by Vivienne Zhao | Feb 17, 2023 | Accent Facts, Blog, FAQ
The terms “accent” and “dialect” are often used interchangeably, but they shouldn’t be. Accent refers to the manner a language is spoken, including pronunciation and prosody features of one’s language production. Dialect, on the other hand, refers to a broader group...
by Vivienne Zhao | Feb 3, 2023 | Accent Facts, Accent Tips, Blog
In this article, I present to you the top 5 most frequently heard pronunciation errors that contribute to the “sexy French accent.” Oui oui 🇫🇷 1. /h/ or no /h/, that is the question The /h/ sound does not exist in French. Often, French speakers will either omit the...
by Vivienne Zhao | Nov 26, 2022 | Accent Tips, Blog, FAQ
“What should I be working on first?” Many people wish to work on their accents, but are at a loss of where and how to start this process. In the previous article, I talked about why you need a thorough accent assessment by a qualified accent coach as step one. After a...
by Vivienne Zhao | Nov 12, 2022 | Accent Facts, Accent Tips, Blog, FAQ
“Wow, I had no idea I was saying it differently until you pointed it out!” This is common feedback from my clients after their accent assessment. As non-native speakers of English, you’re likely aware of some sounds you struggle with, such as the “th” or the...
by Vivienne Zhao | Oct 30, 2022 | Accent Tips, Blog, FAQ
1- Check the pronunciation using online resources Hail to the digital age! Many online dictionaries have audio files, including classics such as Collins and Merrian-Webster. Google Translate also has audio features. However, while these resources are useful for...
by Vivienne Zhao | Oct 16, 2022 | Accent Tips, Blog, FAQ
“Is accent modification possible?” “How much can I improve?” “How long does it take to improve my accent?” These are some of the most frequently asked questions in accent training. The answer to all of these questions is… “Depends on how consistently you practice.” If...
