June 21, 2022 - 4:30pm to 6:30pm
ONLINE ONLY

IV. Accent Reduction

Prerequisite: Oral Communication

Summer Session: Tuesdays, June 21 - July 26, 4:30pm-6:30pm

This class helps non-native speakers to recognize and practice American English sounds, stress, and intonation patterns in order to improve comprehension and intelligibility. This is accomplished through identification of problem areas, focused practice and recording of exercises for instructor feedback.

Course topics:

  • Review of vowel and consonant articulation
  • Stress patterns at the word and sentence level
  • Linking and reductions
  • Thought groups and focus words
  • Intonation and pitch variation

By the end of the course, participants are expected to:

  • Better understand American English sounds, stress, and intonation patterns
  • Identify some of their specific pronunciation problem areas
  • Show progress in their ability to self-monitor and self-correct in these areas
  • Develop coping strategies to compensate for pronunciation weaknesses
  • Gain exposure to useful resources available for ongoing self-improvement
Categories: 
OPA Program
Domain: 
Communication