Is Accent Training The Same As Speech Therapy?

Do you have a regional or foreign accent? If so, perhaps you realize that by reducing your accent, you will be able to reach goals that at one time seemed unattainable. There are a variety of American accent training programs that you can choose from, and finding the best option for you can get overwhelming. Are the accent reduction classes offered by companies like Accent Advisor the same as speech therapy? Let’s find out.

What are accent reduction classes?

We all have an accent. While there is nothing wrong with that, some people decide to take accent reduction classes to improve communication with those around them.

Accent reduction, also known as accent modification or accent neutralization, is designed to teach you to adopt the speech habits of another language, dialect, or accent. For many people who have moved to the United States of America or Canada, this means learning the complex speech patterns of the general American English accent.

There are a variety of American accent programs that are designed to help you reduce a thick accent. One such program involves employing an available native speaker to hold regular conversations with. This type of program may be sufficient for you if you just need someone to practice your English with. You may however find it more beneficial to sign up for instructional classes that connect you with your own personal American accent trainer. 

How will accent training help me?

American accent trainers, or coaches, are experts at teaching the mouth morphs and movements that are unique to the American dialect. They don’t just speak to you and expect you to pick up the accent. Nor do they simply repeat sounds to you, hoping that you will get it right eventually. Instead, they show you exactly how each sound is made. Then they help you apply these new movements to your everyday speech patterns.  Like a personal fitness trainer, American accent coaches help you train your many speech muscles and organs to develop the speech habits of American English native speakers. 

The American accent trainers at Accent Advisor are all certified teachers who have been trained to focus on intricate details that are unique to the American accent. This would include the American English vowels and consonants, the rhythmic and tonal patterns of the language, along with common language reductions that most Americans use in everyday speech. These reductions are not commonly taught in ESL classes, as they are not recognized in formal writing. However, learning them will expedite your American accent learning experience. 

Each American accent trainer can offer a personalized experience, which is why it is important to do your research and ask the appropriate questions to ensure that you are getting the most out of your accent reduction classes.

Now that we know what accent reduction classes are all about, how are they different from speech therapy?

What is speech therapy?

There are many conditions and disorders that can affect a person’s ability to communicate with others. Speech therapy is the field of health science that deals with treating such problems. This treatment is given by a health care professional called a speech therapist, or speech-language pathologist (SLP).

Speech-language pathologists provide a broad range of therapies to children and adults who need help training their speaking/hearing muscles and organs. Their clients include children and adults who, usually due to a medical condition, struggle to communicate. Among other things, they help those with speech-related developmental delays, hearing loss, and even patients who need to learn to swallow again after a brain injury or stroke. These medical professionals are an asset to the community. They continue to help many people find their own voices despite speech impediments caused by various conditions.

How do speech therapists help people?

To be clear, your accent is not a problem or disorder that needs treatment. It is a unique and wonderful expression of who you are as a person. So, what does speech therapy have to do with accent reduction?  Part of a speech-language pathologist’s role deals with training the client’s muscles and organs of articulation to develop new speech habits. Therefore, some speech-language pathologists use these techniques to offer accent modification as one of their services. While this is the case, speech therapy is not the same as the accent reduction classes that we discussed earlier. 

There is one major difference between speech therapy and accent reduction classes. Speech therapy is performed by a healthcare professional who is also equipped to handle a wide range of speech-related medical conditions. American accent trainers, on the other hand, are not medical professionals. They do not treat, prevent, assess, or diagnose speech disorders. Now, you may be wondering, “Should I find a speech therapist to help me reduce my accent?”

Do I need speech therapy or accent training?

If you suffer from a medical condition that affects your speech, please do not hesitate to seek help from a speech therapist. Insurance is often used to cover the cost of necessary medical services. Unfortunately, accent modification does not usually qualify as medical. Thankfully, there are alternatives. If your interest in changing your speech habits is cultural or professional, then American accent training is the right path for you. 

With American accent training programs, like the one offered at Accent Advisor, quality accent reduction classes are more affordable than ever. You shouldn’t have to go into a financial deficit to invest in your career. If you are worried about the quality of accent training, that is a valid concern. However, you have no need to worry. These language professionals are more than equipped and ready to help you learn the American accent. Find out today how Accent Advisor can help you.