The scope of this page is limited to accent modification services provided to adults. The main focus of this content is related to national origin accents.
Accent modification is an elective service sought by individuals who want to change or modify their speech patterns. Accents are variations in the execution of speech characterized by differences in phonological and/or prosodic features that are perceived as different from any native, standard, regional, or dialectal form of speech (Valles, 2015). Accents are marked by variations in speech-sound production, prosody, rate, and fluency (Celce-Murcia, Brinton, & Goodwin, 1996). These linguistic variations may affect intelligibility; however, one can have a noticeable accent and still be clearly intelligible.
Regional accents are common among individuals from different geographic areas—for example, individuals from New York often sound different than individuals from South Carolina. Although this type of accent is not the main focus of this page, some assessment and pronunciation strategies may be applicable to this population. National origin accents, on the other hand, are sometimes heard in non-native individuals who learn English as a second language (L2) as adults. These foreign accents occur because new language learners impose the phonology/sound system of their first language (L1) when speaking a new language. Groups of learners from the same L1 background will, therefore, have the same accent because they share an L1 phonology.
Accents, whether they are regional or foreign, are a natural part of spoken language. It is important to recognize that no accent is "better" than another. It should also be stressed that accents are NOT a communication disorder.
An individual typically seeks accent modification services because others have difficulty understanding what that person is communicating. Although research in this area is still quite limited, it is conducted by a variety of disciplines. Researchers from the English as a Second Language (ESL) field describe three broad dimensions of an accent that contribute to the effectiveness of a communicative exchange (Derwing & Munro, 2009): accentedness, comprehensibility, and intelligibility.
Accents are a natural part of spoken languages. No accent is intrinsically "better" than another, and many accents do not interfere with communicative ability. Accented speech, as stated above, is a variation in the speech produced by a group of individuals—this variation is influenced by their geographic area or the effect of their L1 on the sound system of their L2. Accents reflect a communication difference and not a communication disorder. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) may facilitate accent modification as an elective service, but they do not approach this service as remediation of a disorder. The terminology used to describe an accent and the services related to accent modification reflects this distinction.
Accents often serve as a source of pride for individuals and frequently reflect the social, cultural, ethnic, and geographic background of a person. However, at times, an accent may impede effective and efficient communication. Some issues that may arise and that may warrant individuals to seek elective SLP services are
These communication challenges may negatively affect professional and educational advancement, self-esteem, social interactions, and everyday life activities (Brady, Duewer, & King, 2016; Carlson & McHenry, 2006). Therefore, an individual may choose to seek elective accent modification services from an SLP or other service provider. Individuals typically seek accent modification services to improve intelligibility. Others seek such services to reduce their regional or non-native accent and align their speech with a Standard American English accent. Yet other individuals seek accent modification services to learn a new accent (e.g., actors in plays and film productions).
Accent modification services can be provided by a number of different professions (e.g., a speech-language pathologist or an ESL instructor). Because accent modification is still evolving as an area of expertise, careful consideration should be taken when selecting a service provider. The following is the requisite knowledge base needed to work in the area of accent modification:
When providing accent modification services, clinicians should be sensitive to cultural diversity and should be able to differentially diagnose a communication disorder and a communication difference (Sikorski, 2005). It is essential to work with a clinician who has this knowledge base and the demonstrated ability to apply it to individuals without speech disorders.
SLPs play a central role in the assessment and pronunciation training of persons seeking accent modification services. The professional roles and activities in speech-language pathology include clinical/educational services (assessment, planning, and pronunciation training), advocacy, education, administration, and research. See ASHA's Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology (2016).
Appropriate roles for SLPs include, but are not limited to,
As indicated in the Code of Ethics, Principle II, Rule A (ASHA, 2016), SLPs "shall engage in only those aspects of the professions that are within the scope of their professional practice and competence, considering their certification status, education, training, and experience" (Principle II, Rule A). SLPs who serve this population should be appropriately trained to do so.
Assessment for individuals seeking accent modification services is different, in some ways, from a typical assessment of someone with a communication disorder. The goal here is to understand the impact of an individual's speech pattern on their intelligibility and functionality rather than to determine a differential diagnosis of a disorder. SLPs use assessments to evaluate accentedness, comprehensibility, and intelligibility and to establish goals and objectives that meet the needs of the individual client (Behrman & Akhund, 2013; Celce-Murcia et al., 1996; Schmidt, 1997; Sikorski, 2005). These dimensions of an accent can be assessed in various ways, including
It is important that the clinician conduct a thorough case history to determine the individual's language history. Relevant questions might revolve around where the client has lived and how long they lived in a particular area. A language history will include questions about
Learner variables should be considered early on as they may also serve to guide the assessment protocol. Variables include "age, proficiency level, linguistic and cultural background, prior exposure to the target language, amount and type of prior pronunciation instruction, language aptitude, learning style, and previous exposure to a second language" (Celce-Murcia et al., 1996, p. 320). Another important factor to consider is the client's motivation for accent modification services (Moyer, 1999).
