Why yes, we all have accents! – SLPs and accent modification

by Tamiko Teshima, M.A., CCC-SLP
Duncan Lake Speech Therapy, LLC
Updated January 2025

When my husband and I first started dating, he used to comment on how my Michigan accent really came out when I was very happy (and also very angry). This accent softened quite a bit when I lived outside of the state, but once we moved back, my accent returned to me!

Did this mean that I didn’t have an accent when I lived outside of Michigan? Nope. My accent just changed. Here’s the thing: we ALL have accents. Accents are simply the way we pronounce words, influenced by our region, culture, or first language. Think about just the United States—how many accents can you name? Now narrow it down to within Michigan. Can you think of different ways people in the Upper Peninsula speak compared to people in Detroit? Accents are a natural and beautiful part of language. They reflect who we are and where we’ve been.

That said, some people choose to modify their accents. Let’s be clear: there is absolutely no need to change your accent unless it’s something you genuinely want. Accents are not disorders. They are differences, and they do not require “fixing.” If you work for a company that requires you to change your accent, I’d encourage you to reconsider if that’s the right place for you. A workplace that values diversity should embrace the way you speak.

Why Do Some People Seek Accent Modification?

So, if accents don’t need to be changed, why do people seek accent modification services? Here are a few common reasons:

1. Improved Clarity: Some people find that their accent makes it harder for others to understand them, especially in professional settings. They want to enhance communication without losing their identity.
2. Learning a New Accent: Certain jobs or roles may require learning a new accent. For example, actors might want to master a specific regional or cultural accent for a role.
3. Personal Choice: Some people simply have a personal preference to adjust how they sound. It’s their decision and can be empowering when done for the right reasons.
4. Safety Concerns: Unfortunately, some people face discrimination or feel unsafe due to their accent. In these cases, modifying their accent can feel like a necessary step to protect themselves or avoid negative attention.

What Does Accent Modification Look Like?

Accent modification is an elective service typically provided by a speech-language pathologist (SLP). Here’s what it involves:

1. Evaluation: The SLP evaluates your speech patterns and identifies areas where adjustments could help you meet your goals.
2. Goal Setting: Together, you and the SLP create personalized goals based on your needs. For example, you might focus on improving clarity in workplace interactions or mastering stress patterns in English.
3. Therapy Sessions: Sessions often focus on:
   • Pronunciation: Fine-tuning specific sounds.
   • Stress and Intonation: Adjusting how words and phrases are emphasized.
   • Sentence Structure: Addressing patterns that differ between languages or dialects.

It’s critical that the client and SLP communicate openly. The client needs to share specific challenges and goals to ensure therapy is targeted and effective.

A Final Note on Accents

Accents are a reflection of your unique background and experiences. They are part of what makes language so rich and diverse. Whether you want to modify your accent or embrace it as it is, the choice is entirely yours. Just remember: you don’t need to change your accent unless it’s something you truly want. And if someone else is pressuring you to, it’s worth questioning their motives.

Questions or thoughts? Leave a comment—we’d love to hear from you!