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| Subject: Where to learn Canadian/American Accent |
I want to learn Canadian way of english, What should i do, are there are institutions or cd´s available
Is American and Canadian accent the same ?
[24-09-2007,13:42]
[**.89.120.218]
KK |
(in reply to: Where to learn Canadian/American Accent)
Interesting question. As an American, the Canadian accent is almost the same, but I hear distinct differences. Of course, every other sentence ends in "eh?" with the tone of a question.
The other thing I notice is a heavy emphasis on consonants, which I think comes from the French-Canadian way of English speech. And not to forget, the British spelling of some words is also different from American., i.e. theatre, licence, center.
But if you know English, whether Canadian, American, or British, it really shouldn´t matter. You don´t need special instruction or CD.
[24-09-2007,13:54]
[**.47.168.204]
Richard |
(in reply to: Where to learn Canadian/American Accent)
My English language skills are excellent but my Accent is typical Indian style and I am looking to change that as i feel it will better to do job/business as now I will be living in Canada for rest of my life
I am looking for any cd´s or training material
[24-09-2007,14:00]
[**.89.120.218]
KK |
(in reply to: Where to learn Canadian/American Accent)
Local educational and government institutions may offer English as a second language courses (ESL). These include speech and pronunciation. Check with local organizations in Canada where you live. There are also "accent reduction" courses available. You may want to check the internet for that.
Others may want to comment on what´s available.
I personally don´t agree with trying to eliminate one´s foreign accent. My wife speaks with a Polish accent but is perfectly understandable. It adds uniqueness and originality. To my mind, why should everyone sound exactly the same, especially when Canada is a multi-cultural and diversified country?
[24-09-2007,14:36]
[**.47.168.204]
Richard |
(in reply to: Where to learn Canadian/American Accent)
I totally agree with Richard.
Both me and my spouse also have our own accent in English but that what makes it original.
On the other side I can understand why someone wants to improve their prononciation and just get better. I must say from my experience in teaching language, if you don´t want to speak with an accent you should learn the foreign language in early childhood.
After a certain age (=young age) it is almost impossible to suppress your accent. I am afraid KK is heading to a dead end. Though he may improve his accent over time he will never suppress it.
I am sorry if I sound hard on this, this is the hard reality.
[24-09-2007,14:50]
[***.207.38.125]
CBV333 |
(in reply to: Where to learn Canadian/American Accent)
I notice the Vancouver School Board Continuing Education program offered a course in accents and pronounciation this fall term.
I am still trying to decide what a Canadian accent sounds like! If I go to the east coast or Newfoundland, I feel like I am talking to people from a different country. Listen to our Quebec politicians trying to speak english - yikes! Same is true in the US - get someone from New York in the same room as someone from Texas and you would really wonder which person is speaking American english because they do not remotely sound the same.
Rather than thinking about accents (Richard is right - we are so multicultural that ´sounding the same´ is impossible)put your energy into being understood. As I suggested, take a night course, or better yet, surround yourself with Canadianized friends who are willing to repeat things with you to help you train your ears.
Sometimes you will find that your native language does not have sounds that are the same so you have to train yourself to form those sounds. It is amazing what happens to our speach when we are 1-3 years old! My guy speaks Arabic and French. He tries to teach me phrases and I literally can´t do it. My mouth cannot form the sounds. (my pathetic attempts become entertainment for him and his friends). In turn, he struggles with sounds not native to arabic or french such as a clear ´s´. He is pretty stubborn about it all so the conversation often comes to a screaching halt while we repeat, repeat again, repeat again how to say a word. Sadly the story or joke is lost but I figure it is worth it.
[24-09-2007,15:11]
[***.121.220.199]
sharon |
(in reply to: Where to learn Canadian/American Accent)
Auntie Sharon,
Why you and your guy not speak Rastafarian english? jamaican english? I man speak rasta english and get along well with the english ducks. time for some ital. do not ban me again auntie sharon , like roy do when i man defending a brother robbed by roy.
Jah lives forever!
[24-09-2007,15:55]
[**.158.149.3]
Deportee |
(in reply to: Where to learn Canadian/American Accent)
Uncle Deportee, what is your point?
[24-09-2007,18:05]
[***.121.220.199]
sharon |
(in reply to: Where to learn Canadian/American Accent)
While I was in Toronto in 2003 I used to be ESL student at www.ilac.com its perfect
Speedoflight
[24-09-2007,18:14]
[**.80.161.154]
Speedoflight |
(in reply to: Where to learn Canadian/American Accent)
If you are still in india there are several schools especially in mubai (due to the call centers) that teach canadian and american voice and accent training.
[24-09-2007,22:39]
[**.84.34.57]
cita |
(in reply to: Where to learn Canadian/American Accent)
Deportee- got nothin´ better to do, mon? Let everyone speak their mind and leave be.
[25-09-2007,01:07]
[**.47.168.204]
Richard |
