I speak english horribly!
It is like I'm masacrating the language.
I can't pronounce the letter 'r' softly like the english people do and
I hate it!What should I do?
I have this russian accent but I really want to speak the way english people speak,so nice and with a beautiful accent.
I need help,please?
Thank you!
2006-10-01 02:58:20 · 24 answers · asked by Adonia 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
I'm French and I'm with you on that one! I lived in the US, but also in the UK: in Cardiff, in Exeter, and now in London, of all places! Because you hear so many different accents there, it's difficult to try and imitate one in particular, so I gave up trying for the moment! So I speak with different accents! People usually can't tell I'm French, except when I'm tired. But they often ask me if I lived in America, because I tend to speak like in Wisconsin when I get excited about something!!!
But, all in all, it's still not a "real" accent! What you could do, if you can afford it, is go to a voice coach or something like that. I don't know how they are called, but some people teach you to pronouce things properly. They actually even do it in England for people who want to change their accent (which I find stupid, because you shouldn't be ashamed of your accent if you're a native speaker). So I'm sure they do it for foreigners.
Just found a website which provides a list of places where they just do that!
http://corspan.org/
It's mostly in America, but also in Canada and Australia. I haven't checked the prices, though. It's a list of SLPs (speech-language pathologists), so I guess you can find others by just Googling it.
Otherwise, you can find books which teach you phonics. It can be a bit tricky to understand what the symbols mean, and where your palate is on the drawing, but it's not too difficult. Try also to stick to one accent. You can also try to imitate a person whose accent you really like (maybe someone you see on TV everyday, might be easier to learn). Basically, you have to imitate. And I'm too lazy to do that right now!!!
Here's a program I found:
http://pronunciationpatterns.com/
2006-10-01 06:44:30 · answer #1 · answered by Offkey 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, your accent is probably charming, but I can understand your need to speak English more clearly. Check with local colleges to see if they have a drama department. Someone there might be able to work with you as a speech coach. If you live in a big city you may even be able to actually find a speech coach. If neither of these suggestions are possible, talk to a local high school speech or English teacher or someone involved with local drama group. You might also want to get hold of tapes, records, Cd's, etc. of "English As A Second Language" and practice with those.
Good luck!
2006-10-01 03:10:26 · answer #2 · answered by dddanse 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Move To The Southern US And In A Couple Of Years Even U Will Not Know Ur Russian
2006-10-01 03:07:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I am not sure how to get rid of your accent. Be proud of the accent you have. Learning a new language is hard so feel good about what you have accomplished. I love hearing people talk that have different accents. It makes you an interesting person.
2006-10-01 03:07:53 · answer #4 · answered by parrothead2371 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about your accent, all you can do is practice. Even in the U.S. people have accents from different parts of the country, some people have a southern accent, eastern accent etc...
I applaud you for your efforts learning the english language.
2006-10-01 03:11:53 · answer #5 · answered by Judy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The trick is to know how to move your tongue.
When you are practicing to pronounce the r you probably always repeat the same mistake without noticing it. You subconciously assume that an r always has to be formed with the tongue moving in certain ways.
Try a completely different way. One that you wouldn't expect could possibly work. One hint - The soft r is formed all the way at the back of the tongue. Try pulling your tongue backwards instead of pushing it upwards.
2006-10-01 03:23:02 · answer #6 · answered by Voice of Insanity 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could hire a speech coach who can help you get an american or english accent. But really, americans love people with accents. But do what makes you feel good. Keep practicing.
2006-10-01 03:07:01 · answer #7 · answered by T_Jania 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, just keep practicing if you really want to improve your accent. I'd suggest watching an English movie and repeating what the actors say, trying to copy them.
But don't lose your accent altogether! Accents make you more interesting.
2006-10-01 03:05:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For a while I had a stuttering problem. The way I got past it was by reading essays and poetry from Emerson. Maybe you could try that or come up with a little saying like: red yellow leather leather.
Otherwise people like your accent it makes you seem exotic.
2006-10-01 03:10:17 · answer #9 · answered by Grev 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm jealous... I'm a basic Midwestern American white boy, and I sound like the newscasters on TV... embrace your individuality and love your accent... I don't care for mine either (I think it's incredibly boring to be a basic white boy American, and wish I had an accent...) but be kind to yourself and love the fact that this is part of what makes you the beautiful individual you are. Peace-- Jeffery
2006-10-01 03:07:48 · answer #10 · answered by satyrn7 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