speaking hebrew without my american accent?

Question

so, this question may seem kind of wierd but i was wondering if there is anyway to change the way i speak hebrew.
becuase of my american acccennt i can never say the "r" or ר
correct, which really annoys me because every year i go to israel to visit my family, and i end up not talking because i am too embarassed about the way i speak hebrew.

so i know this is kinda strange but does anybody think theres a way to teach me how to get an israeli accent by using a different way of speach or something?? maybe something with the reish - ר

Answer 1

Maybe meet up with a Hebrew teacher? or even a person originally from Israel. Immersing yourself around native speakers (at your temple, or with friends) should help you. As for speaking with an American accent, it's nothing to be ashamed of. Just think how nice other accents sound to us =)

Answer 2

There most certainly is a way to speak without an accent. It is natural to have an accent at first, but the more you speak to natives, the less of an accent you will have. Many of the girls who studied English for many years, and then studied abroad in America, speak English with no accent. It takes time, but it definitely is possible. There are most likely Israelis or first generation Americans in your local synagogue who speak Hebrew with no accent. FInd out if they teach any classes, and then sit down with them and have them go over the sounds with you. Each language has its own set of sounds, and once you learn how to say those sounds correctly, you wont have an accent.

Answer 3

From what I understand, by the age of ten human phonetics are set. As in, after the age of ten we lose our ability to learn new sounds. This is why young kids when exposed to languages can speak them without any accent but adults cannot. I'm sorry to say, but I think you are stuck.
In truth though, it is not a big deal. You shouldn't let your accent stand in the way of speaking hebrew; Israel is after all an immigrant country, a country for all Jews. There are a lot of different accents floating around, so don't feel ostracised because you don't sound like an Israeli. Be proud of your Hebrew skills, and don't be afraid to sound the way that you sound.

Answer 4

OK, I don't speak Hebrew, so I can't help you there, but I don't think you should avoid speaking to your family because you think you sound funny. Isn't communication about making connections? What are you missing because you don't speak to them?
They seem like the ideal ones to ask. Can you rent some Israeli movies and mimic the pronunciation? How about talking to someone in Hebrew school for an introduction to someone from Israel who could help? Any emmigrants in your synagogue?
I think you are too hung up on the way you sound, in which case, perhaps you are being vain? The reason for language is to communicate feelings and ideas and to make connections with people. Are you using it as an excuse not to get close?

Answer 5

Speak slowly and deliberately at first. Think about the word and say it. Maybe see an acting coach at your school if you have one. But then again, you're 13, so as you speak English more and more, the accent will naturally go away. It may pop up from time to time, but that's normal. I'm always surprised when I hear Hugh Laurie, the lead in House MD speak in his normal British accent.

Answer 6

You should never be embarrassed because of your accent.
I'm sure that your family, of all people, would never criticize.
All foreign countries praise Americans when they even feebly attempt to speak their language.
Only Americans are critical of foreign accents. What a shame.

As for losing your English accent, it takes many years for anyone speaking a second language to lose the accent.
Language requires so many different positions of the tongue, lips, teeth, and even using the throat for guttural sounds. These are learned as a child.
You should even ask their help with the difficult sounds.
Have them demonstrate to you the positions.

You should not hesitate speaking with your family. They will be pleased to know that you even try.

Good luck and keep on keeping on.

Answer 7

First, Laugh. At yourself of course. You are bilingual. Israelis would love to speak English like you can. English is in demand in Israel. As far as the Hebrew accent, you need a profeesional teacher, you can try to search online. Even if it stays the same, no worries...:)

Answer 8

*Hang around an Israeli in your town. There must be one. Listen to the way s/he speaks Ivrit and mimic the sound. Maybe sit next to him/her during shabbat services and listen to how s/he pronounces words during the service. That's how I got my lamed and raish to sound more authentic.

*Most Americans make their raish sound so hard...like our R. Israelis make the back of their tongue graze the roof of their mouth. A slight rough sound.

Answer 9

WOW!
Honestly I really love it when an American person speak Hebrew specially with the letter ר (R) it sounds so nice! :-)

Keep it up, it shows where you came from ...
Sorry cant help you on it, but just wanted to tell you that.

Good luck!!!

Answer 10

You should be happy to be able to and live in a great country like America. How about you have you family speak English.