Along with a thorough case history, three main areas need to be considered when evaluating a client who is seeking accent modification services: segmentals, suprasegmentals, and language (e.g., syntax and morphology).
Segmentals are the individual sounds of a language, including consonants and vowels. Every language has a unique set of vowels and consonants and unique ways in which these sounds can be combined or used in words. An articulation assessment will survey the production of consonants, vowels, diphthongs, and consonant clusters in single words, in sentences, and in spontaneous speech.
Awareness of a language's speech-sound system—and, in particular, allophonic variations—is important when assessing segmental features of a language. If a sound in the target language is not part of the phonemic inventory of the individual's L1, then the individual may replace it with an allophone—a variation of a phoneme (e.g., the flap in "butter" being replaced with an aspirated /t/; Behrman, 2014). Auditory discrimination tests are often included in an assessment protocol to determine whether the client is able to perceive the difference among minimal pairs (i.e., pin and pen).
Clinicians should educate themselves on the phonetic inventory and phonological rules of the client's native language, if possible. Comparing and contrasting the L1 and English sound systems will help the clinician better understand why some consonants, vowels, and syllable shapes may be difficult for the client to produce. Clients often feel validated when they are made aware of the differences between their L1 and English.
Suprasegmentals are the prosodic features of speech that include stress, intonation, pitch, timing, and loudness (Behrman, 2014; Celce-Murcia et al., 1996; Sikorski, 2005). Modifications in the suprasegmental features of a language may make a significant impact on speaker intelligibility (Celce-Murcia et al., 1996; Hahn, 2004; Sikorski, 2005; Trofimovich & Baker, 2006). The following list offers a summary of the various suprasegmental features that are assessed and a brief description of each (Bernthal & Bankson, 1993):
For speakers learning English as their L2, the majority of the time that they spend learning L2 is typically devoted to learning syntax, morphology, and vocabulary. An assessment of these aspects of language may assist with determining the individual's proficiency in L2. Language sampling can be gathered from a variety of settings, including the workplace, and may include structured sentences as well as spontaneous conversation (Sikorski, 2005). Language interacts with phonology. For example, an individual may present with a lack of bound morphemes, such as a plural marker. This may be perceived as final consonant deletion or one who has difficulty with consonant clusters. Careful consideration of L1 and its impact on L2 is critical.
Individuals seeking accent modification services will reflect a variety of unique cultural and linguistic backgrounds and experiences. Accent modification services should be provided in a manner that considers each client's unique needs and values. For additional information on providing culturally competent services, see Cultural Competence.
The goal of any accent modification program is improved communication skills. The field of accent modification is relatively young, yet it has evolved over time with a focus on different methods and approaches. When developing a training program, the clinician should consider all of the assessment areas outlined above in order to provide the most comprehensive approach.
In most cases, the goal of accent modification services is to improve an individual's intelligibility so that others are able to comprehend their speech and/or communicate without their accent being a distraction. In accent modification, clinicians frequently use rating scales to measure accentedness, intelligibility, and comprehensibility, all of which are somewhat independent from one another (Derwing & Munro, 1997; Munro & Derwing, 1995). There is a general correlation between a higher degree of accentedness and lower intelligibility/comprehensibility. However, some speakers with strong accents may be as intelligible and/or comprehensible as someone with a lesser degree of accentedness (Munro & Derwing, 1995). Other variables that affect intelligibility include characteristics of the speaker, characteristics of the listener, particular language pairings, language familiarity, use of particular phonemes, and the speech task (Bent & Bradlow, 2003; Bradlow & Bent, 2008; Levy & Law, 2010; Mahendra, Bayles, & Tomoeda, 1999).
Goal setting is typically a collaborative process between the clinician and the client. It is not realistic to expect that individuals will eliminate their accent and sound like a native English speaker (Celce-Murcia et al., 1996). A more achievable goal may be to improve intelligibility and communicative effectiveness by the SLP teaching the individual a combination of pronunciation, syntactic, and intonation skills.
A number of different accent modification training or strategies are used in the field. The following specific strategies have been suggested for pronunciation training:
Accent modification is an elective service. Because an accent is not a communication disorder, these services cannot be billed to insurance.
