|
|
Accent is relative and a matter of subjective perception. It only becomes a problem when it gets in the way of communicating--for example, when it prevents one's professional clients from focusing on the work at hand. The focus then becomes the accent, and the professional exchange is seriously impeded. That's when the businessperson recognizes the need for accent modification. Census 2000 is clear proof that multicultural and linguistic diversity is on an upward spiral in the United States. There are more U.S. residents speaking more languages than ever before and more adults learning English as a second or even third language. It stands to reason that many of these people will have an accent in English. "Accent" is, of course, a relative and highly subjective concept-you don't have to be from another country to have an accent. Floridians think New Yorkers have one (and vice versa). New Englanders aren't sure that Louisianans are even speaking English. And people from Los Angeles are convinced that they're the only ones without accents and are blissfully ignorant of the fact that those from Ohio think the same of themselves. Accent only becomes a problem- even a handicapping condition-for people in business, for example, when it prevents one's professional clients from focusing on the work at hand. The focus then becomes the accent and the professional exchange is seriously impeded. That's when the businessperson recognizes the need for accent modification. But what, exactly, does this suggest? Does the person who recognizes the need for help know just what aspect of communication needs the help? Probably not. Accent is largely an issue of intonation. It's the music of the language, the pitch flow, the rate of speech, the word stress, the ability to pick up hidden meanings. It's the critical pin to improving communication skills-60% of the message is conveyed by intonation. Other aspects of accent are vowels, consonants, and the variability within particular sounds- a "t," for instance, changes sound depending on context. Speech-language pathologists (SLP's) do not try to obliterate accent-it's not realistic to assume that it's even possible to do so. The aim of the clinician is to bring the client to the point where listeners stop focusing on accent. We want people to be able to make their point and get the point others are making. SLPs are particularly suited to work in the area of accent modification because they possess a wealth of information on speech, even to knowing how to distinguish normal from disordered speech. They are trained to make the thorough evaluations necessary to determine what percentage of accent is based in English-learning issues and whether "closet" disorders of speech, language, or learning are present. It must be emphasized that the impetus for accent modification comes from the client. This is not a casual commitment. Accent modification is a difficult process. It is similar to learning a physical skill that becomes second nature. It requires at least a six-month commitment of one hour a day of "smart practice." Clients who desire accent modification are mostly working professionals, however, anyone can benefit. Businesses often pay out of continuing education/skill-building budgets. From their point of view, it's a smart professional investment. It avoids the very expensive price of employee turnover, which requires much higher costs in orientation and time for new workers to reach the point on the learning curve necessary for maximum job function. |