If you do not know how to do a perfect Chinese accent, there are some really simple tricks that you can put into practice right now. Take a Mandarin course, watch series and films in Chinese, read, travel to a Chinese-speaking country. There are many tips that we can find when looking for a method that allows us to learn to speak this language more easily. Despite this, the most successful is perhaps the least listened to: stop speaking your native language.
When learning the chinese language, the worst mistake one can make is to translate the sounds of their language to the one they want to know. To be a true Chinese speaker, the first thing that must be achieved is the detachment of everything that belongs to and characterises one’s native language, because keeping it alone will serve to hinder the incorporation of new knowledge.
Paying attention to the sounds we emit is essential to be able to speak Chinese correctly and to get rid of that typical, I’m-learning-Chinese accent. However, as non-Chinese speakers, we are perfectly accustomed to mixing different words and other faults that lead us to mixing up two languages, that at the end of the day do not qualify as Mandarin.
An additional technique to speak better and get rid of your inherent accent while conversing in a foreign language is simply noticing the differences. Besides this, learning the correct pronunciation can be achieved through a number of ways, including increasing your time spent listening to native radio stations, watching television and paying close attention when others speak. Another technique in overcoming an accent problem is by imitating native speakers, which can be done by: listening to the way actual native speaker’s utter words, letters, and phrases which can facilitate a lot in improving your accent. Having a comprehensive Chinese vocabulary can be instrumental in your pursuit of the perfect accent because you are less likely to trip up and revert to your native tongue and accent.
There is always room to improve. But is that all we aim for? Have perfect accents and tones? Or is it feeling like one with the language? To feel comfortable talking to natives? Learn by doing. Learn by trying. Learn by making mistakes, but do not let those mistakes stop you from continuing.
Finally, it can be concluded that overcoming an accent when speaking a foreign language is, for sure, an uphill task and especially for the Mandarin language. However, with commitment and daily practice, it is possible to master it well. On your way to perfecting your accent, taking the support of textbooks, online practice and talking to friends who speak Mandarin or joining a good institute in Singapore can prove to be very helpful.
