Julie,
 
I have worked on "accent reduction" or "American English accent development" both one-on-one and in large classroom settings using 2 excellent textbooks paired with audio CDs.  Both are effective because they use images to focus on the rhythm, or "music of English" before they focus on creating distinct consonants and correct vowel sounds.  Other pronunciation materials I've used emphasize individual sounds at first, with rhythm only at the end of the program; the sound-focused method has given slow results in my experience.  Especially for the workplace, when it's conversation that matters, teaching syllables, stress, focus words, and thought groups FIRST can make a big difference fast.  Students have many "A-ha! moments" and more fun, too!  The 2 programs I recommend are:
 
1- Clear Speech: Pronunciation and Listening in North American English, by Judy B. Gilbert, Third Edition (Blue book, intermediate-advanced level appropriate. It's important to order the CD box set separately for all audio tracks, and the excellent Teacher's Resource Book, for your own self-training.  Judy B. Gilbert has also put out a "basic" version of this program, in a red book, for low intermediate level students) published by Cambridge.
 
2- Well Said: Pronunciation for Clear Communication, by Linda Grant, Second Edition (this is the most advanced program I've used, with more multisyllabic words and a more academic feel) published by Heinle.
 
Nicole Ring Young
ESOL Customer Service Trainer & SEE Program Coordinator
MontgomeryWorks Sales & Service Learning Center
with Montgomery College Adult ESOL & Literacy-GED Program
nryoung at montgomeryworks.com
240.403.3600

 
________________________________

From: workplace-bounces at nifl.gov [mailto:workplace-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of JBaker3439 at aol.com
Sent: Monday, August 13, 2007 12:41 PM
To: workplace at nifl.gov
Subject: [Workplace 882] Accent Reduction


I'm doing work in a large hospital where there are employees who speak English, but are very hard to understand, due to their heavy accents. 
 
I have decided to tutor one employee who works with visitors and patients entering the hospital. He's a very bright man from Argentina who would like to move up the career ladder, but feels that this thick accent is holding him back. It is very difficult to understand him, even though he understands English perfectly.
 
I told this employee that I wouldn't want him to fully lose his accent, but am willing to help him with certain sounds that will help him be more clearly understood.
 
During my years in workplace education, I have helped many with accent reduction on an informal basis.  However, I've never had any formal training in that specific area and would appreciate any information others have in that area.  Also, are there training materials available - both for the students and for training the trainer?
 
Thank you,
Julie
<mailto:workplace at nifl.gov> 
 
Julie N. Baker
Workforce Skills Development
13805 Shaker Blvd., Suite #4A
Cleveland, Ohio 44120
216-561-1629
jbaker3439 at aol.com



________________________________

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