Do you have difficulty understanding different English accents?
Listen in today as Lindsay and Aubrey talk about the different accents you may hear.
They’ll share tips to help you understand them all.
This way you can connect with English speakers from all over the world.
English accents
Aubrey asks Lindsay if she knows how many English accents there are.
Lindsay thinks about all the countries that speak in English and the different areas in those countries that have different accents.
She guessed about 300 English accents.
Aubrey shares that she looked it up and there are about 160 recognized English accents worldwide.
There are a lot of variations within each accents.
For example, within American English there are the following among others:
- Southern American accent
- Boston accent
- New Jersey accent
- Midwest accent
- Texan accent
Today’s question
Today’s episode is inspired by a listener’s question.
Hi team,
Regards from Mexico, my name is Carlos, and I wanna know if I should listen to English with different accent, or does it not matter?
Thank you so much!!
Aubrey shares that it can be difficult to build fluency when you encounter different English accents.
English learning goals
Learning a language and considering accents can really depend on the goals.
Today Lindsay and Aubrey share the three main reasons your goals matter in considering the English accents you need to learn.
#1: English is a global language
This is the first reason it is vital to understand all accents.
You will be interacting with different people from all over the world.
Therefore, you need to consume as many different English resources as possible.
Wherever you are, you’ll never only hear one accent in English.
There are many English-speaking dialects and even regional dialects within each dialect.
Additionally, language learners are traveling and using English as the language to communicate.
They will have their own accent too.
Lindsay and Aubrey suggest that if you tend to think the American or UK accent is better than other accents, you must let go of that false belief.
No accent is better than others, though you may find some easier to understand if you are more familiar with them.
It’s all about understanding everyone you’re trying to connect with.
#2: Business success
You are more likely to reach success at work if you understand any accent in English.
This is because English is widely used in the business world.
Learning to understand other accents helps you build connections with everyone you may encounter.
This can help you get promotions and even help in progressing within the company more likely.
#3: Build empathy and open-mindedness
If you attempt to only learn one accent or communicate with people from one area of the world, you’re limiting not only your opportunities but also your mindset.
As you understand more accents and build relationships with people from all over the world, you’ll build empathy with them, their culture and their way of viewing the world.
Tips to understand all accents
Now that you’ve nailed down your goal, here are a few tips from Lindsay and Aubrey.
These will help you understand and connect with people who have different English accents.
#1: Listen to as many accents as possible
There are so many resources to get an idea of a wide variety of English accents.
You can check out different YouTube channels, podcasts, and even TV shows with diverse casts.
Here are examples of shows you can watch and the types of English accents you will hear:
- Below Deck: United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Bahamas
- Below Deck Down Under: Australian, British, Irish, American, South African, and French accents
You can listen and focus on the rhythm, word or syllable stress, and intonation of the speaker.
Another way to test yourself if you’re understanding the accent is to try and listen without transcripts or subtitles.
#2: Be patient
Don’t allow yourself to get frustrated if you have difficulty understanding.
You can find someone to help you and you can ask them politely to repeat or clarify.
If in a meeting, take notes and ask afterward for clarification if you missed anything.
#3: Speak to English speakers from all over the world
Find speaking partners that are both native speakers and language learners.
All students of All Ears English courses are invited to weekly live English speaking opportunities.
These are called Open Conversation Club and Fluency Parties.
The Fluency Parties occur once per month and are hosted by 1-2 members of our podcasting team.
Students play fluency games and rotate into different conversation breakout rooms to discuss the key conversation topic of the month using the Connection Method.
The conversation topics are thought-provoking and the event is designed to help students practice and connect.
Open Conversation Club sessions are held weekly.
These are an opportunity to meet speaking partners and connect directly with other students to practice speaking English.
Conversation starters are provided to help you connect on a variety of topics.
The event is hosted by a member of the All Ears English team who divides students into small groups.
Here are some examples of conversation topics that are discussed in small group during this event:
- What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
- What’s your favorite part about the city where you live?
- What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?
- What does your perfect Saturday look like?
To sign up for one of our courses, check out the All Ears English website.
Takeaway
English is a global language that has a wide variety of English accents.
It can be challenging to understand if the accent someone is using is not familiar to you.
It’s really important to familiarize yourself with accents from all over the world.
Getting used to different accents takes time and effort, but is well worth it.
Today’s tips can help you get better at understanding every accent in English.
What is the English accent you’re most familiar with?
Share it with us in the comments below.
