| If you are an OFW, an Overseas Filipino Worker, | | | | awkward, but you can't make an a sound without |
| or a native seeking a job in English, you may be | | | | opening your mouth. |
| concerned that your English skills are not good | | | | - Be sure to enunciate final consonants, particularly |
| enough to compete with your peers. But what | | | | ones made inside the mouth, like h, k, and n. Many |
| can you do? First of all, if you have not done so, | | | | Filipinos leave these sounds off entirely, which |
| you should enroll in ESL classes. These classes are | | | | changes the meaning of the word. |
| a great way to learn the basics of English | | | | - Say w not v, in words like water and where. W |
| grammar and pronunciation. Look online for | | | | is made by rounding the mouth like an o and |
| additional courses and practice opportunities. | | | | voicing, then opening the mouth slightly. It may |
| Speak English at every opportunity and don't be | | | | sound like o-uh when you first try it. |
| afraid to ask others for help if you're not sure | | | | - Say f , not p, in words like four and find. F is |
| about an English word or expression. | | | | made by placing the top teeth on the lower lip |
| What if you have done all these things, and you | | | | and blowing slightly. |
| feel that you know English pretty well, but other | | | | - Practice hearing and saying the difference |
| people still don't understand you? Then you need | | | | between voiced and unvoiced consonants. The |
| to find an accent reduction class. Accent reduction | | | | only difference between k and g or t and d is |
| classes are usually taught by a highly trained | | | | whether your voice is turned on when you say |
| professional speech pathologist who specializes in | | | | them. Try it - no voice makes k, and voice |
| working with accent reduction. He or she has | | | | makes g. It makes a big difference in American |
| learned how to teach others to produce the | | | | English whether you pronounce those sounds |
| sounds in American English. As an accent reduction | | | | correctly. So remember, k and t have no voice, |
| trainer myself, I want to offer you some tips on | | | | but g and d do. |
| English pronunciation to help you get started. | | | | Hopefully, those tips will get you started on |
| Though each person's language and accent is | | | | making your speech more understandable to |
| unique, there are common sounds that many | | | | American English speakers. If you want more |
| Filipino speakers struggle with in English. I have | | | | personalized help, then please look for an ASHA |
| listed several sounds below and suggestions of | | | | certified accent reduction trainer. Someone may |
| ways to sound more American. | | | | offer classes in your area, or you may prefer the |
| - Open your mouth more when saying vowels. | | | | convenience of webcam classes, offered on your |
| Many of the a sounds come out sounding more | | | | schedule in the privacy of your home or office. |
| likeo with Filipino speakers. I know it may feel | | | | |