What Happens If English is Just Your Second Language?

Probably the hardest part of migrating to another place, or to another country is to speak the language that locals in that area speak. It may sound easy but, it isn't and never is it easy. It actually requires good listening skill, diction and determination.

When I moved here in Honolulu four years ago, and I go out for job interviews I often encounter comments like, "You just got here, really? But, how come you don't have accent?" And, my answer was always, "oh no, I do have one too," for I get offended for my fellow Filipinos who are experiencing such offending statement. But, then we can't have people think the way we do, right? And as I always say the only things we are capable of are the things within us; the things we can do on ourselves and for ourselves, which on top is to be tough, brace the challenge and have the determination to learn.

Accent from where you are born and raised will always be there, it would improve as time goes by but somehow, it will always be there. So don't be hard to yourself!

Below are some tips to help you ease your accent:

Take time to read books, literatures, watch movies and listen carefully when conversing with locals. And, when reading, make it a point to always read aloud. Not too loud to the point that you'd be yelling already but, just enough to hear yourself.

Practice on words containing letter "r" for that's where we are low at, just like Latinos. And keep in mind of the saying "constant practice makes it perfect," so, do it as often as you can!

Be open for corrections. Don't get onion skin rather take that opportunity to learn by asking that very person correcting you on that very moment. Go ask, "How do you say that then?" That gives you an instant opportunity, so grab it! And, dare to ask!

Strive to learn and improve your English by reading dictionaries or going to dictionary website like the Merriam Webster (http://www.merriam-webster.com/) that offers proper pronunciations of every word they have on their list. You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/) also has tons and tons of Videos that could introduce you to American accent and common mispronounce words.

Learn the art of speaking slowly. Speaking softly and slowly will enable the other person to read your lips and understand what you're saying.

And last but, not the least, always speak with confidence. Don't get intimidated by responses like "I'm sorry, say that again?" This line is so short and brief yet, very powerful to intimidate one. So, if you encounter this line, say it again, whatever is it you have spoken.

Always keep in mind that it's not a sin to have an accent and every country or every race has its own, so, don't let it hamper your work; how to act or think productively.

Even here in America each state or region has accent that differs from one another; the northern people get their own, the southern have theirs too, Texas locals got their cowboy accent, even Hawaiians have unique accent.

So, don't let it pull you from doing and achieving the best for yourself! Always conquer adversities positively and be a winner!