Speaking a second language to a native level is the benchmark for success in the eyes of most language learners.  Achieving a native level means fluency in the four key areas: reading, writing, speaking, and listening, as well as beautiful, clear pronunciation.  Pronunciation is undoubtedly important, but does accent matter? This is a hot topic. Academics and teachers ...

Caption: My own well-used copy of the NHK Japanese Language Pronunciation and Accent Dictionary. After 10 years of studying Japanese, the aspect of the language that continues to captivate me the most is pitch accent. Although it may seem intimidating at first, pitch accent is a rich and fascinating component of the Japanese language, and learning about it ...

Gnocchi. Bruschetta. Ghepardo. Cena. Gerundio. Figlio. Psicologo. Bruschetta. These eight words reveal an uncomfortable truth about the Italian language: though Italian is often pronounced exactly as it is written, that isn't always the case.  There are a few exceptions that, if you're not careful, can trip you up and make your speech sound unnatural—or worse, unintelligible! Fortunately, the ...

Here's the truth: anyone can learn a foreign language, even to native-like fluency. As a language coach who has spent many years around all varieties of language learners, I know many people who can speak at highly advanced levels. It's relatively common, even. What's uncommon, however, is to find learners who are so good that they sound like ...

Has this happened to you? You're in school, and you're reading a text out loud in front of the entire class. You wanted to decline, but you couldn't. This is a requirement, and you'll be receiving a grade for your performance. Standing in front of the room, you notice your mouth is dry, and your hands are trembling. ...