How to speak english in foreign accent?

Let’s face it, speaking a foreign language can be difficult, but adding an accent to make it sound authentic can turn out to be quite the challenge. Whether you’re trying to impress your friends or just want to blend in with the locals on your next trip abroad, knowing how to speak English with a foreign accent is essential. Here are some hilarious tips that will help you get there.

1. Pick Your Accent

Before starting your journey of sounding like a non-native English speaker, decide which country’s accent you want to fake (oops, we mean perfect). Choose one that interests you and makes sense for your purposes.

Some of the most popular accents include British, Irish, Australian or even South African (you know – if “Lethal Weapon” happened), among others.

Once you’ve chosen an accent – tune into TV shows/movies with actors from these countries and listen closely so as to have (have instead of not miss) examples coming up for pronunciations and expressions.

2. Get Familiar With The Vocabulary

A major step towards achieving a convincing foreign accent is mastering vocabulary related phrases unique (sweet!) to this particular culture. For instance:

  • British: “cheers” (thank-you); “banger” (sausage), “loo” (restroom/toilet)
  • Australian: “I reckon”, “barbie”(bbq) ,“fair dinkum” – means something outrageous/funny
  • South African: Use some Afrikaans words like “lekker” instead of nice; Yebo = Yes; Biltong= prepared meat similar jerky.

Sound familiar? These words aren’t typically used by people who speak standard American English!(aren’t they?)

So take time researching and getting familiar with them before heading off deep end making up your own lingo!

3. Focus on the Pronunciation

When it comes to faking an accent, pronunciation is king. The way one articulates sounds and where they are placed in a sentence can really make or break the authenticity of your accent (we’re not kidding!).

For British English – try making ‘u’ sound like “oo” and emphasize “r” & “t”. For Australian Accent – adding “y” at the end of most word is common.,(like Berli-y). In South African accent you emphasis by elongating certain vowels (so make that xtra longgg) .

Don’t be afraid to practice out loud – even if it’s just for yourself – until you feel comfortable with intonations.

4. Learn Speech Patterns

Every culture has its own unique way of structuring phrases, using contractions/pronouns so as to shorten sentences which ultimately leaves out important details (talk about confusing!). this will have native speakers scratching their heads trying to follow along with what you’re saying!

-For British: use diminutives like gob-smacked instead of astonished; Soz = sorry; Ta=posh thank-you
-In Australia, more casual tones are preferred while talking like arvo= afternoon.
-In south Africa the usage ‘ne’ needs added often which translates into right?

It feels super awkward trying to master these speech patterns but once you’ve figured it all, people will start mistaking you for being an authentic non-native speaker!

5. Impress Them With Acronyms & Slang

Another great trick towards mastering conversation proficiencies(in other words ACT COOL) lies in learning some trendy acronyms or slang popular among natives from these regions. – This would reflect how well-acquainted ,you(can say WE?) are with modern language trends there.

Casual slangs vary greatly based on region – Try these on for size!

  • British: “Bloody Hell”, “Bob´s your uncle”, & “Sod off” (go away)
  • Australian: Can’t be arsed; Heaps good.
  • South African : shame= often used in conversation as a way of expressing sympathy
    -for-thought: “Howzit!”= slang variation of Hello

Why don’tcha see how many you can memorize? (little challenge!)

6. The Accent’s All In the Details

Don’t just focus on speaking, take it up a notch by paying attention to nuances and details so that you don’t end up looking like an auditioning actor trying too hard(lol ;P). For instance:

-British – Holding out the letter ‘r’ for longer than necessary is key
-Australian – use short vowels sound ‘e’ instead of ‘i’ like ‘eksenstone’(instead of instant)
-South Africa – Slightly different pronunciation preferred when comparing with American English.

You needn’t go overboard though, taking note(just once)of fine differences will help establish greater authenticity without making things seem offensive(take our word for it).

7. Get Your Body Language Right Too

Aside from understanding verbal cues, non-verbal participation goes equally far in mastering speakership proficiency. This includes learning how people greet each other depending on their culture i.e handshake or hug .

What if someone hugs by default thinking he’s acting cool while meeting her majesty Queen Lizzy?!

Cultures also have social rules defining what types of gestures are appropriate communication tools(Just ask Travolta lol)– even facial expressions differ! Be mindful before mimicking them or else there may come some awkward results(ehem..!).

8. Use repetition often (a lottttttt)

Not everyone would notice a couple of mistakes but repeating sentences can be super helpful when trying to nail down an accent, especially in a group setting. Bring that word back and repeat the phrase you said! It gives more focus(never hurts!), might give you some feedback or inspire others from copying as well!

9. Watch Native Speaks Engage In Conversations

When attempting this feat, having something for reference will truly keep you on track. Try & watch films/tv shows featuring your desired english accent where native speakers holding conversations are available. When simulated everyday situations arise communication strategies such as facial language/shrugs would come naturally.

Ones with subtitles/captions are much easier to follow along with while gradually uptaking various tones, pronunciations etc .

While at it emulate what peak/signal one uses while speaking up(say stuff like ‘Excuse me can I interrupt..?’, how one slows down speech pattern so other person won’t feel lost(you following!?)

Conclusion: Get Your English Accent On Point

Speaking English with an accent might seem overwhelming now but after some practice,you’ll discover that sounding like a non-native speaker is just a result of grasping different verbal cues related to unique cultures.

Keep in mind tips shared above (watch those hands and faces too)to ensure smooth sailing through both casual convo/travel ,getting compliments along the way 😉

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