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Emily Sadeghi, M.S.CCC-SLP

This course trains East-Asian professionals how to speak with more of an American English accent. It includes video lectures and practice sheets for each section. Background languages targeted are: Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese), Korean, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Japanese.

In American Accent Training, feedback is very important. This course features videos of feedback sessions with Mandarin (Chinese) speakers. Participants are offered feedback individually as well; once a week, you can send in a voice recording and you will receive feedback.

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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

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.

Read more

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

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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
Ensure a strong foundation by reviewing the fundamentals of English grammar and vocabulary.
Browse courses on English Grammar
Show steps
  • Read through grammar textbooks or online resources.
  • Complete practice exercises to reinforce grammar concepts.
  • Review vocabulary lists and use flashcards.
  • Identify areas where you need more practice.
Create a pronunciation notebook
Organize and review pronunciation notes, practice exercises, and feedback you've received to enhance your learning process.
Show steps
  • Gather pronunciation resources from the course.
  • Create a dedicated notebook for pronunciation practice.
  • Write down key pronunciation tips and rules.
  • Include practice exercises and drills.
Watch videos and tutorials on English pronunciation
Supplement your learning by exploring online resources that provide additional guidance on pronunciation techniques.
Browse courses on English Pronunciation
Show steps
  • Search for videos and tutorials on YouTube.
  • Choose a resource that aligns with your learning style.
  • Take notes on key pronunciation tips.
  • Practice the techniques you learn.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Practice pronouncing specific sounds
Practice pronouncing challenging English sounds to improve your accent and make your speech more comprehensible.
Browse courses on English Pronunciation
Show steps
  • Listen to audio demonstrations of the target sound.
  • Practice saying the sound in isolation.
  • Practice saying the sound in words and sentences.
Record yourself speaking and analyze your progress
Objectively evaluate your pronunciation by recording yourself and identifying areas for improvement.
Browse courses on Self-Reflection
Show steps
  • Set up a recording device.
  • Record yourself speaking for several minutes.
  • Identify areas where your pronunciation could be improved.
  • Focus on practicing those areas in future sessions.
Receive individual feedback on your pronunciation
Get personalized feedback from a native English speaker to identify areas for improvement.
Browse courses on Language Learning
Show steps
  • Record yourself speaking English.
  • Submit your recording for feedback.
  • Review and apply the feedback you receive.
Attend a pronunciation workshop or webinar
Gain access to expert guidance and support by attending a focused workshop or webinar on pronunciation.
Show steps
  • Research and find a suitable workshop or webinar.
  • Register and attend the event.
  • Take notes and engage in discussions.
  • Apply the techniques learned to your own practice.
Create a vlog or podcast to practice speaking English
Develop your fluency and confidence by creating content that requires you to speak English naturally.
Browse courses on Content Creation
Show steps
  • Choose a topic that you're interested in.
  • Create an outline for your content.
  • Practice speaking in front of a mirror or with a friend.
  • Record your content.
  • Share your content with others and ask for feedback.
Participate in a pronunciation contest or challenge
Challenge yourself and demonstrate your progress by participating in a pronunciation-focused competition or challenge.
Show steps
  • Find a suitable competition or challenge.
  • Prepare thoroughly by practicing and rehearsing.
  • Participate in the competition or challenge.
  • Seek feedback and identify areas for improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete American Accent Training for East Asian Professionals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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