The Basics of the English Accent: A Guide for Non-Native Speakers!

When you think of the word “accent,” what springs to mind? For many people, it’s probably something along the lines of “foreigner,” “non-native speaker,” or “immigrant.” In other words, not something they would ever want to associate with themselves!

But seriously, no one likes to speak with an accent. For many non-native English speakers, the thickest accent they hear is their own. And even for native English speakers, public speaking can be difficult. For some, it’s almost impossible.

But don’t fret! Even if you’ve never thought about learning about the different accents around you, you’re going to love this article. Especially if you’re from the U.S. (like me).

What is an English Accent?

An accent is a way a person speaks that differs from the norm. English is spoken with a diverse selection of accents, and all these accents are considered “normal” by the English-speaking community.

When you hear someone with an English accent, you’re hearing a specific combination of sounds and accents. English accents, therefore, can be broken down into specific regional varieties.

Why is it Important to Know About English Accents?

Because accents are a very personal thing. Everyone has their own accent, and it’s important to be aware of what yours is so you can understand and appreciate other accents.

People with strong accents are often very proud of their “local” accent and often want to show it off. If you’re from the U.S., this could even lead to you trying to “Americanize” your speech, which is something we’ll cover later on in this article.

There are a few important reasons for becoming more aware of the different accents around you.

First of all, it will help you understand and appreciate other cultures. You may find you suddenly have an interest in the way people from certain places speak or even the way in which old recordings of your ancestors were recorded.

Secondly, you’ll find you have a much easier time communicating with people if you know what their accent is. This can be particularly useful when trying to learn new phrases or slang.

So What Is an English Accent?

An English accent is the combination of sounds a speaker uses to represent English words.

So, to put it simply, an English accent is the way you speak.

American Accent

The term “American” is often used to describe the English accent in the U.S., even though it’s not a specific region of America. The American accent is typically associated with media and pop culture from the U.S., especially since so much of it is broadcasted in English.

You can learn a clean American Accent with the help of this video course. Learn to Read English With an American Accent for Adults. It is the Highest Rated English Pronunciation course on Udemy with over 9,000 students.

British Accent

The British accent is typically associated with the U.K., as well as other countries that were once part of the British Empire. In fact, there are many British people who grew up in other countries and later became naturalized U.S. citizens.

Irish Accent

The Irish accents of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are very similar. However, there are also some distinct differences between these two accents that often lead to confusion.

The most notable difference is that the Northern Irish accent is perceived as “lower” than the standard Irish accent.

Scottish Accent

The Scottish accent is very different from the other English accents, and can often lead to confusion. The Scottish Accent isn’t just a “word” you might hear in Scotland, it’s also what you hear in the U.K. and Ireland, as well as parts of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and certain North American English-speaking regions.

General Canadian Accent

The Canadian accent is slightly different from the accents of the U.S., the U.K., and Ireland. However, it’s still very much an “English” accent.

Like the Scottish and Irish accents, the Canadian accent is colloquial and not considered “posh” or “aristocratic”.

Conclusion

If you’re from the U.S., it can be difficult to tell the difference between some of the different accents. However, with a bit of practice, you’ll be able to tell the difference between each of these and many more!

Now all you have to do is find the accent you like the most and start practicing!