Is accent reduction enough?

“Why don’t people understand me? People are always telling me to repeat myself especially on the phone,” says one client. ”I don’t hear the difference between some sounds, and I have a hard time getting my ideas together when I give presentations at work,” says another. What do these clients have in common? They both …

“Lock & Loll” : That Pesky “R”

Steve spoke perfect English except for /r/. Steve’s first language was German, but he grew up speaking English, as well, but could never seem to get /r/. He stated that his brother also could not produce an /r/. ( this was an important clue) As an assistant professor he was becoming more frustrate d when his students …

Uh, what did you say?

“Uh, what did you say?” and blank stares from locals in Puerto Rico was the reaction I recieved when I tried to speak all but the most basic phrases in Spanish. It  was so frustrating! I certainly questioned my limited knowledge of the Spanish language. I was unable to successfully communicate even the basic phrases …

To change or not to change…

I love foreign accents.  The lyrical sounds of different languages are beautiful to hear, but there are times when heavy accents interfere with effective communication. I once took a class and I could not understand the professor. It was hard, and it was difficult for every person in that room.  In high pressured business or …