Welcome to the web page of the course Accent Neutralization! This website is a humble on-going project as part of my modest desire to help you my dear learners neutralize your current, L1-heavy English accent. In my desire to transcend the barriers of traditional classroom interaction, I enjoin you to embark on this journey together and we all enjoy the beauty of communicating your thoughts on the world stage. With the growing trend of integrating technology in the field of pedagogy, this initiative serves as my initial tiny steps towards the ultimate goal of seamless and ubiquitous learning that these modern technological advancements bring to the classroom. So, what are you waiting for? Jump in and let’s have fun learning online!
“Neutralizing one’s accent, one phoneme at a time…” ~ Salirick Andres
Course description
A course in support to the speech development for college students which aims to neutralize their heavy Filipino accent not suitable for oral communication with native English speakers. Emphasis is on pronunciation, intonation, blending and linking. Students are expected to develop a Global speaking personality being able to understand and be understood by native English speakers.
Course objective
The course aims to develop among the students their unique speaking personality and becoming conversant in English with a noticeable neutral accent.
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
By the completion of the course, the students should be able to:
- Master the vowels, consonants and diphthongs.
- Use the sense stress as well as the syllable stress in sentence/paragraph enunciation.
- Employ the proper intonation in their speech delivery and class discussions.
- Deliver talks and conversation with a conscious effort to show linking or liaisons.
- Speak with confidence as they show mastery of the English Language.
Student outcomes addressed by the course
The students should be able to:
- articulate and discuss the latest developments in the specific field of practice.
- use the techniques, skills, and modern technology necessary for the practice of the profession.
- function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader in diverse teams and in multidisciplinary settings.
- communicate effectively in oral and in written English.
- recognize the need for, and prepare to engage in lifelong learning.
Course topics (Accent neutralization 1)
Prelim Period (Weeks 1–6)
Unit I – The Basics of Accent Neutralization. Familiarization with the Speech Laboratory Facility, The User Audio Panel (UAP), The PC and Projector. The headset and microphone, Introduction to Accent Neutralization, Accent vs. Pronunciation, Accent Myths and Truths, Ways of changing and acquiring an accent, Components of accent, Pronunciation and Articulation, Rhythm and Stress, Pausing and Linking, Pitch and Intonation, Introduction to Phonology, The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and its sound symbols.
Midterm Period (Weeks 7–12)
Unit II – The English Sounds in Focus. The Vowels, Classification according to Positions of the Tongue, Classification according to Position of the Lips, Classification according to Length of the Sound, Thorough drills and exercises on the different vowel sounds, The Diphthongs, Thorough drills and exercises on different diphthongs, The Consonants, Classification according to Presence/Absence of Voice, Classification according to Manner of Articulation, Place of Articulation, Thorough drills and exercises on the different consonant sounds, The Silent Phonemes, Thorough drills and exercises on the silent phonemes.
Final Period (Weeks 13–18)
Unit III – Application. IPA Sound Transcription, From Spoken English to IPA transcription, From IPA Transcription to Spoken English, Individual Speaking Exercises, Dyadic Speaking Exercises, Group Reading and Group Speaking Exercises. Culminating Activity.
Course topics (Accent neutralization 2)
Prelim Period (Weeks 1–6)
Unit I – Articulation Mastery. Common problems in pronunciation, Vowels: Tense and Lax Vowels, Consonants and Diphthongs. American T, R, L, V, Tee Aitch, The sibilants, Nasal consonants, Throaty consonants, Reduced sounds, Vowels, Consonants and Diphthongs.
Midterm Period (Weeks 7–12)
Unit II – Emphasis and Liaisons. Stress and Meaning, Syllable Stress, Sense Stress, Word groups and phrasing, Word connections, Word expansions, Pausing and Linking.
Final Period (Weeks 13–18)
Unit III – Intonation. Stress and meaning, Syllable stress, Sense stress, Staircase intonation, Complex intonation, Register, Actual demonstration of students’ neutralized accent (BBC & CNN News casting)
Course references
The reference listed herein are available in the library of TIP Quezon City and mostly available on-line. Our course does not require you to purchase any of these nor download them on-line. You may consult any other references to suit your needs as you are free to explore various resources to complete your accent neutralization experience.
- Yates, Jean. (2013). Pronounce It Perfectly in English. 3rd Edition. Barrons Educational Series.
- Ladefoged, Peter. (2011). A course in Phonetics. Cengage Learning.
- Gussenhoven, Carlos. (2011). Understanding Phonology.
- Mojsin, Lisa. (2009). Mastering American Accent (E-book Version) Barrons Educational Series.
- Cook, Ann. (2000). American Accent Training Second Edition. Matrix Press.
- www.americanaccent.com
- www.proesl.com