Accent-Reduction/American English Pronunciation Practice
What you'll learn
- Essentials of North American English Pronunciation and accent acquisition
- development of a wide and varied accent asset portfolio using audio and multimedia
- becoming familiar and confident with the phonological blueprint of North-American accent
- how to use various digital and analogue multimedia tools to practice English accents
Requirements
- downloadable materials included in course and time to practice
- stable Internet connection web-conference, microphone, headset
- Use any one or combination of the following for audio evaluation: Audacity, Goldwave, Wavosaur, NCH Wav Pad
- current version of Windows, IOS, Android or other Linux
Description
Favorably and extensively reviewed and proven to be effective by students, the accent-reduction and/or speech synthesis program developed from dissertation research using multi-media methods. The instructor has taught this subject for over eight years to public and private causes, as library, individuals, and language schools.
The emphasis is on an ecological approximation of the various sounds, rhythms, inflections, and patterns the spoken language integrates. The goal is to develop a balanced, systematic voice/accent portfolio/profile based on lesson/MP3 recordings using digital audio monitoring software. Students obtain a repository of audio files during each lesson to be used for actively evaluating individual expression while waiting in line, traffic, and during breaks.
The course is configurable according to the following respective or interchangeable options:
1. Study with instructor asynchronously by sending those individually collected assets to the instructor via email or cloud link for feedback, revision suggestions, and customization of additional samples to further upgrade accent acquisition. This may also include written feedback related to specific samples and cue points or benchmarks of the transmitted samples in Goldwave or Wavepad for insight into necessary optimization. This option does not require any formal lesson or meeting.
2. Study with instructor in real-time via meeting app to collect and cultivate accent and voice recording assets using the same and considerably more upgrade tools and resources.
3. Study more per lecture and presentation than active practice and collection of accent assets in a portfolio: this option or track covers and surveys a wide, varied inventory of topics The course encompasses over 135 pdf and word files, along with multimedia items, to be surveyed.
Each option will require some degree of independent study with the video assets, the omni-phrase guide, the accessible samples, and the collection of new, stylistic samples with the software, comparing, contrasting, and upgrading the recordings of voice and accent.
Sources:
Burrkowsky, Mitchess (1969) Teaching American Pronunciation to Foreign Students. New York: Warren Green, 1969.
Morton, H., Gunson, N., Jack, M. (2012). Interactive Language Learning through Speech-Enabled Virtual Scenarios. Advances in Human Computer Interaction. doi:10.1155/2012/389523.
Zheng, D., Young, M. F., Wagner, M. M., & Brewer, R. A. (2009). Negotiation for action:
English language learning in game-based virtual worlds. The Modern Language
Journal, 93(4), 489.
minimum configuration for online: Intel Core Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2, Audacity or Wavosaur, 5 MBPS Internet, webcam with mic, SSD Drive, Windows 7 or other OS
recommended: Intel I7 or AMD Ryzen 5-7, Goldwave Audio, MPOW USB headset (Mpow USB Headset/3.5mm Computer with Noise Cancelling Mic Stereo Wired Headphone), 10 MBPS Internet, M.2 Drive, Windows 10 64bit.
Who this course is for:
- non-native English students, bilinguals/polyglots, immigrant students, voice (over) actors, theater/acting students, singers, speakers
- speech impairments (mumble, stutter, lisp, gibberish), any level of English learning
- Vietnamese native parent new to Anglophone North American culture who needs to transmit English to children and contribute to household.
Instructor
- 4.7 Instructor Rating
- 596 Reviews
- 3,893 Students
- 1 Course
A tech-inspired freelance PhD and education researcher, I often enjoy favorable feedback for my lesson delivery that connects contemporary tools to students' critical challenges. I grew up multilingually in Europe and United States, coordinating employment with educational perspectives to then provide a relevant learning experience for demanding clients. For instance, my background as a multimedia specialist often inspires creative content that delivers an edge over problems and tasks. Examples are interactive study guides and customized digital game elements. I have taught various English topics, including composition, accent-reduction, and creative writing, to diverse demographics: adult learners, special needs, seniors, and at global destinations. I have a Ph.D. in E-Learning and Education Technology Leadership and a BA in English from regionally accredited universities. My dissertation is available online and is relevant to my practice and perspective. My style and attitude toward teaching is a balance between subject delivery and reflective, supportive interaction. I seek to enable current research on education for busy, yet goal-driven student interests. This is done through customized online lessons coordinating the experience with optimal resources and tools: ESL and Speech students learn to monitor their own phonological issues with dedicated software/feedback, guiding German students through dialogues and exercises, and ensuring relevant resources for Excel and related productivity lessons.