How realistic is it to completely eliminate a foreign accent? The honest answer: it’s very unlikely.
While it’s possible to soften an accent and improve clarity, eliminating it entirely is an enormous challenge—even for highly trained actors. Why? Because accent adjustment requires not just memorization but deep, repetitive practice. It’s like learning to play the piano: every small movement needs to be precise, and only then can speed and fluency develop. And while actors may master an accent for a memorized script, maintaining it in spontaneous conversation is far more complex.
Several factors make accent adjustment challenging:
- Environment: If you mostly socialize and work with speakers of your native language, you’ll naturally reinforce your original accent.
- Duration: The longer you’ve been speaking with a particular accent, the more ingrained it becomes.
- Social Influences: The accents and speech patterns we develop are shaped by family, community, and education. Even within English-speaking cities, speech can vary greatly based on upbringing and social circles.
That said, many find joy in the process of refining their accent. Some of my students love the challenge of mastering new sounds and enjoy the practice it takes to become clearer and more confident speakers.
But it’s crucial to set realistic goals. Rather than aiming to “get rid of” an accent, focus on achieving clear, effective communication. This approach is attainable with commitment, consistent practice, and a mindset focused on personal growth.
If you’re working on your accent or supporting someone who is, let’s talk about strategies that can make this journey both effective and enjoyable.