Your accent isn't your problem. Part 5: Speak Global English Series (Heather Hansen)

Speak Global English Video Series
Part 5 (of 22):
Your accent isn't your problem.

When new clients come to me, one of the first things they say is, "I want to get rid of my accent." My answer is always the same: "Why on earth would you want to do that."

There is a common misperception that accents are what stand in the way of clear communication. I just don't agree.

Your accent is a HUGE part of who you are. Every time you open your mouth, you speak volumes about your culture, your heritage, your upbringing -- everything that is you. To change your accent is to change who you are.

Does this then mean that you don't need to pay attention to how you speak? Absolutely not.

We all need to speak as clearly as possible, regardless of our accents. There are plenty of Americans who can hardly be understood in international settings, and there are many Singaporeans, for example, who speak beautifully clear international English, and yet you will know immediately that they are Singaporean.

And what exactly is wrong with that?

Stop blaming miscommunications on your accent and start focusing on the clarity of your speech.

And don't worry, in the segments to come I'll be sharing with you exactly how you can add clarity to your speech so you can be understood by everyone, everywhere, every time.

[blackcitroenlove]

I lost my Cherokee/Appalachian accent entirely for broadcast, and I haven't lost pride in my Cherokee culture. Speaking properly has nothing to do with being proud of who you are, rather it means you have standards. I'll use that when I speak Cherokee, not when I speak English.

[heatherhansen]

Hi Polkadog! Singapore was mentioned because I live in Singapore! This series of videos was originally aired on 938LIVE as a radio series. :-) I unfortunately see too many Singaporeans putting on other accents. I think it's sad. I'm so glad you agree with me and are keeping your accent!! :-)

[OAlem]

Accent is not a problem, no. But pronunciation is a problem for speaking as well as comprehension. Accent and pronunciation are different. You can have a strong accent and still be understood but mispronouncing will make you incoherent. Likewise with listening. If you only learn English from reading you'll never understand spoken English.

[NishantGrandMaster]

Wow..thanks a lot Heather for all videos. I am learning a lot. Especially this video about accent is really encouraging for a non-native English speaker like me. I have subscribed to your channel to continue the learning. Thank you :-)

[BangGoesThePistol]

Accents can be a problem unfortunately in the USA, foreigners, especially Mexicans, are frowned down upon generally. It shuts down opportunities for many who have a lot to offer but are held back by their stereotype. I speak from bloody experience.

[ylw]

FINALLY A VIDEO THAT GETS IT.

Also, shout out to Singapore! :)

[gustavoodysseytranceever]

Wow, and l thought that having an accent was a problem. THX for the explanation.

[ThePolkadog]

Ah, that makes sense.
I think my accent is rubbish though, and I really wish I could be rid of it. But if there's one thing I hate more than sounding stupid, it's pretentious. So I'm pretty much stuck. Haha. Thanks for the reply though. Wasn't expecting that.

[kosmonautwakeup]

Audio issue: this needs to be de-essed very badly.

[BelgianWaffleIron]

Why get rid of an accent?
As someone whom works with Fortune 500 businesses on a daily basis, and has a southern accent, it stands to reason that to improve my outward perception would improve my career. Don't get me wrong. I'll go home at the end of the day and share a pecan pie and sweet tea with my hound dog, but while I'm at work I intend to be a consummate professional.

[jpzhang]

In China we have promote a unified accent---mandarin. The purest version can be heard from those broadcasters. I just wonder, first, does the speaker in the video speak with accent?I know it's american english, but what as far as i know among american english there are various spicific accents. Second, what's international english by the way? Without accents?  I am going to study Master in the US a few years later and i am a little bit confused about this.

[TheShouldoos]

There are plenty of good reasons for ridding yourself of your accent. Your accent is a product of those around you from the past. This doesn't mean that it reflects who you want to be today. Not everyone likes where they grew up and they want to explore new places. To fit into these new places, you would want to change your accent. If I moved to another country I would want to change my accent to appeal to the people there. For example, I have a slight southern accent right now from my early childhood that I despise. I am working on fixing it. People don't like accents. People like people that speak like they do.

Your stance, while a politically correct one, falls apart in the wake of reality. People judge other people and a lot can be said about your accent.

[koalatheworld]

Its difficult to understand Singapore accent. It hurts my ears..

[ThePolkadog]

Wait. Why were Singaporeans listed as an example? Are they so bad at speaking English that the fact that some Singaporeans are able to articulate better makes them stand out. That makes me feel a little uncomfortable. *gurk*

What Heather said was true though. Your accent is a huge part of who you are. I might hate my accent but getting rid of it would be getting rid of a part of me. And you no matter what, you just can't discard yourself..or you might end up pretentious.

[albertostapatio]

when you live in the united states and you speak with a german, french, italian, japanese accent thats ok but when you speak whith a mexican accent thats the problem,