What is an Accent?

Hey, it's hadar. And this is the accents way, your way to finding clarity and confidence in English. So I know you're ready to get your tongue going and start practicing. But first, in order to improve an accent, we have to understand what is an accent. So an accent is application of phonological rules, sounds and intonation of one language into another. So basically it means speaking speaking English, but using the sounds, intonation and rhythm of your own native tongue. Now, in order to improve an accent, you first have to perceive the differences between the languages. And this takes close listening and perhaps some guidance. This is where I come in. Alright, so perceiving the differences means understanding what sounds you're actually using instead of the English sounds. Because when there is a sound in a different language, in this case English that is difficult for you to pronounce and it doesn't exist in your own language, then you're most likely to substitute it with another sound that does exist in your language. So let's say, for example, that you have difficulties with producing the R, the American R sound. Alright, so you're probably going to use the R sound that does exist in your language. So, so the word right may sound like or depending on your language and the different Rs it has. Or let's for example, take the A as in bad vowel sound. So if you don't have it in your language, which you probably don't, then you're most likely to substitute it with an sound if you don't open your mouth enough. And then the word bad may sound like bed or maybe shift it more towards the back and make it sound like an A sound instead of and then it's going to sound like bud. So bed and bud are two other words, and both of them don't mean the word that you're actually trying to say, which is bad. Also, each language has its own intonation, musicality and rhythm. Now, we're used to applying our native intonation unto English and it feels supernatural. But as a result, we may be stressing the wrong word in a sentence or sometimes even the wrong syllable in a given word. What makes English less effective and sometimes, unfortunately not very clear. Once you know where the differences are, you need to train your muscles to be able to easily produce the new sound. That means learning exactly what to do with your jaw, with your tongue, with your lips and your voice. But it's not enough to be able to produce it once you want to make it your own, to be able to use it spontaneously. Now I hate being the one breaking this down to you, but there are no magic solutions. In order to own it, you need to develop muscle memory. Now this takes practice, time and repetition, but it does work. Learning the sound patterns of English intonation and rhythm will will help you gain clarity. You'll feel a lot more confident because you'll know what you need to be doing. Now, it may feel artificial at first and it's okay, but from my own personal experience and working with hundreds of people, it does get into your system. It becomes easier and it becomes effortless. Alright, next week I'm going to be sharing with you some tips on how to start improving your accent and spoken English immediately. But in the meantime, why don't you share with us? Have you ever tried working on your accent and if so, what was the best or hardest thing about it? Post your comments below and that's it. In the meantime, have a good week, don't forget to subscribe and I'll see you in the next video. Bye.