How to Lose Your Accent

Co-authored by Patrick Muñoz

Last Updated: September 20, 2021 References Approved

Having an accent is not necessarily something to be ashamed of, but there are several reasons you may want to work on losing it. For example, you could be working on a performance in a non-native language or trying to be more easily understood. Keep in mind that losing an accent will take a lot of practice and time, so be patient during the process. Eventually, you will achieve the result you desire!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Practicing on Your Own

1
Practice getting rid of your accent at least five days a week. Practice makes perfect is a common saying for a reason. You will not lose your accent unless you consciously work on doing so. Take some time out of your day five days a week to work on the accent you desire to have. You should practice at least 15 minutes, but 30 minutes to an hour is ideal.^{[1]
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- Use your practice time wisely. Choose a specific thing you want to work on every time you practice. For example, use one day to work on rhythm.
2
Speak slowly. Even native speakers are easier to understand when they speak slowly. Do not try to speak at what is considered at a “normal” pace for natives when you are working on your accent. Speak slowly and enunciate. Finish one word and pause before you start the next.^{[2]
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- You can practice speaking slowly to your partner, a friend, family member, or even to yourself if you're nervous about speaking very slowly when out and about in daily life.
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3
Practice your rhythm. Rhythm is about timing within a phrase or sentence. This mainly equates to where we place the strong or weak stress in a sentence. When learning a new accent, it is also important to learn where the stress is placed. Listen to native speakers to get an idea of the rhythm of the accent you're trying to accomplish.^{[3]
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- If you're working on English, practice where the stresses are in a sentence. For example, “That's the best thing you could've done.” Say that sentence and put the emphasis on the word “best.”
4
Read out loud. Spend some time each day reading out loud in the language you're working on. Sound out each word slowly and carefully as you read. You could read the newspaper, a book, or a comic. Read whatever you like so the experience is enjoyable and productive. Saying the words in front of you out loud will help you pick up on rhythm and work on pronunciation.^{[4]
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5
Record yourself. Choose a short speech or passage from a book. If possible, choose something that you can listen to first in the accent you're trying to accomplish. Turn on a recording device, like your smartphone, and say the passage out loud. Then, play it back to yourself when you're finished. Note what you need to work on to reduce your accent.^{[5]
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6
Stress the correct syllables. Different languages emphasize different parts of the word. Many languages are syllable-timed, which means that every word in the sentence is the same length. English usually stresses the important words in the sentence. Learn what part of the word the language you're working on stresses when working on losing your accent.^{[6]
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7
Watch television and listen to the radio. When learning any accent, listening to and imitating a native speaker is the most important step and fastest way to learn. Spend some time each day watching a T.V. show, listening to the radio, listening to music, or listening to an audiobook in the language and accent you want to imitate. If possible, listen to a few sentences, pause it, and then repeat those sentences.^{[7]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Learning from Others

1
Work with a tutor. This is surest way to lose your accent. A tutor can focus on your accent and come up with a plan to help you lose it and take on your desired accent. The tutor will likely meet with you at least once a week and give you exercises to work. You can find a tutor through an online search, at a local community college, non-profit organization, or even a library.^{[8]
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- Keep in mind that a tutor may be costly. If the cost is too much, you can save up to cover the costs, negotiate a payment plan with the tutor, or look up online tutors that may be cheaper than an in-person tutor.
2
Listen to a native speaker in person. Talk with a friend that is native in the language you're working on, go listen to a speech, or listen to a teacher give a lecture. This way, you will hear the speaker live and hear how their voice sounds fairly unrehearsed. Listen carefully to how they pace themselves and any words that are specific to the accent they are using.^{[9]
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3
Get involved with the local community. A great and inexpensive way to work on losing your accent is to get involved with a community of native speakers. You could get involved with a club (like a book club), church, or group for whatever interests you. This will allow you to practice your accent and provide you with people that can gently correct you when you make a mistake.^{[10]
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- You may feel shy about talking at first, but remember that kind people will only want to help you.
4
Join a group of other non-native speakers. You should spend most of your time practicing with native speakers, but it would also help to practice with people that you feel comfortable talking with. It will especially help you if you are shy when talking to native speakers because talking to non-native speakers will help you gain confidence. You can look online for a group or ask around at a college campus.^{[11]
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5
Ask to be corrected when you mispronounce something. When talking to a native speaker or someone who has successfully lost their accent, ask if they wouldn't mind correcting you when you make a mistake. Not being allowed to continue making the same mistake will help you correct yourself faster. The person should correct you in a polite and constructive way rather than being rude when they correct you. ^{[12]
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6
Watch YouTube videos about pronunciation. There are videos on YouTube dedicated to helping you learn just about any language you can imagine. Look up lessons for whatever language you're working on. Specifically, look for videos that focus on pronunciation. Watch past videos and subscribe to the channel for future videos.
- You can often tell that a channel is helpful if they have a lot of subscribers and put out content regularly.
7
Focus on the accent you want to imitate. It's great to listen to the language in general, but try to focus on the exact accent you want to achieve. For example, if you want to mask your accent and take on a southern accent, listen to a reality T.V. show made in the southern United States. Or, if you want to work on a Parisian French accent, watch a Parisian talk show.^{[13]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Utilizing Resources

1
Buy a pronunciation dictionary. A dictionary will teach you how to correctly pronounce the word and break it down for you. Go through a page of the dictionary each day. Pronounce each words slowly and carefully. Look at the breakdown of the word if you're having trouble pronouncing the word.^{[14]
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2
Use an online dictionary. It's also an option to go to Dictionary.com or whatever the equivalent is for the accent you're working towards. An online dictionary gives you the option to hear the word pronounced out loud for you. It's also free as long as you have access to the internet.^{[15]
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- It's even better to use a print and online dictionary simultaneously. You can keep the print dictionary with you and listen to the word spoken aloud online.
3
Check out books and audiobooks from your local library. Books and audiobooks can get expensive, and that's why using your local library is great. If you don't already have a library card, get one. Then, use that card to check out books on language, books in the language you're working on, and audiobooks and/or movies. This will save you money and allow you to check out new content as often as you'd like.^{[16]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How can I learn a new accent fast?

Patrick Muñoz
Voice & Speech Coach
Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association.

Patrick Muñoz

Voice & Speech Coach

Expert Answer

Find the sounds that are different and practice them. Listen to the new accent and find the sounds that are different from your native accent. Reproduce and copy the sounds and work on your intonation. Modeling sounds and incorporating their rhythm is the best start to changing your accent.
Question

How long will it take for me to change my accent?

Community Answer

It depends on how much you practice and how much determination you have to change your accent. It can take anywhere from a few months to a few years.
Question

Can I have two accents at the same time?

Community Answer

Yes, you can totally do that. Just make sure you focus on the one you speak the most, for example, if you are speaking English for most of your day, then just concentrate on that. Remember that pronunciations are the most important thing to learn or master in a new accent.

Warnings

People may make fun of you while you are working on your accent. Remember that this is a fault of theirs and has nothing to do with you.

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