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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Q. What do I need to begin lessons?
A. You need to be
comfortable using the Internet, sending emails and using Skype.
You need a reliable Internet connection.
You also need a Paypal account if you don't live in Canada.
A headset allows you to really focus on sounds. A web cam is
recommended but not necessary. I send video for the calls.
Q. Do you give homework?
A. Yes. Practice is essential. Emails can be sent between sessions.
Q. Do you teach children?
A. No.
Q. Can you teach me in my home?
A. No. I teach in my home, online or in a workplace.
Q. What is accent neutralization?
A. It's
the analysis and practice of elements that make up the sounds and patterns of a language.
Some of these elements include:
-Intonation (Speech music created by pitch changes)
-Rhythm (The patterns created by stressed and unstressed syllables)
-Vowel length
-Liaisons (Word connections)
-Minimal Pairs (Similar sounds)
-Phrasing (Speaking in short phrases rather than word by word)
Spoken language can be analyzed in a way similar to the study of music.
Music has written symbols and theory but it's ultimately
performed. Just as
a piano teacher helps piano players perform better, so does an accent
neutralization teacher. You learn theory, practice and repeat and
repeat and repeat until internalized.
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(continued)
Q. Do you teach grammar?
A. I
teach grammar if there is a need. I listen to a student's speech
and pull out points we need to learn/practice. Sometimes, written
exercises can help point out grammar problems. However, the
starting-point is a person's current usage, not a book's table of
contents.
Accent neutralization students make very few mistakes in grammar.
General ESL students are still learning grammar and we practice
verb tenses, articles, pronouns, whatever is needed.
Q. Do you give tests?
A.
I assess Accent Neutralization students the first session. For
General ESL students, I rarely give tests. Instead, I evaluate spoken
English every session. There are many ways to find out a person's
needs, not just written tests.
Q. Can I speak like a native English speaker?
A. I
guess it's possible, but it's not likely that you'll speak exactly like
a native speaker. Most people's results include better articulation of
all sounds, correct stress, a more native-sounding
intonation and rhythm and improved clarity. They find there is less need to repeat what they've said.
Q. How long does it take to change my accent?
A. Most people need a minimum of 6 months. Most of our speech habits are unconscious. It takes
awareness and a lot of practice to make lasting changes. I believe the skills
and knowledge you learn from accent training will allow you to keep
learning after lessons are done. You begin to think differently about
language and notice new sounds.
Q. Do you use textbooks?
A. Sometimes, but most of my resources are digital. I find resources for each of my students.
Q. Do employers pay for the training?
A. Yes, often. In this case, I bill directly to the employer. |
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