This is so interesting! I admit that dropping my foreign accent is my goal in speaking English. But. despite learning it since kindergarten and switching from British to American English in my late teens, I still have can't speak like a native.
I have a problem with sounding native as well despite also being a first-generation! In my case, my family switched between countries when I was younger, so sounding too American was embarrassing but also was sounding too Asian! I had to turn everything down a notch or two to assimilate..
Your experience intrigues me. How difficult it must have been to switch between not sounding "too American" and not "too Asian"! I bet your must have developed a very acute sense of hearing nuances in spoken languages.
I have a goal to also reduce my English accent when speaking French. I'm already an adult and people say it's difficult to have a "native" like accent if you're not a child. It'll be a fun exercise to see if it's possible for me.
It's been going well! I haven't been doing anything specifically to reduce my accent except being mindful of my pronunciation when I learn new words. I know that it's something that I won't get right but I'm hoping that in a couple years after more time speaking and hearing the language, I'll have a better grasp of all the sounds.
I think what it is is confidence. When I say a new word for the first time, especially if it's long, I often struggle to pronounce it. It's like I know I'll probably make a mistake so I end up making a mistake haha. That's just the process of learning I guess!
That's the same reason I haven't done that much shadowing in throughout my language learning journey. Finding something worth shadowing is always a challenge.
I'm interested in reading your shadowing article when it comes out!
I share the same perspective on the importance of accents in an L2. Anyone can be understood even without a native like accent.
For me though, I think that it's easier to have a better accent if you've had a lot of exposure to the language before you start speaking. That was my experience with Mandarin. With French I'm building all my skills at the same time. This year I'd like to focus more on deliberately improving my pronunciation and accent as well.
My plan is to do shadowing, more listening and some phonetic study. The tips and strategies you shared will also be helpful as I continue to practice.
"For me though, I think that it's easier to have a better accent if you've had a lot of exposure to the language before you start speaking."
This is very interesting! There must be some research on this somewhere! I was also planning to write an article on shadowing and start a bit of it this year as well. I think my problem is that I've been having trouble finding the perfect resource I want to copy!
I think the reason for reducing my accent is to be more fully accepted in American society and to minimize the feeling of discrimination and prejudice. But it seems even if I speak without an accent, this would still be a problem.
Strangely, I started learning French at 14 and when I spoke to French people, they always commented on how good my accent was. I don't understand why I can't do that with English 😕
I think for languages like Mandarin, getting the correct accent is of utmost importance because a slight difference can change the meaning entirely.
Maybe it also has to do with demographics? In France, there may be a smaller Asian population compared to the US, and an Asian learning French might be seen as more of a novelty and therefore receive more praise. Whereas in the US, there is a diverse population and speaking English is often seen as a basic requirement rather than an accomplishment, so they won't even bother to comment on someone's lack of an accent. Also, I can see how it could seem rude in certain situations.
Mandarin seems like a very daunting language to learn. So much so that I don't think I even want to take it up in the future anymore! 🙈
Hmmm, maybe so! Racially and ethnically related stuff in the States are complicated. An Asian born and raised here would not appreciate a compliment that they speak without an accent. But someone like me who didn't grow up here would appreciate that. It's hard for people to tell the difference, of course. But the Asian hate trend that started during the pandemic did not discriminate between accents. It's the mere fact that we have an Asian face that elicited hate and discrimination, which is really sad.
Yes, Mandarin can be very daunting when it comes to the 4 tones. I grew up speaking Cantonese on top of Mandarin, and if I remember correctly there are 13 tones in Cantonese. But luckily I learned it as a kid, coz I wouldn't even attempt it as an adult!
I'm just as heartbroken that the pandemic has exacerbated certain prejudices and acts of discrimination. I worry about my friends and family back home every day! When I was back last summer, I remember that they even forbade me from walking to the corner store alone — something I would've normally done a few years ago!
It's impressive that you grew up with Mandarin, Cantonese, English and French. Learning languages from a young age certainly has its advantages, especially with tonal languages that can be challenging for adult learners. Your linguistic skills are quite an accomplishment! I'm also sure your English is more native-like than you let on. 😊
This is so interesting! I admit that dropping my foreign accent is my goal in speaking English. But. despite learning it since kindergarten and switching from British to American English in my late teens, I still have can't speak like a native.
