Don’t Stress About Your Accent — It’s Part of Your Language Journey!

When learning a new language, many learners feel insecure about their accent. They think it’s something to “fix” or get rid of entirely. But here’s the truth: 

An accent is not a flaw. It’s a natural part of speaking a new language—and a reflection of where you come from. 

At LRDG, we often meet learners who confuse accent with pronunciation. While pronunciation can be adjusted to improve clarity, your accent is part of your identity. It adds color, shows diversity, and doesn’t need to disappear—especially if it doesn’t cause misunderstandings. 

Instead of trying to eliminate your accent, focus on communicating clearly and confidently. With the right awareness and tools, you can make yourself understood—without trying to sound like someone you’re not.  

Let’s break it down. 

Accent vs. Pronunciation: What’s the Difference?

These two are often mixed up, but they’re not the same: 

• Accent:

is how you sound based on where you’re from or what your first language is. It reflects your identity and background. 

• Pronunciation:

is how clearly and accurately you produce specific sounds in a language. 

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, an accent is: 

“A way of pronouncing a language that is distinctive to a country, area, social group, or individual.” 

So, while accents can influence pronunciation, they don’t always go hand in hand. You can have an accent and still be clearly understood—and that’s what really matters in language learning and SLE exam preparation.

Why Do We Have Accents?

When learning a second (or third!) language, we naturally apply the sound patterns of our native language. That’s how accents develop. 

Whether or not someone reduces their accent depends on a few factors: 

• Neuroplasticity: Your brain’s ability to adapt and form new habits.

• Environment: Are you surrounded by the language daily

• Mindset: Are you open, confident, and optimistic

At LRDG, we believe that everyone can improve their pronunciation with the right guidance—without trying to erase who they are. 

So… What Makes Pronunciation “Wrong”?

It’s usually one of two things: 

• Misplaced word stress

• Mispronunciation of certain vowels or consonants

The good news? These can be corrected with some self-awareness and practice. Here’s a simple approach to help you get started: 

Step-by-Step Guide to Clearer Pronunciation

Step 1: Don’t stress if people understand you!

If your pronunciation doesn’t cause confusion, you’re already doing great.
You can always refine it, but don’t let perfectionism hold you back.
Worrying too much can make you shy, hesitant, or anxious—and that blocks fluency. 

Step 2: If you’re sometimes misunderstood, dig a little deeper.

Here’s what to do: 

Record yourself speaking

Ask a friend or tutor to listen. Then ask:

• Which parts sound unclear?

• Do I mispronounce specific consonants or vowels?

• Do I stress the wrong syllables in longer words?

Example:
The word increase changes based on its word class:

✅ Verb → Stress is on the second syllable:
“An unhealthy lifestyle in-CREASES the risk of disease.”
(Just fix the verb form: increases, not increase)

✅ Noun → Stress is on the first syllable:
“There has been an IN-crease in the number of products.”

Step 3: Practice the tricky bits

Once you know your patterns, focus on them. 

• If you misplace stress, repeat and emphasize words correctly in sentences. 

• If you struggle with certain sounds, learn how they’re formed. 

Pro tip: Use a mirror and say the words slowly. This helps with muscle memory and awareness of your mouth movements. 

Another great exercise: Try the “th” test.

• Put your hand on your throat.

• Say “think” (voiceless) → No vibration.

• Say “the” (voiced) → You’ll feel your vocal cords buzz.

Even though both sounds are made in the same place (tongue touching teeth), they require different types of vibration. 

Step 4: If people comment on your accent… Own it!

Let’s say you speak clearly, but someone says: 

“Oh, where’s your accent from?” 

That’s not a critique—it’s a conversation starter! Be proud of your roots. 

Try responding with something like: 

“I’m from Brazil! How did you guess?”
“Have you ever been?” 

Accents make the world more interesting. They’re a part of your story—and in many cases, a superpower in multicultural environments like the federal public service. 

Bonus Resource:

If you want to dive deeper into pronunciation training, check out:
Perfecting Your English Pronunciation by Susan Cameron (McGraw-Hill, 2012).
It’s full of exercises that complement what we offer at LRDG!

Final Thoughts from LRDG

Remember: Your goal is communication, not perfection. 

At LRDG, we help learners across Canada improve their oral communication skills, build confidence, and get ready for their SLE exams—with or without an accent.

Our online tutoring sessions focus on real-world speaking, using personalized materials and certified tutors who understand your unique language background.

If you’re ready to boost your pronunciation (and stop worrying about your accent!), reach out today to book a free consultation.
Whether you’re learning English or French, we’re here to help.