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      Pronounciation/speech therapy
      Submitted by vmgordillo on 30 December, 2008 - 09:56
      Hello to everyone,

      Not sure this is the right forum, but, I have looked unsuccessfuly everywhere to find some help, to no avail, so I will give this a try

      I have been living in English speaking countries for about 16 years. I did my last two years of high school, and all my university studies in English (Canada). I am very comfortable with the language, and I read almost everything in English these days (and I am an avid reader).

      However, because in my first few years in Canada I was surrounded by other Spanish speakers, I never really perfected my English, and to this day I still speak with an accent, something that bothers me greatly. I know that getting rid of an accent is difficult, but I want to give it a try.

      After having given this much thought, I think that the most efficient way to achieve this would be to learn properly had to read out loud, ie, to narrate. I live in London (UK) and I would be greatful if someone could recommend a person that specialises in teaching this.

      Many thanks,

      Victor

       

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      NikPeachey's picture
      NikPeachey
      Which accent do you replace it with?
      Submitted on 30 December, 2008 - 13:39

      Hi Victor

       I can understand why you want to do this, but my question is which accent would you replace it with? Everyone has an accent of some kind, there is no such thing as no accent whether you are a native speaker or not (unless you are perhaps a robot). Your accent carries encoded within it a wealth of information about you, who you are and where you have come from and been to. Your accent is part of your character and personality. To eradicate or replace your would be to eradicate or replace your personaility with a false one!

      If you listen to the vast array of accents around London and the UK which one would you want to learn? Cockney? Or to speak like thee Queen?

      Personally i like foriegn accents and i find the people who have them much more interesting.

       Just my personal opinion though.

      Best

      Nik Peachey | Learning Technology Consultant, Writer, Trainer
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      Amir A. Ravayee's picture
      Amir A. Ravayee
      The accent you use
      Submitted on 30 December, 2008 - 14:24

       Dear Victor,

      It's not very important what accent you use. The most important thing is that you speak English accurately. But you can try to be like a native speaker by listening to authentic materials.

      Amir Abbass Ravayee