Communication is more than words—it’s connection, understanding, and the foundation of relationships. For non-native English speakers, communicating clearly in American English can be challenging, with misunderstandings creating distance and frustration.
In "Thinking About Speaking: The Adastra Approach to Mastering the American English Accent," Dr. Christi Barb, an expert with 25 years of experience in accent modification and speech-language instruction, offers a research-based approach to refining spoken communication.
This book goes beyond surface-level pronunciation drills, exploring the deeper cognitive aspects of speech.
Through engaging explanations and insightful case studies, you’ll discover:
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How accents shape identity, perception, and connection.
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The role of memory in speech in how it facilitates learning, retention, and recall.
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A systematic approach to teaching and learning changes to speech.
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Strategies for measuring progress and building habits that lead to lasting change.
Designed for English language teachers and learners alike, Thinking About Speaking provides the foundation that bridges gaps in traditional speech instruction and empowers speakers to make lasting changes.
Whether you’re a professional looking to enhance your speech or an educator seeking innovative methods, this book will transform the way you think about speaking.
Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: Why do People Choose Accent Modification?
Chapter 2: What is Speech?
Chapter 3: The Difference Between Accents, Dialects, and Accent Modification
Chapter 4: Speech is Identity
Chapter 5: The Role of Memory in Speech
Chapter 6: The Evolution of Speech (Awareness, Control, Analysis)
Chapter 7: Tracking Progress
Chapter 8: Facilitating the Mental Processing of Language
Chapter 9: The Speech Habit
A Final Word
Resources: 1) Examples, 2) Using the EARR Method
References