Speakers of English as a second language typically have pronunciation patterns that contain features of their native language. Sometimes this accent pattern is so strong that it can interfere with effective communication. English spoken with a heavy accent can:

• reduce intelligibility, making it hard to be understood
• interrupt the flow of conversation due to frequent repetition
• interfere with job performance where communication skills are required
• limit job marketability

How do I know if I need accent modification?

• Have you learned to speak English but are having trouble being understood due to an accent pattern?
• Are you a business owner with employees who need to improve their pronunciation to more efficiently interact with clients?
• Is your accent interfering with your ability to get a better paying job, or to simply communicate easily with people you meet?
• Do you wish you sounded more like the standard American English speaker typified by television newscasters?

Accents can be modified
Accents have rule-based, predictable features, based on the speaker’s language of origin. These consist of particular sounds (phonemes), stress patterns and intonation contours that, once identified, can be replaced with the features of standard American English. With practice, these new features can replace old habits of pronunciation. You CAN change your accent!

Dr. Susan Pike, a speech-language pathologist certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, is specially trained to help persons who desire to modify their accent pattern. Contact her for an appointment, or to find out more information.

Phone: 914-242-5476
Email: info@SusanPike.com