Cream n Sugar: Communication Skills Tip

I have been teaching accent reduction since 1991. In every learning environment, there is always concern when it comes to the module about word reductions. "Isn't that slang?" the students will ask. Other questions include: "Won't it make it more difficult for people to understand me?" or "Do I really have to speak this way to improve?" And the answer to the last question is, "No." You don't have to speak with reductions to improve your speech. It doesn't guarantee that native English speakers will understand the second language speaker better. But, one thing is for sure, and that is that native English speakers reduce words like, "to, of, for, going to, want to, etc." We do this because it helps us link our words together in order to place extra emphasis on our key words, focus words. English is not the only language that reduces word groups. Every language uses reductions. It is different from slang which is the informal use of words and expressions that are not typical to a language. When it comes to speaking a second language, it seems that when one is able to link between words and use the native language reduction patterns, they then can be considered fluent. To be added to Lanartco's Communication Performance Tip of the Week, please connect to this link or send your email address to info@lanartco.com.