Many people wonder how to speak English like an American. Well, if you want to learn American English accent, what you should do is learn some key sounds, which are used by all native western speakers. Regular practice will also make a huge difference.
Speaking with an American accent can be tough for a lot of reasons. The enormous challenge for some English learners is that particular sounds in English cannot be found in other languages.
So, make sure to keep this in mind, and you'll see results in no time.
Accent VS Pronunciation
Before we dive into the tips on how to learn American English accent, we should at least differentiate accent from pronunciation.
An accent is governed by factors like your location and your class. It also refers to the way how letters and stressed in a particular word.
As for pronunciation, it is more about how someone can speak the language. It is how you can articulate certain words so people can understand you better. You can pronounce a particular word, but your accent will sound like your local language.
4 Must-Try Ways to Learn American English Accent
Here are four tips on how you can learn the American English accent effectively.
Take Advantage of American Accent Training Videos
The Internet can offer you many sources for training. These pieces of exercise can be helpful for those who are interested in English instruction.
The best thing about such parts of training is that they offer authentic English videos.
Including movie trailers, YouTube clips, and much more, that can boost your language learning experience.
Every video comes with interactive captions, which you may use for learning any word.
Click on the word, and hear how it is pronounced correctly.
Related article: 20 American Slang Words to Sound Like a True American
Consider Watching American News Programs
To be effective in speaking English with precise western diction, watching news programs can be of great help. For the best experience, try watching national programs like CNN and Fox News.
Most national news anchors have a general western intonation. If you are planning to travel to a place with a strong local accent like West or South, search for videos from the local news stations in such areas.
Study their localized elocution and practice always. By continually watching others do it, you also learn American English accent training
Try Watching American Television Shows or Movies
Most learners have, in all likelihood, used American shows and movies to learn their language. A variety of English accents is known in various shows, albeit you will usually hear something close to the General Midwestern accent.
For instance, sitcoms, including Full House and Friends, are great for English learners for the reason that they are short and frequently incorporate daily problems in the storylines.
Aside from that, they use a lot of physical humor that would help you understand more about what's going on, regardless if you can or cannot follow the dialogues at first.
You Can Never Go Wrong Enrolling in a Course to Learn American Accent
There are plenty of courses out there on platforms such as Coursera, Skillshare and Udemy, have a look at this one called The Pronunciation of American English Specialization or Tricky American English Pronunciation on Coursera. Depending on your needs or preferences, choose the one that would benefit you the most.
Learning how to speak this language with a precise accent can be challenging, especially if it's your first time learning it.
Whatever your reason is for learning English with an American accent, the key is to practice frequently until you've mastered the nuances.
Final Thoughts
If you want to speak English with an American accent, make sure you try our tips as soon as possible. Remember that practice makes perfect, so prepare yourself to work hard.
Good luck!
How do you speak with an American accent?
You can practice an American accent by watching accent training videos, American News Programs or hiring an accent teacher.
Should I learn British or American accent?
If you want to travel to the US, you should try to learn American accent. It also depends on your available resources. If you use majority of American resources, you should choose that accent.
How long does it take to learn American accent?
Learning to speak with an American English accent does not take a lot of time. It usually takes around 2 to 3 months.