There are instances when a client who seeks accent modification services also has a speech or language disorder. If an SLP is providing services, they must be certain to note the distinction and separate what types of services are being provided (i.e., elective services for accent modification vs. treatment for a communication disorder). The only services that can be billed to insurance are those provided to evaluate or treat a communication disorder—not those provided to treat a communication difference, such as accented speech.
Provider refers to the person offering the treatment. Accent modification services can be provided by SLPs, ESL instructors, voice and speech coaches, and other professionals.
Format refers to the structure of the training (e.g., group and/or individual). Accent modification is an area of practice that can be delivered individually or in a small group.
Setting refers to the location of services (e.g., home, community based, work). Services can be carried out in an SLP's office, in the client's home, or within the community to promote generalization.
Dosage refers to the frequency, intensity, and duration of service. Many accent modification programs may be intensive in nature. Dosage is determined on the basis of each client's specific needs.
ASHA Principle of Ethics I, Rule J of ASHA's Code of Ethics states, "Individuals shall accurately represent the intended purpose of a service, product, or research endeavor and shall abide by established guidelines for clinical practice and the responsible conduct of research" (ASHA, 2016). Principle I, Rule K states, "Individuals who hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence shall evaluate the effectiveness of services provided, technology employed, and products dispensed, and they shall provide services or dispense products only when benefit can reasonably be expected" (ASHA, 2016). SLPs delivering accent modification services will want to carefully evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of services and accurately represent the goals and expectations of services.
ASHA Code of Ethics (2016), Principle III, Rule B states, "Individuals shall avoid engaging in conflicts of interest whereby personal, financial, or other considerations have the potential to influence or compromise professional judgment and objectivity." SLPs will want to appropriately represent their skills and services when advertising and will want to provide services to only those individuals who may benefit from accent modification services. For more information on appropriate representation when marketing services to the public, see Issues in Ethics: Public Announcements and Public Statements (ASHA, 2015).
Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act protects individuals from employment discrimination on the basis of sex, color, national origin, and religion. Accent discrimination falls under the purview of discrimination based on national origin. According to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, "An employer may not base a decision on an employee's foreign accent unless the accent materially interferes with job performance" (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 2008, p. 1. Employers are not required to hire individuals whose communication materially interferes with satisfactory job performance. However, employers must show impartiality concerning different types of accents. For example, employers are not permitted to show a preference for French or German accents over Japanese or Spanish accents (Franklin, 2012).
It is not within the scope of the SLP to identify cases of accent discrimination. However, providers of accent modification services should be aware of this aspect of the Civil Rights Act and be willing to inform their clients of this provision, when appropriate.
This list of resources is not exhaustive and the inclusion of any specific resource does not imply endorsement from ASHA.
The following articles offer a focus on various pronunciation training models:
Behrman, A. (2014). Segmental and prosodic approaches to accent management. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 23, 546–561.
Bradlow, A. R., Akahane-Yamada, R., Pisoni, D. B., & Tohkura, Y. (1999). Training Japanese listeners to identify English /r/and /l/: Long-term retention of learning in perception and production. Perception & Psychophysics, 61, 977–985.
Bradlow, A. R. (2008). Training non-native language sound patterns: Lessons from training Japanese adults on the English /ɹ/-/l/ contrast. In J. G. Hansen Edwards & M. L. Zampini (Eds.), Phonology and second language acquisition (pp. 287–308). Amsterdam, the Netherlands: John Benjamins.
Brady, K. W., Duewer, N., & King, A. M. (2016). The effectiveness of a multimodal vowel-targeted intervention in accent modification.Contemporary Issues in Communication Science and Disorders, 43, 23–34.
Carlson, H. K., & McHenry, M. A. (2006). Effect of accent and dialect on employability. Journal of Employment Counseling, 43 (2), 70–83.
Derwing, T. M., & Munro, M. J. (2009). Second language accent and pronunciation teaching: A research-based approach. TESOL Quarterly, 39, 379–397.
Hahn, L. (2004). Primary stress and intelligibility: Research to motivate the teaching of suprasegmentals. TESOL Quarterly, 38, 201–223.
Hashemian, M., & Fadaei, B. (2011). A comparative study of intuitive-imitative and analytic-linguistic approaches towards teaching English vowels to L2 learners. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 2, 969–976.
McLeod, S. (Ed.). (2007). The international guide to speech acquisition. Clifton Park, NY: Thomson Delmar Learning.
