Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[cavcstudios]

How can I improve my pronunciation?
Because one day in the cafeteria line a kid asked me where I was from and I told him that I was from several countries and when I finished talking I noticed that the girl infront of him was like chuckling, I assumed that she thought my accent was funny.

[Mister Micawber]

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Accents are not funny; they are the spice of the language. Ignore the girl. As long as you are understood, it is of small importance.

On the other hand, if your pronunciation is unclear and people do not understand you, you need to listen carefully to native accents and mimic them. Don't forget to always check dictionary pronunciations along with the definitions when you look up a new word. A working ability to use the International Phonetic Alphabet will allow you to transcribe spoken English from tapes and conversations and speak it as you have written it down.
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_________________
"I really do not know that anything has ever been more exciting than diagramming sentences." � Gertrude Stein
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Canadian-American who teaches English for a living at Mr Micawber's

[cavcstudios]

I'm happy now, many people tell me that I don't really have an accent when I speak English.

[patsteck]

Hi- the girl who laughed at you might have been wanting to get your attention. Perhaps she thought your accent was "cute" or something and wanted to "catch your eye". It is her loss really if she meant it in a more hurtful way. It may have prevented her from seeing your motivation and hard work! Keep trying, as they say "practice makes perfect". But what sets us apart from eveyone else is the unique way we present ourselves. I know when I go to Spanish-speaking countries, my accent is probably terrible, but I believe that MOST people are happy to see my effort, and I am pleased when I am understood, as that is what counts. As we say here "hang in there", which means keep trying, and don't give up. You could practice with a tape player and play it back for yourself (and others?) to see if you've got it just right.