User:Derikien/Vincent Approach

The Vincent Approach is a highly effective methodology to eliminate irregularities in a speaker’s accent. The approach is employed predominantly by accent coaches to eliminate or reduce the accent of second-language English speakers.

Methodology

A speaker is assessed, given personalized instruction to correct each specific issue, assessed again to ensure the instruction has been assimilated. the speaker is then drilled in numerous speaking exercises, and finally, placed in a context to see if their awareness and correction have solidified. The experience can be intense and requires discipline and serious motivation for self-improvement.

A specialist in the approach will make adjustments in a speakers use of consonants, vowels, diphthongs, glides, word-linking or liaison, sound reduction, syllable stress and word emphasis.

A simplified and slightly more iconographic for of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is used by a specialist to script notes for a speaker. These notes are later used by the speaker to practice the learned sounds and instructions. A sound recording is also made of the target production for the same purposes.

Derek Vincent

The Vincent Approach was developed by Derek Vincent, B.A. Ling., who studied Theoretical Linguistics at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, before being invited to South Korea in 2001. Over the next 5 years, he used his knowledge of sound articulation to aid English students. He noticed that patterns began to form in the types of mistakes he encountered and the way in which they could be corrected. Over time, a usable and generalizable methodology emerged which is now know at the Vincent Approach to accent correction.

Application

The Vincent Approach is not used in cases of physical disability or by medical professionals. In cases such as these a speech pathologist would be required. The approach has been used to improve the accents of business people, actors, academics, pilots, teachers, public servants, and a variety of other speaking-intensive occupations and activities.

External Links

'Before' and 'After' Videos of results

Linguistics Department, McGill University