How to Understand English Accents

The English language is diverse. There’s British English, American English, Canadian English, Australian English, South African English…just to name a few!

According to my recent poll, the 43% majority said they had difficulty understanding British accents. Being that there are at least 30 different dialects in the UK alone, this is no surprise!

Regional dialects in the UK include Scottish, English, Northern, West Midlands, East Midlands, East Anglian, Southern, Welsh English and West Country, and each has its own range of distinctive local accents. ?

Most non-Brits asked to do an English accent will immediately attempt to impersonate the Queen, whose ‘posh’ inflection is known as Received Pronunciation (RP).

RP has its roots in the London area and isn’t spoken by most Brits. The people who do talk like this are mostly wealthy and likely attended one of a few traditional and elitist private schools.

When working with English-speaking clients globally, there will be times when you find yourself struggling to understand a client's accent/dialect.

If only there were a magic formula you could use to instantly understand anyone and be understood, right? ?

Unfortunately, they don't exist, but there ARE some effective ways to improve your listening comprehension to help avoid these often uncomfortable situations in the future. You'll find them below!

Here are five tips to help you get there...

#1 - LEARN NEW WORDS & EXPRESSIONS

As you get accustomed to listening to different audio files, podcasts, audiobooks, or conversations, you will learn new words and expressions. This knowledge is not just applicable at work but also in everyday life.

Improving your vocabulary is not only good for your listening skills but it also makes you a better speaker. Keep it realistic – try to learn 15 new words/expressions each week.

Write them down in your English notebook and test yourself periodically.

#2 - FOCUS ON INTONATION & PRONUNCIATION

If you’re keen to expand your understanding of various accents, developing your listening skills can help you achieve your goal. The more you listen to an accent/dialect and understand its uniqueness, the easier it will be to communicate with those who use it.?

This is what I did when I first moved to Spain. I looked for every opportunity to improve my comprehension skills (radio, TV, music, listening to strangers' conversations in bars, etc.), since internet streaming wasn't really a thing back in 2001.

If you have trouble understanding a client because of their accent, ask them exactly where they’re from so you can do your “homework” between sessions. This website is great for getting used to a specific accent that you’ll be working with: https://www.dialectsarchive.com/

#3 - LISTEN & READ SIMULTANEOUSLY

If you enjoy watching movies, maximize the use of English subtitles. You can also binge watch a TV series that keeps you engaged. Even better if the characters use a strong accent that you’re not familiar with (e.g. "Peaky Blinders")???

??To binge watch = see many episodes in a short period of time

Why not practice with audiobooks by listening to the audio as you read the actual book? By choosing different reader accents, you’re expanding your comprehension as well as following the story.

Watch TED talks by speakers from various countries and regions. You can use the subtitles and/or transcripts to help you understand what your ears cannot recognize. This aims to get you familiar with words, phrases/idioms, and understand how they were used.

When doing this exercise, close your eyes and focus on listening to the audio. If there’s a part that you did not understand well, you can check the transcript for reference. It’s okay to replay the same part of the audio until you understand what's being said without using the subtitles.

#4 - PRACTICE WITH DIFFERENT AUDIO SPEEDS

As you watch or listen online (e.g. YouTube), you can also adjust the playback speed. Use this feature if you find that the audio contains fancy words, a tricky accent, and complex grammar structures that you’re not used to.?

According to research, listening to the audio at a slower speed helps your brain process what it is hearing. If you slow down the audio, it’s suggested not to go below 60% to avoid hearing a distorted voice or having the words pronounced longer than they should be.

Once you get comfortable, you can change the pace to its average speed, or you can increase the speed to 1.25 or 1.5 and see if you’re still able to catch the words that are spoken.

# 5 - LEARN THE PHONETIC ALPHABET

According to accent extraordinaire/actress Amy Walker , there are five main aspects to learning accents: phonetics, melody, rhythm and stress, grammar, word meaning, and vibe.

Phonetics is the science of the sounds of human speech. It’s useful to learn the phonetic alphabet, as this can help you identify new sounds that your ear isn’t used to because they are not in your native language. You’ll want to listen carefully to the pronunciation of vowels and consonants in different English accents.?

Even if you put a video on in the background while you’re doing something else, you’ll be surprised at how your understanding naturally improves.

If you’re struggling with understanding British accents, for example, you can watch British TV shows or listen to British podcasts (e.g. BBC) for a month. It’s said that in 30 days of daily listening, you will get used to an accent, making it much easier for you to understand the spoken language.

Most importantly: Lose Your Inhibitions!

Remember, don’t be shy or embarrassed when you’re getting used to a different accent. Being proactive about learning will show that you’re professional, and being confident will help create a bond with the clients who are lucky enough to work with you.?

Keep in mind that, like everything, it will get easier with time!

Warm regards,

Heather

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Reach out if there are other topics you’d like me to explore in future newsletters.

If you’d like someone to help you build more confidence in your professional English skills for therapy sessions, send me a DM.?

I'd be happy to help you on your journey! ?

Email: [email protected] / Website: www.myenglishtherapy.com