Frequently Asked Questions

An accent is caused by a difference between a speaker's native language or dialect and the language or dialect they are speaking. When producing a sound in the new language or dialect, it may be replaced or merged with a sound from the native language or dialect. That causes the perception of an accent.

Intelligibility is the ability to be understood. It should not be confused with having an accent. A person can be very intelligible with a perceived accent or very unintelligible with no perceived accent.

You shouldn't! Accents are amazing. They are part of you are as a person, and they tell a lot about where you come from. Our services do not focus on making a particular accent undetectable. Instead, we focus on making a person more intelligible so they are able to communicate effectively in their lives. For most clients (unless it is a particular goal for a particular reason), they still have their accent at the end, but they are more effectively able to communicate.

A speech-language pathologist (SLP) are experts in communication who have been trained to assess and treat disorders and differences in the areas of speech and language (and swallowing). In the US, to be certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association, or have your CCC, an SLP must have a Master's degree and have passed a comprehensive exam called the Praxis.

A person who has studied language and its structure. They may not speak multiple languages, but a linguist has an understanding of how languages may be similar or different from one another. This can be very important when understanding and overcoming difficulties in a second language.

Unfortunately, there is not a single answer for this question. Every person learns at an individual rate, and they also have different motivations and practice rates.

However, we can say that within 6 months, all sounds the English language can be introduced, along with proper articulator placement. Automaticity in pronunciation at that stage depends on the individual. With knowledge of the sounds, miscommunications can typically be cleared up.

The prices set for our services are inline with others in the industry. It is important to note that our providers are professionals with graduate degrees in speech-language pathology, linguistics, English as a second language, or a combination. They have done research, and published their findings, in the services we offer. They are also licensed professionals. 

All of this education and experience results in the best experience for you. The cost of the services is for the quality of the services.