Do you have to switch on the subtitles when watching an English movie or series because you can’t understand what the actors are saying? That’s because people from different parts of the world have different English accents. They are speaking the words you have learned and know, but the accent is getting in the way. Recognising and understanding different English language accents can make your life so much easier. After all, there are no subtitles in real life! So, take a trip around the world to learn about the different English accents and how you can learn them.
What is An English Accent?
English accents are a unique thing. It is how people coming from different parts of the world pronounce the same English words differently. This has increased over the years as people have immigrated to different countries, causing the English language to undergo a huge transformation. Important factors, like native or regional language, play a big role in how a person develops an accent and which accent it is. That is why a person from Manchester sounds completely different from a person in Canada when speaking English. They bring a little flavour of their native or regional language into this globally recognised language!
The Most Common English Accents Worldwide
There may be over 160 English-language accents on our planet, but there are a few that stand out from the rest because of the population, history, and cultural effects. Here are some of the most common English accents that you may come across when studying abroad:
British Accent
One of the most common accents to be recognised when walking down the street in the UK is the famous British accent. Did you know that there isn’t just one but many of them? Yes, you read that right, there are approximately 40+ unique British accents, for example, Cockney, Welsh, Geordie, Scottish, Yorkshire, Scouse, Brummie, Northern Ireland and Midland.
American Accent
When you think of Hollywood movies and the cool New York City vibes, you are sure to hear the famous American accent. Just like British, there are 30 major accents, including Boston, Southern, Southern American, Midwest, Texas, Maine, and so many more, but the most common one you will hear is the General American accent.
Australian Accent
Australia is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the phrase 'hey there, mate'. Isn't it? That is because the word 'mate' has been associated with the Australian accent for years through movies and TV shows. The Australian accent is also said to be one of the most laid-back, unique, and easy-to-spot accents. Plus, unlike other English accents, there are only three main categories: general (the Aussie accent), broad (slower with a more nasal tone), and cultivated (formal, British sounding).
Canadian Accent
In Canada, the most commonly spoken English accent is Standard Canadian. It is, on some levels, a little similar and overlaps with the General American accent, but it has its own distinctive qualities that make it different. Depending on the region in Canada, you may also hear other dialects, such as Marine, Ontario, Newfoundland, and British Columbia.
How Can You Learn an English Accent?
You can learn a brand new English accent and improve the way you speak by taking the following steps:
Mimic English Speakers: Search for English speakers with accents you can understand and then repeat words and phrases exactly how they say them. Keep practising until you have perfected it.
Record Yourself on Your Phone: Record yourself when practising your accent. Later, listen and compare it with the English speaker to find areas for improvement.
Take Formal Training Classes with RPI College: Our General English courses can help you improve your overall communication skills, including reading, writing, speaking, listening, and comprehension. Our classes are a blend of students who come from different parts of the world and speak different languages. By enrolling in our English courses, you will be learning with them and will be exposed to different accents. You will have multiple opportunities to practise regularly and improve your speech so that others can understand you.
Tips for Understanding Different English Language Accents
Understanding so many different English language accents can be difficult, but these tips prepared after a lot of research can help you get started:
Practise Active Listening: Listen carefully and pay attention to how the same English words are pronounced with different accents by people from around the world.
Discover New Accents Regularly: Search for audible and visual media from different regions and backgrounds through movies, music, podcasts and news to understand new English accents.
Ask Your RPI College Instructors for Clarity: Don't be afraid to raise your hand in the class and ask your teacher to repeat themselves or explain if you don't understand a word or a phrase.
Practise Speaking in Different English Accents: When you hear someone speaking in an accent you like, find an audio or visual version of it to mimic them. Just hit play and pause as needed to understand the speech and practise to improve.
Remember, the goal is to understand different English accents so that you can easily communicate with anyone who speaks English, no matter which accent they speak with. Enrol in RPI College’s English courses to make this journey easier with guidance from our experienced teachers, who are trained to help you not only learn English but also understand and master your own English accent, no matter what part of the world you’re from. After completing an English course with us, you can say goodbye to subtitles and finally understand those actors! Join us today.
Source: English Path
