How to reduce your accent
An accent is part of your identity. But if you want to sound closer to natives — it's possible.
A perfect accent isn't necessary. But clear speech is a must.
Key techniques
- •Shadowing — copy native intonation
- •Minimal pairs — practice similar sounds (ship/sheep)
- •Record yourself — compare with the original
Problem sounds for Russian speakers
- •TH (think, this)
- •W vs V (wine, vine)
- •R (red, run)
Focus on intonation, not individual sounds. Intonation matters more than pronunciation.
3 sounds
Main problem sounds for Russian speakers