Want to Lose Your Native Accent?

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.

 

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