Finding
suitable role models
Everybody
has a unique, recognizable voice. That is why we can recognize tens and often
hundreds of acquaintances on the phone, even before they tell us their name.
However, we speak also in a certain style that is similar to other people. Most
probably, that style has been molded according to models we have since our early
childhood: our parents, elder siblings, relatives, friends or educators. A
native speaker almost automatically imitates the accent and tone of those
around him or her.
As
foreigners, very few language students choose their own models consciously.
Yes, of course, they want to speak or British or American English, “Standard
German”, Brazilian Portuguese or correct French. But with that it typically
stops.
The
problem for foreign speakers are many-fold. If we are learning in our home
country, we are most probably exposed to a variety of accents and styles. That
has nothing to do with accusing our non-native teacher of having the wrong
accent. We most probably are consuming material by native speakers on TV and on
the Internet, that have all kinds of different accent and styles.
If
we are currently living abroad where the language we learn is spoken, a
different problem arises. We may need to learn the standard language for career
purposes, but the majority of people around us speak or a local dialect, or
sociolects, that is, in a style, that reflects their socio-economic group.
Either
at home or abroad, our brain will be most certainly confused. What will be the
outcome: at home, we will end up with developing no native accent at all, but
keeping our personal, “national” accent; abroad, we will adapt to the people surrounding
us.
That
may not necessarily be a bad thing. Everything depends on your personal goals
for learning that language. If having a certain accent and style is critical, I
recommend the following:
·
Reflect
on what accent and style would be most suitable for attaining your goals. Why?
·
Find
role models fitting your description.
·
Find
a steady supply of audio and text material from that models (by subscribing to
podcasts, blogs, etc.)
·
Identify
their peculiarities of accent and style.
·
Mold
your own speech accordingly (for example, by using techniques from my book the
GO Method)
·
Regularly
evaluate your progress by comparing your own audio recordings with your models.
The GO Method
“I have been living in
Germany for years. I have gone through all the levels and sustained the
necessary exams. Nonetheless, I still make too many mistakes as to get a
serious employment in my profession.”
It is easy to start a foreign language. It takes only
practice and living abroad to get fluent. To learn the last (!) 5% and to speak
without mistakes, however, you will need completely different approach.
The GO Method helps you get rid of your chronic grammar and
pronunciation mistakes by applying psychology and principles of quality
management.
We offer corrective courses for some languages, as well a
general system for improving your use of any language. We support companies in
improving the language proficiency of key employees.
Gerhard J. Ohrband
Has helped more than 1200 students advance their studies and
professional career by obtaining excellent German and Spanish skills.
Psychologist and language teacher, from Hamburg /Germany
(*1979). Married, one son. MA in psychology from the University of Hamburg.
More than 15 years of experience as a university lecturer in psychology as well
as a consultant for UNICEF, Terre des Hommes, IOM, the EU and private
companies. Speaks 21 languages.
Contact
If you want to save time in learning a foreign language
without a teacher, please check out my book “The GO Method” on Amazon.
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