The
idea to write this post came when I was having a conversation with my
colleague at campus. He said that we learned English for communication.
It didn't matter whether we spoke with our native accents, as long as
the native speakers of English understood what we were trying to
deliver.
I
partially agree with my colleague's statement, because when I searched
on Google, apparently we really NEED to lose our native accent and speak
correct English. Why? Because for some people whose jobs are to meet a
lot of people and to make communication with them, correct and
understandable English is needed. For example, a telephone operator. How
can people understand what you're saying when you talk with Javanese or
Sundanese accent (plus ON THE PHONE)?
Then,
I searched again on Google about how to lose your native accent if you
want to speak correct English. I found some tips which are, in my
opinion, effective enough. Here goes.
1. Observe and imitate the mouth movements of those who speak English well
You
can watch from Youtube, movies, or real people from the real world near
you who speak English well. Don't be ashamed to look silly, or to be
mocked by the people around you. You're the one who will get better in
speaking English correctly in the end.
2. Learn also the correct intonation and rhythm
Different
English accents have different intonations and rhythms. I suggest you
learn the standard accent first, i.e. standard American accent. Why do I
suggest standard American? Because Indonesian people are easier to
imitate the Americans because of the Hollywood movies, so it's easy to
find sources to learn the standard American.
3. Don't speak too fast when you're still learning
If
you speak fast and you make mistakes in the pronunciation of some
words, you'll look stupid and people won't understand what you say if
you speak fast. But don't speak too slowly, either. You don't want
people to think you're a robot or mental retarded, do you?
4. Read aloud in English for at least 10 minutes daily
Find
an English novels, short stories, news, anything. Read them aloud along
with the intonation and rhythm. Reading aloud for ten minutes daily is
enough to help you improve your pronunciation and lose you native
accent.
5. Install a speaking dictionary on your computer
This
is very practical rather than buy a dictionary. Why do I say this is
practical? Because the technology advancement (notebooks, netbooks, even
tablets) that makes your life a lot easier. You can even install a
speaking dictionary on your smartphone (of course you must use the
mobile version of the dictionary). I recommend you install Concise
Oxford English Dictionary. When you install it on your device, you can
look up for a word, click on the speaker logo, and voila, it pronounces
the word!
6. Record your own voice and find the pronunciation mistakes
You
can do the number 4 tip and you record it while you're reading. Listen
to your recording, and find the pronunciations that you think you need
to improve.
So,
that's the tips I can summarise from various sources, including my
own's. Try this for 3 months and you'll see your own improvement.
