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My accent and conversational ability in English is presently terrible. What is the best way to reach fluency?

I have no problem expatiating scientific jargon but fail at the rich palette of modern day English. I understand that fluency is a worthy objective, but I may need to set achievable intermediate objectives to reach my goal.

Generally I want something without too many 'additional elements' embedded into the accent. My main goal is developing an accent that facilitates communication with a wide group of English-speaking people as possible.

I work with a diverse group from different countries. Possibly looking for something without regional elements, which may hinder being understood by people who are unfamiliar particular region.

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DunningKruger · 61-69, M

Simplify your vocabulary. I have an English degree, I've been a writer and editor for 30 years and I had to look up what "expatiating" meant.

The thing about English is that its impossible to speak it without selecting some sort of regional accent simply because of how extensively it's spoken. In the UK, for example, if you drive for an hour you'll encounter multiple accents that may very well be mutually unintelligible, or next to it. There are US accents and Australian and New Zealand and South African, and sometimes its difficult for native speakers to grasp what we're all saying.

I would say the thing to do is to find native speakers and simply practice conversational English, while at the same time concentrating on finding simpler way of expressing you thoughts, which may have more impact on intelligibility than accent.

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Random1Thoughts · F

@DunningKruger
Thank you, I will widen my scope to find an accent that would suit my needs.

It is my anxiety and fear of mispronunciation that pushes me towards wrong usages. I am currently
voicing small sentences, and progressively opt for longer ones.

Salix75 · 46-50, F

@Random1Thoughts the thing about pronunciation is, even amongst English speakers, there is variability in how they pronounce words.

The standard example "tomato" : Many in Europe say "toe-MA-to", while in N. America it's more common to hear "toe-MAY-toe".

other small examples:
vih-ta-min / vye-ta-min (for vitamin)
GA-ragh / ga-RAGH / h (garage)
Leh-ver / LEE-ver (lever)

I think so long as you get the main elements, you'll be find. It's the differences in intonation and accent that make things interesting :)

Random1Thoughts · F

I will simplify and breakdown words as you've demonstrated above. You're absolutely correct in regards to different ways of pronouncing words. ☺️@Salix75

PilinisesiofParadise · 31-35, F

Umm judging from your writing, you may need to take your Mary Poppin hat off and speak like a normal person. Speak to everyday people from English speaking countries.
May the force be with you on your quest to perfection.

Random1Thoughts · F

@PilinisesiofParadise
I am trying but it's hard to master conversational English.

PilinisesiofParadise · 31-35, F

Firstly, in a normal conversation, you don’t use words like expatiate. Conversational English should be different from written.
I can see that you have impeccable written skills but you may need to talk to native English speakers. @Random1Thoughts

hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M

English is so widely spoken all over the world that it is full of colloquialisms. A word that is widely understood in one area may have a very different meaning in another.

PilinisesiofParadise · 31-35, F

Problem with people from non English speaking countries that has mastered written skills. They sound like robots spouting a dictionary in everyday conversation. @hippyjoe1955

hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M

@PilinisesiofParadise As I did when I tried to learn French. Without immersion in the language and culture it is extremely difficult the use the language fluently. I gave up on French.

elVato · 46-50, M

watch some 'merican sitcoms. Watch Seinfeld. You'll learn the nuances of the American English language, with some comedic relief as well.

Do not start a faux southern accent.
They sound retarded, and you mimicking them will sound 2X retarded.

Random1Thoughts · F

@elVato
I have been watching Seinfeld, suggested by my boss.

elVato · 46-50, M

@Random1Thoughts 👍 Boss has got it going on. You have the grammar down, now just play with the words. English is a gross and loose language.

MenzernaSF4000 · 36-40, M

Get your word pronunciation right by watching various YouTube videos. Read various forums, that way you will now how much to simplify for your target audience.

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MenzernaSF4000 · 36-40, M

@Random1Thoughts You will be dealing with people from industry/world right?

Just try to put your words across. If people can understand it, well and good, if not, try to work on your accent.

Random1Thoughts · F

@MenzernaSF4000
Yes and it's my accent that needs improving. English is not an easy language.

MenzernaSF4000 · 36-40, M

@Random1Thoughts Time and practice, dear, time and practice.

Salix75 · 46-50, F

Practice speaking as frequently as you can. Maybe look for elocution lessons on YouTube or such to help fineness areas (pronunciations, vocal nuances) you struggle with.

Ask native speakers around you to help with jargon, and expressions etc.

Random1Thoughts · F

@Salix75 Perfect idea, thank you.

Stoneplate2

If you want to increase fluency then read books that are easier than your level of reading. It will help you read faster.

Random1Thoughts · F

@Stoneplate2
I read more than the average reader. My problem is pronounciation and accent.

Stoneplate2

@Random1Thoughts then listen and watch videos.

hartfire

Southern Standard English if in England or Australia
Massachusets/Boston if in America.

Random1Thoughts · F

@hartfire Thank you for the suggestion, much appreciated.

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