Morley, J. (1996). Second language speech/pronunciation: Acquisition, instructions, standards, variation, and accent. In J. E. Alatis, C. A. Straelhle, M. Ronkin, & B. Gallenberger (Eds.), Current trends and future prospects (pp. 140-160). Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press.
Schmidt, A. M. (1997). Working with adult foreign accent: Strategies for intervention. Contemporary Issues in Communication Science and Disorders, 24, 53–62.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2015). Issues in ethics: Public announcements and public statements. Available from www.asha.org/Practice/ethics/Public-Announcements-and-Public-Statements/
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2016).Code of ethics [Ethics]. Available from www.asha.org/policy/
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2016). Scope of practice in speech-language pathology [Scope of Practice]. Available from www.asha.org/policy/.
Behrman, A. (2014). Segmental and prosodic approaches to accent management.American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 23, 546–561.
Behrman, A., & Akhund, A. (2013). The influence of semantic context on the perception of Spanish-accented American English.Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 56, 1567–1578.
Bent, T., & Bradlow, A. R. (2003). The interlanguage speech intelligibility benefit. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 114, 1600–1610.
Bernthal, J. E., & Bankson, N. W. (1993). Articulation and phonological disorders (3rd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Bradlow, A. R., Akahane-Yamada, R., Pisoni, D. B., & Tohkura, Y. (1999). Training Japanese listeners to identify English /r/and /l/: Long-term retention of learning in perception and production. Perception & Psychophysics, 61, 977–985.
Bradlow, A. R., & Bent, T. (2008). Perceptual adaptation to non-native speech. Cognition, 106, 707–729.
Brady, K. W., Duewer, N., & King, A. M. (2016). The effectiveness of a multimodal vowel-targeted intervention in accent modification.Contemporary Issues in Communication Science and Disorders, 43, 23–34.
Carlson, H. K., & McHenry, M. A. (2006). Effect of accent and dialect on employability. Journal of Employment Counseling, 43 (2), 70–83.
Celce-Murcia, M., Brinton, D. M., & Goodwin, J. M. (1996). Teaching pronunciation: A reference for teachers of English to speakers of other languages . Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.
Civil Rights Act of 1964 § 6, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d.
Derwing, T. M., & Munro, M. J. (1997). Accent, intelligibility, and comprehensibility: Evidence from four L1s. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 19, 1–16.
Derwing, T. M., & Munro, M. J. (2009). Putting accent in its place: Rethinking obstacles to communication. Language Teaching, 42, 276–490.
Franklin, A. D. (2012). Acquisition of a phonological system in adulthood. In B. V. Peter & A. MacLeod (Eds.), Comprehensive perspectives on child speech development and disorders (pp. 225–246). Hauppauge, NY: Nova Science Publishers.
Hahn, L. (2004). Primary stress and intelligibility: Research to motivate the teaching of suprasegmentals. TESOL Quarterly, 38, 201–223.
Levy, E. S., & Law, F. F. (2010). Production of French vowels by American-English learners of French: Language experience, consonantal context, and the perception-production relationship. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 128, 1290–1305.
Mahendra, N., Bayles, K., & Tomoeda, C. (1999). Effect of an unfamiliar accent on the repetition ability of normal elders and individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Medical Speech-Language Pathology, 7, 223–230.
Morley, J. (1996). Second language speech/pronunciation: Acquisition, instructions, standards, variation, and accent. In J. E. Alatis, C. A. Straelhle, M. Ronkin, & B. Gallenberger (Eds.), Current trends and future prospects (pp. 140–160). Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press.
Moyer, A. (1999). Ultimate attainment in L2 phonology. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 21, 81–108.
Munro, M. J., & Derwing, T. M. (1995). Foreign accent, comprehensibility, and intelligibility in the speech of second language learners. Language Learning, 45, 73–97.
Schmidt, A. M. (1997). Working with adult foreign accent: Strategies for intervention.Contemporary Issues in Communication Science and Disorders , 24, 53–62.
Sikorski, L. D. (2005). Regional accents: A rationale for intervening and competencies required. Seminars in Speech and Language, 26(2), 118–125.
Trofimovich, P., & Baker, W. (2006). Learning second language suprasegmentals: Effect of L2 experience on prosody and fluency characteristics of L2 speech. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 28, 1–30.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (2008). Facts about national origin discrimination. Retrieved from https://www.eeoc.gov/facts/fs-nator.html
Valles, B., Jr. (2015). The impact of accented English on speech comprehension (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses—Gradworks (Publication No. 3708574). Available from http://gradworks.proquest.com/37/08/3708574.html
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