The American Accent Guide, 3rd Edition (with mp3 audio)

Comprehensive Training on The American Accent
This program consists of a book with accompanying mp3 audio on a CD
This new 3rd edition of The American Accent Guide builds upon the successes of the previous editions. It includes revisions with new ideas, more exercises, and a new, expanded section on word stress.

The methods and principles of this program are based on the belief that the most efficient way to become a clear and effective speaker in a non-native language is to gain an understanding of the phonology (sound system) of that language. The American Accent Guide addresses the entire sound system of American English and gives thorough attention to each of its elements. These elements are:
Intonation
Stress
Rhythm
Individual vowel sounds
Individual consonant sounds
The American Accent Guide introduces the elements of American English speech in the most logical sequence, integrating each of them into natural contexts. It takes a highly complex system and makes it easy to understand and makes learning and practicing enjoyable. While practicing new speech patterns, the learner gains awareness of the underlying rules of the American English sound system and a wealth of skill-building insights. These insights facilitate continued improvement and increased fluency in standard American English.

The American Accent Guide is accompanied by clear audio featuring a mix of male and female speakers of standard American English. Audio track markers are easily located in small circles throughout the text. The entire book is available in audio form, and the program can be followed using the audio independently should the user wish to use it that way.

The American Accent Guide contains a variety of engaging, interactive exercises that use everyday language in situations ranging from casual to technical and from informal to professional.

The American Accent Guide is divided into eight sections. Each section addresses a complete and distinct aspect of the American accent, so the learner can potentially study each part independently. Although each section is complete in and of itself, exercises do reinforce skills addressed in previous sections. This makes studying the program in the order presented the most effective way to both understand the concepts and practice and improve one s accent.

By the end of the course, learners possess a clear idea of how to process the American accent and have the basic speaking tools required to express it. They will also be prepared to continue building their accent skills through purposeful listening to the way that native speakers of American English communicate.

Who is The American Accent Guide for?
Typical users of The American Accent Guide include universities, colleges, language schools, speech-language pathologists, ESL instructors, and individual learners. The program is appropriate for students of all language backgrounds, given that they possess at least a low-intermediate to an advanced command of the English language.

In addition to more articulate speech, learners attain better comprehension, improved grammar, an expanded vocabulary, and a better understanding of the speaking style of American culture, including many idiomatic expressions.

As a student in speech-language pathology and linguistics thirty years ago, Beverly recognized the need for providing non-native speakers instruction on the phonology (sound system) of American English. Being from a bi-lingual family, she recognized that an understanding of this system and its underlying rules would provide English learners a solid foundation for adopting the speech patterns of American English.
After completing both a Bachelor s Degree and a Master s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Utah, she founded the Lingual Arts Institute for Accent Reduction. Her methods proved highly successful, and her clients were very happy with the results. She compiled her methods into a book and audio program that became The American Accent Guide. The first edition was published in 1999.

On a global level, Ms. Lujan has provided American accent and communication training to thousands of international students and has provided supervision to Graduate Students in Speech-Language-Pathology at the University of Utah. Also, she has conducted seminars and has presented at conferences sharing her expertise in improved communication through accent training. To promote the importance of her work, she provides coaching and conducts courses and seminars. The clients who have benefited from her instruction represent a wide range of professions and corporations.

The American Accent Guide, 3rd Edition reflects over 25 years of experience helping thousands of learners from varying language backgrounds, cultures, and countries to become clear and effective English communicators. The American Accent Guide has won acclaim worldwide, and is currently used in many universities and language schools and for self-study.