We currently only offer pronunciation classes and run a British accent pronunciation course via our sister company run by Sabrah, British Accent Coaching. You can find out more directly at British Accent Coaching www.britishaccentcoaching.co.uk and email us directly at hello@britishaccentcoaching.co.uk
You can find out more about how the course works and accent reduction classes below:
What is accent reduction ?
Accent reduction or accent softening involves helping you to remove aspects of your accent that come from your mother tongue which are causing a lack of clarity when speaking in English. Often people who have learnt English as a second language will not have focussed on the pronunciation when they have studied, it tends to be the grammar, vocabulary etc. Pronunciation is often the last thing to be learnt!
This can actually mean that you have interpreted how to say English words using your mother tongue as a guide, you may not actually be saying the English words correctly! You may be doing your own version of some of the sounds – which of course is perfectly understandable. English pronunciation can also be quite difficult as English is not a phonetic language so if your language is phonetic you may be trying to say the English words phonetically like in veg-e-table – phonetically in English that word sounds very funny, it is of course vegetable - /ˈvedʒ.tə.bəl/ .
We also work on exploring the melody of the language – the intonation. Intonation in English is a vital part of sounding more natural when you speak, it is the musicality of the language that is actually the heart of the language. Together we will explore how you can unlock this essential part of the language and begin to mimic it and sounds much more like a native speaker! Exciting!
How does it work?
Step 1 – Pronunciation assessment. We have an introductory session. I will assess your needs and come back to you with a thorough plan for moving forward. We will recommend an amount of lessons based on what you need individually.
Step 2 - Individual lessons with me or one of our other expert accent reduction coaches. Lessons will be very tailored to your specific needs and you will get weekly audio exercise recordings to help you with your individual issues. We will work on accuracy with the sounds of English through specific exercises which strengthen the tongue, lips, and vocal cords. Our work also involves looking at intonation, pitch and other vital elements of fluent and native English such as connected speech and blending.
Step 3 – On completion of the course you will have much clearer and accurate English with a more modern RP sound to your accent also known as the Standard Southern British accent! Your confidence levels and fluency will also have improved! Once you have completed your course you will have the tools you need to keep practising and you will be given lifetime access to the audios we use and materials.
What you will achieve from accent reduction training?
You will gain a complete picture of how you mother tongue has influenced your pronunciation in English.
You will soften the aspects of your accent and voice that are affecting your clarity and accuracy.
You will have a very good knowledge of the sounds of English, the vowels and the consonants.
You will have developed a more Standard Southern British sound to your accent and voice.
You will have a very good knowledge of the key roles that intonation, pitch and blending play in sounding native.
You will sound more like a native speaker and you will be clearer in English and more confident.