The number of times we were asked about accent adjustment is mind-boggling and if it is the same challenges you have, please read on.
Click on the buttons below to see our replies to the most common questions.
You can be very fluent but have a “bad” accent; a good example is Jack ma; he sounds like Chinese through and through. Has he ever attempted to mask his accent and come out with a north American one? No, he didn’t; he makes sure he speaks with good grammar, and people respect him.
You may have a good UK or North American accent, but if you speak with poor grammar, you will be poorly understood no matter what. Work on your grammar and build a solid foundation before doing anything else.
2. What’s the difference between English accent and pronunciation?
There is no one right English accent. Do you want to sound English, Scottish, American, Australian, or Singaporean? It depends on where you are and who you interact with. People in Singapore might admire your American accent, but you’ll also create distance.
If you prefer to blend in and be understood in the street as best as possible, you may tend to a more Singaporean accent. But there are ways to pronounce it correctly and incorrectly. Articulation is part of pronunciation. Pronunciation can be right or wrong. Pronounce incorrectly, and you will be misunderstood.
3. How can I improve my English accent?
A few tips
1) Watch more movies about that accent you wish to learn. Train your ear and tongue to pick up how they enunciate the words. Wish to learn more about North America? Watch US sitcoms
2) Buy a plane ticket and live there for 6 months. In that 6 months, hang out with the locals, and you will soon learn their ways and cultures. However, this also depends on how good you pick up an accent and use it. Not many people can succeed in doing this, and this is why stand-up comedians can make a good living by picking up an accent and acting it out to everyone for a good laugh.
4. Any classes to improve your English accent?
Sign up for our class!
We employ native speakers from US and UK to speak with you and give you conversational practice.
Ready to start improving? First of all, do our placement test as it is important that you find out your level before you start any English class, click here to first find out your level.
How do I sound like Anthony Hopkins?
Okay, first of all. I hate to burst your bubble but you’re going to sound rasping and metallic. (Not very relatable in today’s context). You can learn to imitate and speak like Anthony Hopkins in his movie, but it would not sound natural if you use it for long conversations. He does not speak like that in real life.
You can train exceptionally hard, you can watch all his movies, do every single thing he’s ever done in his life…
… but…
… YOU ARE NOT Anthony Hopkins!!!
Wish to sound like him? Work on your grammar first
You are *you*.
Not him, not me.
We taught a pair of twin sisters before.
They did the same exercises.
They studied for the same duration as one another.
They have the same parents and, therefore, similar genetics.
And yet they did not progress at the same rate.
One was better with speaking due to her higher confidence, and the other was better with writing as she was meticulous.
I started my learning journey many years ago.
I became a better version of MYSELF.
And you will, too, become a better version of YOURSELF.
NOT of someone else.
People speak differently just as they have different FACES.
Back to your question about polishing your English..
A typical school sits around 15 – 20 students.
The trainer enters the class and reads a script, lecture style.
If you ask questions, you may slow down the class.
Thus, you become afraid or think twice before asking questions.
How would you learn more if your questions are not addressed?
In reality, language needs to be practised.
Someone will have to listen and let you know where your mistake is.
The trainer can’t do that if there are 20 students in the class.
We can. Because our classes are small and our trainers can cater to the needs of all our students.
Come to our trial class and experience it yourself.
Just send us an email for the next scheduled trial class date.
Every small improvement makes a difference immediately. You may never be perfect, and that’s ok. Even native speakers make mistakes. But as you become more confident in your ability to communicate in English, you’ll see the benefits.
We strongly believe that confidence is built through doing. That’s why our teachers will always encourage you to take the next step. Speak out, and try to speak out faster.
Practice and application are more important. To improve your conversational skills in English, you need to “do more” and “understand less”. That’s why we focus on practical topics that you can apply at the office the next day.
Not sure which course to join?
Test your level and we will advise you.