How to Develop a Fine English Accent As an American

High-class British English is known as "BBC English".

Having a strong accent can make a person really stand out. While many Americans like to think of American English as a uniform thing, the truth is that someone from Louisiana or Kentucky will have a way of speaking that is very distinct from the way people talk in New York. Similarly, there is a vast difference between British "Cockney" English and what is called "BBC" or "The Queen's" English.

Instructions

1. Start gradually, substituting British pronunciations for certain words. Enunciate words carefully, being careful to emphasize pronunciation of "t" and "u". Drop the "r" from words that end in this letter.

2. Watch British television and movies. You can watch television shows, such as the science fiction drama "Doctor Who," to increase your exposure to the accent. BBC news is available to cable subscribers and is an excellent example of proper English diction. It is also possible to watch short clips at the BBC online. Listen and repeat key phrases aloud.

3. Practice all you can. Explain to friends and colleagues that you are attempting to develop a British accent, and then speak that way as much as possible. For the accent to sound natural you will want to ingrain it in your mind's memory. It takes approximately eight weeks to develop a new mental habit, so after this point you may find yourself speaking in an English accent without intending to.