British one.
Their answer was simple – they hear the American accent on television, in music, an on the internet. It’s hard to avoid American English and its influence.
It’s a common trend for young people who are trying to be a part of modern pop culture, to adopt this American style of speaking. The American accent is seen as ‘cool’.
Does this mean that you should also be trying to adopt an American accent? Not necessarily. I’m a strong advocate for keeping your own accent because it’s such a huge part of your identity. I could never imagine speaking like a Brit or a Singaporean. I’m not sure I could even comfortably take on a regional American accent that wasn’t my own! My accent is an immediate indication of who I am and where I’m from, and I’m proud of that. You should be too!
Instead of trying to change your accent, focus on speaking more clearly. That’s what this website and the English Pronunciation Course is all about – helping you to identify those problem areas that you can easily change to instantly improve the clarity of your speech. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your accent needs to change.
Some of these areas include:
- Stressing your words correctly
- Using appropriate intonation to make your message clear
- Linking words together by following common linking patterns
- Articulating entire words instead of mumbling through
- Slowing down your speaking pace to speak more clearly
- Projecting your voice so people can hear you better
You’ll learn more about all of these things on this blog and in the free, 8-part Pronunciation Short Course. If you haven’t already signed up for the free course, be sure to do so now by entering your name and email in the sign up box on the right sidebar, or visit http://bit.ly/free8-partproncourse.
So, what do you think? Is there a certain accent that you feel is ‘better’, ‘more appropriate’ or even ‘cooler’ than other accents? Let me know in the comments! And be sure to tell us where you’re from and the accent you speak with so we can understand your comments in context.
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Pronouncing the Double ‘C’
Just found this article from The Telegraph supporting my argument here. It’s an interesting read. Take a look! http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/8305645/The-conTROversy-over-changing-pronunciations.html
Hi Heather, what an interesting article, both your’s and the one in the Telegraph!
I am a Brit from London and have a British English accent so I will always think that British English is the correct way as that is my background and what I have learnt. I always use the english way of spelling (and encourage other’s to do so!) and I prefer the pronunciation ‘schedule’ as opposed to ‘skedule’. I am definitely not a purist about it though and I agree with you that you should sound like you, not some socially accepted norm.
In fact, I have found my accent changing the longer I live outside of the UK: I have a kiwi husband and have lived in New Zealand so my pronunciation of some vowels isn’t typically British English any more. The vocal coach I had growing up would cringe if she could hear me speak now but I like how I sound because it reflects my life and experience and I’m prouder of that than speaking with a perfect British English accent.
Thanks for a great, thought-provoking article!
Thanks for your thoughts, Sarah! So funny you mention how your accent has changed. Mine has too. I think there are a few reasons for that, similar to yours:
1. My Danish husband and interference in my English from my Danish
2. Hearing all different varieties of English on a daily basis
3. Making adjustments to my speech in my work so I’m better understood
As I mentioned in this post, I prefer to focus on clarity over a specific accent, so there are certain areas of my American accent that I’ve changed, over time, so that I can be better understood. This wasn’t a conscious decision – it just happened naturally. I still clearly sound American, but these subtle differences have led my best friend back home, whom I grew up with, to proclaim, “You talk funny!” Haha!
Hi Heather,
I just ran into your blog and found it ….well, inspiring. I am also American. I was born in the US but my parents come from Africa and I grew up in Africa and the US. Even though I have lived more years in the US than any other country (up till now anyway), I have never had a typical US accent. All through college people would ask me where I was from or just flat-out make fun of how I pronounced a word, which really aggravated me, more so because I studied English and Journalism, and my knowledge and use of the English grammar is quite good. But I got used to this question. (To make matters worse) I have now been living in Europe for over 13 years now – first in Italy, now in Germany – and my English pronunciation has been further influenced by Italian and German.
What got me thinking about changing my accent, for the first time in my life, is that my children are being raised bi-lingual and I find my three-year old using similar inflections in her English pronunciation as I do. I do agree with you that your accent is part of who you are and you shouldn’t try to erase it. This sentence really helped me a lot, thanks 🙂 But how can I not influence the way my children speak when I have all these different elements in my speech? I would like them to have more of a neutral (mid-west) accent which would allow them to blend in almost anywhere in the world, and perhaps spare them the stupid “where are you from?” question that I had to endure all my life. Btw, my sister has a very similar background as I do but lived most of her life in the US instead of country-hopping like I’ve done, and she sounds very American.
Perhaps it’s just harder for some people, like me, to change accents. Perhaps if I make a very conscious effort to speak slower? When I read (as opposed to when I speak), I tend to have much very little or no accent. But the whole accent thing can be so frustrating as it can really affect your sense of belonging and how people (other Americans, for example) relate to you.
Hi Rachel
Thanks so much for your comments and for sharing your story! I really understand the challenges you’re facing now, especially with your daughter. I also happen to have a 3-year-old daughter at home, and we’re going through all kinds of crazy pronunciations right now!
You said that it must be harder for you to change your accent than other people, but it actually sounds like you change your accent quite easily! When you live in the States, you pick up more of the US sound, when you live in Europe, the Italian and German. It sounds like overall, you’ve stayed true to your African roots and have probably picked up a lot from your parents.
The short answer to your main concerns here about influencing your daughter is that you will influence her (period).
Now for the extended answer…. Despite your influence, she will be influenced even more by her peers when she starts school. I have my daughter in a local Singapore preschool and she comes home speaking straight Singapore English with their inflection and everything! It’s a losing battle for me to try to stop this from happening. She is aware though that we don’t speak that way at home, and she’s starting to develop two different styles of English.
Unless you plan to send your daughter to an international school with American teachers, the chances of her developing a US accent are slim. I assume she’ll speak a different language at school depending on where you’re living, and will learn English at home. You can always supplement your speaking with American DVDs (learning programs like Sesame Street, Little Einsteins, etc.) and music. Our accents are completely dependent on the language input we hear, so what you put into her is what you’ll get out of her.
Now back to you… If you’re accent seems to neutralize when you really focus, for example when you’re reading, then it does sound like a conscious effort is all you need. I would also get involved with American clubs where you’re living. There’s usually a women’s group, chamber of commerce, or some other social group available. Americans are everywhere!! 🙂 Surround yourself with other Americans (and your daughter with other American kids) to get more US input.
All of this said, you know that I still believe that you should be very proud of your heritage and your accent. It is a part of you. It defines you. But I also completely understand the frustration you’re feeling and the way others can be very hurtful. You can’t change other people, unfortunately, so I understand if you want to work on the way you speak. It’s a tough situation.
I wish you all the luck in the world. Let me know how things go!
Heather
am mohanned from egypt i love american accent too much i detest BRITISH one because it seems boring and not interesting