American accent, but wait, I love my Aussie accent!

[Mikepass]

I too am Australian and have the same plight. I have modified my accent a little to take out the Aussie twang, but I haven't Americanised it. I am teaching in a Korean Elementary School and my Korean co-teacher was worried about taking me on. I, and my agent, assured her that English is an international language and that it would be good for the students. Now, she couldn't agree more. We have a large map of the world on the back wall of the class with the statement, English: The International Language written on it. I have also played her English Accents from around the world, downloaded from the net, to show her the diversity of accents, even the range of American accents. She was quite amazed.

Don't worry too much much about your accent, maybe tame it a little, just be a damn good teacher and all will be well.

Cheers

Mike

[ShelleyV]

Hi there all,

I cannot believe the teachers who said that it is best to teach with an American accent - I mean how arrogant is that?

Why is American the authentic pronunciation anyway?
And which American, the Texas drawl or the New Yoika?

What about British English, surely that is the reference if there is one? But wait! Which British? The queen's? How many people actually speak with a plum in their mouth anyway?

As for an Aussie or South African trying to speak with an American accent, that could be seriously funny.

All I can say is be yourself and relax!

[cool ice]

It's nice to be yourself, but when you ask someone what is your name and they don't understand you, then you adapt it to sound American and they do? It sort of frustrates you.

An Aussie needs to explain to students from the very beginning the differences in accent.

Nice sum up "speak with a plum in their mouth". Had to laugh!

[ShelleyV]

I have been thinking about this and I came round a little.

I think it is important to speak clearly with as neutral an accent as possible, whether that be British, American, Aussie, South African or whatever. Any type of strong regional accent is a disadvantage to the students as they will find it very difficult understanding the teacher and making themselves understood.

Being English of course I consider my own accent to be perfect... (!)

[hyperbizarre]

I don't think its a good thing to put on the American accent all the time. The students need to get used to other accents as well. I took the CELTA here in London, and during training, the students weren't used to my American accent. I didn't try to fake it, I just slowed my speech down several notches. Then when I find that they were beginning to understand me, I slowly worked my way up to a normal speed.

I just think its essential for students to get a grasp of several accents because when they get out there, they will be faced with all kinds of English. Its a struggle for both sides, am sure, but in the end it'll benefit them.

[waixingren]

I've rarely heard accents in schools being a problem for students. I've worked with people from all over. Of course, none of them really had any strong accents. I think that might be the key. I know when I teach I try my best to keep my Jerseynese (yes, I made up a word for Jersey English) to a minimum. Although, sometimes it is fun to let out the accent and mess around with students. I've even taught some classes a bit of Pittsburghese... that was fun. In the long run, it is better for students to be exposed to a variety of accents so that they might have an easier time understanding people in the future.

[Cali]

Aussies pronounce A as ay and I as eye. This confuses many.

er...how else would you pronounce them?

[cool ice]

The Yanks pronounce A as eh and I as ire. If you've ever met an American, you will know for sure their pronunciation of A I O Z are completely different than the Aussies.

[chaskarmukund]

Hello,

I was just delighted to see a Dattatraya photo on your posting. Forget about Accent, whether its American, British or Australian. As long as students are helped in improving their skills, to me, accent is not that important. What is necessary and primary value is Teaching and teaching only.

Let the God penetrate the mind of Schoolmasters to waive Native word also from their vocabulary alongwith Accents.

I will be waiting for that day so that more and more Asians are recruited in countries like Japan and Korea.

[Sage]

I love Australian accents and think that children should be exposed to Australian, British and American accents. That way they get the best of all worlds.