What can i do to lose my southern accent and speak standard American english?
Answer Dear Allyson– Although I love to hear a Southern accent, I know that sometimes it can be a bit of a handicap in the professional world. I know that there are language teachers and coaches who specialize in helping people lose accents–whether Southern, or an accent associated with another language. If you are an adult, it’s going to be much more difficult to lose your accent than if you are a teenager or younger. Our speech patterns are pretty much set by adulthood. However, there are some things you can do to make your accent less noticeable. (I do want to preface my advice to you by saying that many people–including myself–find a Southern accent very pleasant, soft and gentle to hear. I have a background in languages, and since I was born/raised in Oklahoma and lived in Alabama for nine years, I find myself acquiring my accent the minute the plane lands in a Southern state. That’s not necessarily a bad thing! :>) 1) Spend time listening to “standard English” by taping/liste
