Edited by: Aglaia Ruffino Jalles

Have you ever wondered why you don't sound like a native speaker when learning a new language? The distinction you're noticing lies in the differences between accents. In simpler terms, you possess a foreign accent, signaling that you're not a native speaker of the language. But that is not a problem, as a matter of fact foreign accents are an extremely common trait and there is nothing to be embarrassed about. In this article we will dive into foreign accents, why they occur and, if that is your goal, how to craft a more native-like accent. 

So, What Exactly Is a Foreign Accent?

A foreign accent occurs when someone incorporates phonological rules or sounds from their native language into their target language. Your brain tends to gravitate towards the familiar, leading you to do this unconsciously as you learn a new language. For instance, a native French speaker might pronounce "three" as "tree" because the [θ] (the "th" sound) doesn't exist in French. This is why Francophones often struggle with words in English that start with this particular consonant sound.

Distinguishing a Foreign Accent from Bad Pronunciation

It's important to differentiate between having a foreign accent and having poor pronunciation. When you have a foreign accent, you might pronounce words somewhat differently, but native speakers can still comprehend what you're saying. In contrast, poor pronunciation means you can't effectively convey your thoughts, and your audience struggles to understand your words.

Is Having a Foreign Accent a Drawback?

It's a common reality that most people who learn languages later in life tend to develop foreign accents. However, this doesn't impede their ability to achieve a native or advanced level of proficiency. Having a foreign accent in a language doesn't undermine your capacity to communicate effectively or progress in that language. Moreover, having an accent serves as proof of your mastery of an additional language, a distinction that 40% of the global population can't boast about. Embrace your accent; it's what makes you unique. That said, if you aspire to speak your target language without a discernible foreign accent and aim to sound as close to a native speaker as possible, it is possible! Let's delve into how to make that happen.

Selecting an Accent

To minimize your foreign accent and achieve a native-like sound, the first crucial step is to choose the specific accent you'd like to adopt in your target language. Just as you sound distinct from native speakers, every language has native speakers who sound differently from one another. In other words, each language boasts a variety of dialects or accents. Take French, for example, with its diverse range of accents such as Parisian, Belgian, Swiss, Quebecker, and more. Even within these dialects, various regional accents exist. Consider Quebec, the French-speaking province in Canada: inhabitants of the central city, Montreal, speak differently from those in Gaspé, a remote town in the north. Montrealers tend to use a more 'neutral' French, which is more easily understood by French speakers from other countries, though they still retain a distinctive Quebecker accent. Meanwhile, individuals from Gaspé possess a thicker Quebecker accent that might pose challenges for the broader francophone audience. When deciding on an accent to learn, opt for one that resonates with you.

Starting Your Journey

Once you've settled on your chosen accent, the most effective approach is to immerse yourself in content that showcases that specific accent. For example, if you aim to master the standard American variety of English, start by watching news broadcasts, films, and other media in American English. While simply watching media is a valuable starting point, you must also scrutinize how native speakers articulate their words and reflect on the differences between your pronunciation and theirs. Pay attention to the cadence of the language, how contractions are commonly employed, and the overall usage of the accent you're pursuing. For instance, in English, contractions are frequently used in conversation, and native speakers rarely omit them (e.g., "can't" instead of "cannot," "don't" instead of "do not").

Practice Makes Perfect

Utilizing media is a valuable beginning, but it's important to engage in active practice as well. After observing how the language is spoken in your chosen accent, practice speaking the language in a manner that aligns with it. Try talking with yourself in the language and strive to mimic the speech patterns of a native speaker with the specific accent you're aiming for. Listen to recordings of native speakers and try to replicate their speech patterns, including filler words (eg. "uh," "um," "huh" in English), rhythm, and more. This practice may require relearning how to pronounce words, but it's a highly effective method for achieving a native-like accent. Starting this process early in your language learning journey is ideal, as it can become more challenging the further you progress, as your brain becomes accustomed to a particular way of speaking. Nevertheless, even if you've been speaking the foreign language for a while, it's still possible to alter your accent; you'll need to train yourself to speak in the desired accent and reacquaint yourself with its nuances.

Receiving Feedback

To gauge your progress, try recording yourself speaking in your target language and listen to determine if you sound like a native speaker. Identify areas that require improvement. Additionally, you can seek feedback from native speakers of the accent you are aiming for, often for free, using apps like HelloTalk and Tandem. If you have friends who are native speakers in the language, that's even better. They can offer valuable insights. For more professional guidance, consider consulting a speech-language pathologist, experts in pinpointing and providing advice to refine your accent to a more native level.

Valuable Resources

If you're looking to emulate a native speaker, a wealth of resources is available, often at no cost. You can find YouTube videos, podcasts, interviews, and utilize language exchange platforms. You don't necessarily have to invest in a speech coach to diminish your accent.

The Key Takeaway

Remember, having a foreign accent in your target language is perfectly fine. As long as you're understood, that's what truly matters. However, if your goal is to sound like a native speaker, start early by learning the rhythms and patterns of your target language. Retrain your brain on how to speak. Best of luck on your language journey, and happy learning!

REFERENCES

BIRNER, B. “Why do some people have an accent?” Linguistic Society of America. Available at: https://www.linguisticsociety.org/sites/default/files/Accent.pdf

Stucky, L. (2020) “Foreign Accent Defined” Clearly Speaking LLC. Available at: https://clearly-speaking.com/foreign-accent-defined/

Dilletta “How to get rid of a foreign accent: 5 easy steps” EF Language Learning. Available at: https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/language/how-to-get-rid-of-a-foreign-accent-in-english/