American Accent Training for East Asian Prof…

What's inside

Learning objectives

Participants will learn how to pronounce sounds and sound sequences of american english
Participants will be able to use american english intonation

Participants will be able to use american english pronunciation in their conversations more automatically

Participants will learn how to pronounce sounds and sound sequences of american english
Participants will be able to use american english intonation
Participants will be able to use american english pronunciation in their conversations more automatically

Syllabus

Introduction

Welcome to American Accent Training! This introductory lecture is an overview of the course and covers when and how to practice in order to learn effectively. This lecture also explains the importance of sounds at the end of words, and how they effect your speech.

Below, you will find the practice sheet for this week and the video of a demo client session about sounds at the end of words.

This lecture introduces how to make the "r" sound in the middle and end of words. It includes the following:

1. The movements and positioning needed to make a strong "r" sound

2. Hearing how "r" sounds different than other sounds

3. Producing this sound at the middle and end of words

*Note that the IPA symbol /ɹ/ and the "r" are used interchangeably. For more information about the IPA, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Phonetic_Alphabet

This lecture continues to establish a strong production of the "r" sound. This sound is made slightly differently in the beginning of words. The lecture includes the following:

1.Practice hearing and distinguishing the “r” sound

2.Practice using the “r” in the beginning of words.

This lecture is a continuation of the previous "r" lectures and includes the following:

1. Establishing and practicing "r" blends

2. Practicing "r" blends in the beginning, middle and end of words

This lecture is about how the English /l/ sound is made. It features:

1. Establishing a strong /l/ production

2. practicing the /l/ in the beginning of words

This lecture focuses on:

1. Producing a strong /l/ in different word positions

2. Practicing the /l/ sound in the medial and final positions of words

This lecture covers the voiceless "th" sound. It includes:

1. Establishing how to make a good "th" production

2. Practicing this sound in initial, medial and final word positions.

This lecture features the voiced "th" sound (as in "the). It covers:

1. Establishing how to make a good voiced "th" production

2. Practicing this sound in initial, medial and final word positions.

This lecture covers how the /s/ sound changes with plural nouns (e.g. cats) and 3rd person verbs (e.g. sits). It features:

1. When to use the /s/ sound (e.g. cats)

2. When to use the /z/ sound (e.g. dogs)

3. When to use /ɪz/ (e.g. glasses)

This lecture features establishing a strong production of /h/ and practicing this sound in initial and medial word positions.

This lecture covers the differences in the production of /b/ and /v/. It features establishing and practicing the /v/ sound in initial, medial and final word positions.

This lecture covers the difference between the /s/ and /z/ sounds. It includes how to make and practice a strong /z/ production in initial, medial and final word positions.

This lecture features how the /f/ and /p/ sounds are different. It covers establishing and practicing a strong /f/ sound in all word positions.

This lecture covers the production of all of the English vowels and how they are made. Hearing the difference is emphasized first, then producing these sounds. It also covers how vowels are written in English.

This lecture explains how the /ɪ/ is different from the /i/. It includes establishing a strong production of /ɪ/ and practicing this sound in words.

This lecture explains how the /ɪ/ is different from /i/ and /ɛ/. It includes more practice of this sound in contrast to the other vowels.

This lecture features the difference between /ɛ/ and /æ/. It covers establishing productions of both sounds and practicing them in various word positions.

This lecture features how to make the /ʊ/ sound by contrasting it with the /u/ sound. This sound is then practiced in words.

This lecture features the following:

1. The difference between stress and intonation

2. Stress in words

3. General intonation/stress pattern in sentences

4. Which words are generally stressed and which words are weakened

5. Practice of stress and intonation in sentences

This lecture features the following:

1. Intonation/stress for yes/no questions

2. Intonation/stress for other types of questions

3. What words to emphasize when answering questions

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Strengthens existing foundation in English pronunciation for intermediate learners

Course offers real-time feedback for participants

Curriculum is multi-modal and includes video lectures and practice sheets

Provides individualized feedback to each participant

Teaches sounds and sound sequences of American English

Develops American English intonation

Reviews summary

American accent training with personalized feedback

According to learners, this course offers effective American accent training specifically for East Asian professionals. A standout feature is the personalized weekly feedback on voice recordings, which many describe as a game-changer for targeted improvement. Students appreciate the clear video lectures and useful practice sheets that break down complex sounds like 'r', 'l', 'th', and address English vowels and intonation patterns. While some learners found the pace occasionally slow, others praised its structured approach for building a solid foundation, especially for those new to accent training. Consistent practice is highlighted as key for achieving significant improvement in clarity and confidence.

Well-suited for foundational work, but some found the pace slow.

"The pace was a bit slow for me, and some lectures were repetitive."

"Found it too basic. I was looking for something more advanced."

"This course might be better for beginners than advanced learners."

"As a foundation, it's great, but I wished for a bit more advanced material."

Success relies heavily on the student's consistent personal practice.

"You must practice consistently though to see real results."

"It needs dedication, but it's effective if you commit to the exercises."

"It does require personal commitment to practice and apply what's taught."

"I found that consistent self-practice amplified the course's benefits significantly."

Addresses specific pronunciation challenges for East Asian speakers.

"As a Mandarin speaker, I struggled with 'th' and vowel sounds. This course addresses those specific challenges."

"I appreciated the specific focus on common issues for Japanese speakers."

"As an East Asian professional, I found the content highly relevant to my needs."

Explanations are clear, with practical videos and practice.

"The video lectures are clear and break down complex sounds well."

"The instructor explains things very clearly."

"The videos are clear, and the drills are effective."

"I appreciate the useful practice sheets provided with each lesson."

The individual weekly feedback is a highly valuable asset.

"The individual feedback sessions are truly a game-changer."

"Getting personalized guidance on my specific pronunciation issues... made all the difference."

"The weekly voice recording feedback is incredibly valuable."

"The personalized feedback is the highlight of this course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in American Accent Training for East Asian Professionals with these activities:

Review basic English grammar and vocabulary

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Ensure a strong foundation by reviewing the fundamentals of English grammar and vocabulary.

Browse courses on English Grammar

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