Accent reduction

Accent reduction, also known as elocution, accent modification, accent neutralization, or deaccentation, is a systematic approach for learning or adopting a new accent. It is the process of learning the sound system (or phonology) of a language or dialect. The method involves several steps, which include identifying deviations in the person's current speech from the desired accent (such as pronunciation, speech patterns, and speech habits), changing the way one uses the mouth, teeth, and tongue to form vowel and consonant sounds, modifying one's intonation and stress patterns, and changing one's rhythm. Using this method, individuals (such as those mastering a second language) may alter their speech to more closely resemble the accent of a certain group of people, and thus enhance the clarity of their communication with those people.

Two distinct types of accent reduction coaching are available: coaching targeted at telemarketers, which generally focuses on helping people to say scripted speech with a more "native-like" accent, and coaching typically offered to business people, which is usually geared towards assisting people to minimize miscommunication in spontaneous, conversational speech. This distinction is important because, while it is sometimes possible for adults to say limited pre-rehearsed phrases with little or no accent, most experts agree that adults cannot learn to speak with no foreign accent in live, everyday speech. Therefore, a person who receives coaching targeted at scripted situations will sometimes achieve very good results when reading from a script, but will not usually improve in real, everyday speech. On the other hand, a person who receives training targeted at everyday speaking situations will experience a reduction in miscommunications in live, speaking situations. When choosing an accent coach, it is important to pick a coach who understands the type of coaching needed.

Accent modification is offered by various certified speech-language trainers, linguists, and specialists in ESL. In the United States, they are promoted by various organizations including the Accent Reduction Training Association (ARTA), the American Speech–Language–Hearing Association (ASHA), and the Voice & Speech Trainers Association (VASTA). Accent reduction training is available in a variety of ways: through classroom training, seminars, and workshops; one-to-one in person, or by telephone or webcam; or via apps, books, recordings, or software products.

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