If you're serious about changing your accent, there are a few things you should know to set yourself up for success. First, it's important to recognize that there are two types of students: those who can easily mimic the sounds of the target language and those who struggle to even articulate basic sounds.
Most people who seek to improve their accent fall into the second category. Pronunciation is comprised of two main components: phonetics and phonology. Phonetics deals with the physical production of sounds, while phonology deals with the patterns and rules of sound use in a language. If you're in the second category and want to change your accent, it's essential to focus on both areas.
To get started, read up on phonetics and how it applies to the phonology of English, including things like syllable stress and connected speech. A book like "Phonetics for Dummies" is a great place to start, but it can be challenging to fully grasp the concepts without visual or auditory aids. Even so, reading about phonetics will give you a solid foundation for understanding why your accent sounds different from the target accent you're aiming for.
After you've gained a basic understanding of phonetics and phonology, it's time to apply that knowledge. This is where finding a good teacher comes in. Look for an instructor who has experience helping students refine their accents and who can tailor their instruction to meet your needs. Keep in mind that not all teachers are created equal; a voice coach may be able to help you project your voice, but they might not have the skills necessary to help you articulate sounds in a native-like way. Similarly, an English teacher may be familiar with phonetics, but they may not be able to help you achieve the level of fluency you're aiming for.
When you're working with a teacher, it's important to stay focused on your goals and make sure you're actually making progress. Some teachers may give you drills that aren't optimized for your specific needs, so don't be afraid to ask questions and speak up if you feel like you're not making the progress you want. With dedication and the right resources, anyone can improve their accent and achieve their language goals.
If you're interested in taking your accent improvement journey to the next level, consider enrolling in an online course like the one I offer at https://receivedpronunciation.thinkific.com/collections. In this self-study course, you'll gain a deeper understanding of English phonetics and phonology, as well as learn practical techniques for improving your accent. Please note that I have a personal connection to this course, but I truly believe it can be a valuable resource for anyone looking to refine their accent.