I have a problem with sounding native as well despite also being a first-generation! In my case, my family switched between countries when I was younger, so sounding too American was embarrassing but also was sounding too Asian! I had to turn everything down a notch or two to assimilate..
Your experience intrigues me. How difficult it must have been to switch between not sounding "too American" and not "too Asian"! I bet your must have developed a very acute sense of hearing nuances in spoken languages.
I have a goal to also reduce my English accent when speaking French. I'm already an adult and people say it's difficult to have a "native" like accent if you're not a child. It'll be a fun exercise to see if it's possible for me.
How has it been going for you, Victoria? I'm curious to hear more about your exercise to reduce your English accent when speaking French.
It's been going well! I haven't been doing anything specifically to reduce my accent except being mindful of my pronunciation when I learn new words. I know that it's something that I won't get right but I'm hoping that in a couple years after more time speaking and hearing the language, I'll have a better grasp of all the sounds.
I think what it is is confidence. When I say a new word for the first time, especially if it's long, I often struggle to pronounce it. It's like I know I'll probably make a mistake so I end up making a mistake haha. That's just the process of learning I guess!
Funnily enough, the heaviest accent I weld is in my native language.
Does it stand out compared to the people around you? 😮
It's a minority language where I live, so not really :) and I'm not ashamed of it or anything
Children are ruthless! This is a good reminder to own it and accept that you can't be perfect. 😊
You alway manage to turn things into lovely positive teachable moments, Lou! I appreciate you so much for it!
That's the same reason I haven't done that much shadowing in throughout my language learning journey. Finding something worth shadowing is always a challenge.
I'm interested in reading your shadowing article when it comes out!
I share the same perspective on the importance of accents in an L2. Anyone can be understood even without a native like accent.
For me though, I think that it's easier to have a better accent if you've had a lot of exposure to the language before you start speaking. That was my experience with Mandarin. With French I'm building all my skills at the same time. This year I'd like to focus more on deliberately improving my pronunciation and accent as well.
My plan is to do shadowing, more listening and some phonetic study. The tips and strategies you shared will also be helpful as I continue to practice.
"For me though, I think that it's easier to have a better accent if you've had a lot of exposure to the language before you start speaking."
This is very interesting! There must be some research on this somewhere! I was also planning to write an article on shadowing and start a bit of it this year as well. I think my problem is that I've been having trouble finding the perfect resource I want to copy!
I think the reason for reducing my accent is to be more fully accepted in American society and to minimize the feeling of discrimination and prejudice. But it seems even if I speak without an accent, this would still be a problem.
Strangely, I started learning French at 14 and when I spoke to French people, they always commented on how good my accent was. I don't understand why I can't do that with English 😕
I think for languages like Mandarin, getting the correct accent is of utmost importance because a slight difference can change the meaning entirely.
Maybe it also has to do with demographics? In France, there may be a smaller Asian population compared to the US, and an Asian learning French might be seen as more of a novelty and therefore receive more praise. Whereas in the US, there is a diverse population and speaking English is often seen as a basic requirement rather than an accomplishment, so they won't even bother to comment on someone's lack of an accent. Also, I can see how it could seem rude in certain situations.
Mandarin seems like a very daunting language to learn. So much so that I don't think I even want to take it up in the future anymore! 🙈
Hmmm, maybe so! Racially and ethnically related stuff in the States are complicated. An Asian born and raised here would not appreciate a compliment that they speak without an accent. But someone like me who didn't grow up here would appreciate that. It's hard for people to tell the difference, of course. But the Asian hate trend that started during the pandemic did not discriminate between accents. It's the mere fact that we have an Asian face that elicited hate and discrimination, which is really sad.
Yes, Mandarin can be very daunting when it comes to the 4 tones. I grew up speaking Cantonese on top of Mandarin, and if I remember correctly there are 13 tones in Cantonese. But luckily I learned it as a kid, coz I wouldn't even attempt it as an adult!
I'm just as heartbroken that the pandemic has exacerbated certain prejudices and acts of discrimination. I worry about my friends and family back home every day! When I was back last summer, I remember that they even forbade me from walking to the corner store alone — something I would've normally done a few years ago!
It's impressive that you grew up with Mandarin, Cantonese, English and French. Learning languages from a young age certainly has its advantages, especially with tonal languages that can be challenging for adult learners. Your linguistic skills are quite an accomplishment! I'm also sure your English is more native-like than you let on. 😊