by Recommendation of Heather Chetwynd | Aug 11, 2014 | Culture and Values
What name do you use when addressing people at work? If you come from a culture that highly values status, it may feel rude to use first names with someone who holds a higher position than you. Even as a teacher, I find many students have difficulty calling me...
by Heather Chetwynd | Mar 26, 2014 | Culture and Values
We often misunderstand others who have been raised in the same country, often even from within the same family. So when we have been raised speaking different languages and holding different beliefs and values, misinterpretation can run rampant. In this interview,...
by Heather Chetwynd | Dec 23, 2013 | Accent Modification
In writing, we often mark phrasing with punctuation. In speech, we mark phrasing with intonation and pausing. If it is not done correctly, you might be misunderstood! Take a look at the following examples: WHAT IS IT? Let’s eat Grandma… OR… Let’s eat, Grandma....
by Heather Chetwynd | Aug 16, 2011 | Accent Modification
In Music & Accent-Part 1-Transitioning between Sounds, I discussed how learning to adjust your accent is very similar to learning to play an instrument. I focused on how to create smooth transitions using a technique commonly applied to music studies. This posting...
by Heather Chetwynd | Jul 26, 2011 | Accent Modification
Learning to adjust your accent is a lot like learning to play an instrument. We need to fine tune listening skills, exercise muscles that aren’t used much, smooth out transitions between sounds, add dynamics, etc. And, very importantly, it takes focus, repetition and...
