NRI Tips: Language barrier -the  issue of ‘thick’ accent!

Many surprises await a new immigrant. The challenges of adapting to a foreign country can be very discouraging.
One of the main hurdles that the NRIs face in the Western world is the language barrier and the Indian accent of spoken English. Even if you have a graduate degree in English from India, you are bound to have this problem. The issue is not the knowledge of language, but the way we speak English – the Indian accent; the inability to communicate effectively while talking to a native English speaking person.
The Indian way of speaking English is often branded as a ‘thick’ accent. That basically means that it sounds very foreign, like an ‘outsider’
Yes, the spoken language barrier or thick accent is an issue, but it is not your fault. It is a part of the journey; a part of new culture and new rules of living abroad. It is a part of adaptation into the local culture abroad.

The spoken English in India is heavily influenced by our Indian or mother tongue. In India, the English teachings mainly focus on grammar and spelling with very little focus on actual pronunciation. And, it is the pronunciation that messes up everything. The way we speak -the way we have been speaking since early days of English learning – is a part of us, part of an unconscious behavior. It is a habit. And, as you know, habits are hard to change. You may effectively improve your accent over a short period of time; but you cannot completely lose it overnight.

Now, can you really lose your accent? Yes, over time you certainly can, if you really want to. However, it may take years of learning and experience in spoken English -  to fully adapt to the ‘local speaking manners’, the local slang and style.
Why could it take years to lose accent completely? Again, because it is a habit that we are trying to change.

There are many products in the market incluing language classes, seminars, self-help books and CDs etc.,  that claim to help lose your accent. There are all kinds of commercials and advertisements on how to lose your accent overnight, or in a few weeks.  Be careful and investigate before buying into any of  it.  While some of them offer a very good advice and tips on accent softening, many of these ‘courses’ are actually designed for those who have very little knowledge of English. Lots of this stuff, such as ‘English as a second language’ training and classes, you already know. You don’t need any re-training in the language itself. What you really need is some ways to improve the spoken English and speaking style by reducing or softening your accent; by adapting to the local way of speaking

For the in-depth techniques and details on how to lose your accent, go to the linked follow-up article.


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