Accent Modification (ALL 111) 4 credits

ALL 111 is designed to improve the spoken job performance of non-native English speaking professionals. It focuses on the most distinctive sound patterns of English: stress, intonation, and rhythm.  By learning how to reduce accent, students develop confidence in speaking in professional environments with native-English speakers. 

Course Outcomes

Course Content

Students will be able to

·        describe their own accents

·        self-correct sound substitutions

·        speak with more natural rhythm

·        pronounce key professional terms

·        improve confidence in speaking at meetings and on the job

·        produce 80% of English phonemes with reasonable accuracy

ALL 111 systematically exposes students to the major principles of the English sound system, beginning with enunciation of consonant and vowel sounds and continuing to elements of rhythm. Students transcribe and evaluate video- and audiotapes of their speech each week. Improvement is measured weekly based on tapes and oral quizzes.

Who should take this course?

ALL 111: Accent Modification serves the needs of permanent residents, refugees, U.S. citizens professionals working or training in the United States, international students or international visitors for whom English is not a native language. Past students have included

• professionals from the private sector;
• city and state employees;
• students seeking professional degrees in areas such as customer service, medicine, technology,and engineering;
• students preparing for transfer to 4-year universities;
• and individuals seeking self-improvement.

Course Details

Length:        44 Hours

Format:       Classroom lecture/Small group exercise/Online reinforcement

Class Size:   10 students maximum