Difference doesn't mean Disorder

Language Differences and Accent Modification Therapy.

What makes a Language Difference?

Language Differences occur when learning and using a new language that is different from your Native Language. Learning a language after the age of 6 is referred to as second language acquisition. Once we reach school age our brain's ability to effortlessly acquire a new language progressively diminishes and becomes an active learning process.

Many children and adults all over the world learn second languages and become effective communicators for work and social purposes. There will however, be some differences in their language use and the language use of native speakers. Some of these differences may include:

Having an accent due to encountering new sounds and sound rules that were not present in your first language

Struggling to achieve the same level of naturalness and ease in your first language. *This naturalness typically improves the more frequently you use the target language and converse with native speakers. 

Do all language learners need Speech Therapy?

No. School aged children or adults who have fully acquired one or more native languages with no difficulties do not have a language disorder. You cannot have a language disorder in one language, but be fully proficient in another. However,

What is Accent Modification?

Accent Modification is an elective service that works towards clear, easy and confident communication. These services are most beneficial to speakers who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their second language but may experience miscommunications due to pronunciation differences, more nuanced sentence formulations or use of higher level technical vocabulary.

One’s accent and first language is an important part of a person's culture and identity, with no bearing on one’s intelligence or aptitude. Accent modification should not work to eliminate one’s accent but rather, identify areas of miscommunication and provide the speaker with strategies to communicate more easily and confidently.

Accent modification is not appropriate for children. 

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Accent Modification Services at Beyond Speech

What would an SLP session look like?

Your first session at Beyond Speech Therapy will be an assessment. During this hour-long appointment your SLP will ask you questions and record samples of you talking (e.g., reading, describing a picture, telling a story). This is also your opportunity to ask questions and share your personal experiences.

How many sessions will I need?

That is completely up to you! Some people may get what they need out of only 1 session after their assessment, others may want ongoing sessions to practice strategies with direct feedback. Your SLP will provide you with specific recommendations based on your goals, after the assessment session.

If you have any additional questions, please contact us @info@beyondspeech.ca

OR

Book an assessment session with one of our Speech-Language Pathologists!