Sounds of Japan: Achieve a Native-like Japanese Accent

To improve a Japanese accent, several effective approaches are recommended based on recent studies and language learning techniques:

• Focus on pitch accent: Japanese is a pitch-accent language, where pitch patterns distinguish meaning. Training with pitch height notation and using gestures to reinforce pitch perception can significantly help learners acquire accurate pitch accent patterns, improving naturalness and intelligibility. ¹

• Train with high-variability sound contrasts: Perceptual training focusing on Japanese-specific sound contrasts (such as fricatives and affricates) improves the ability to distinguish and produce sounds accurately. Using tools like pronunciation trainers with feedback can be very effective. ²

• Use auditory, visual, and gestural multimodal learning: Combining listening, visual aids (e.g., pitch notation), and body gestures to mimic pitch or rhythm patterns engages more cognitive pathways, enhancing learning outcomes. ¹

• Pay attention to accent errors: Many learners lack awareness or training on the importance of Japanese accent patterns, so consciously studying and practicing the correct accent placement is crucial. ³

• Practice with native speakers and use mimicry: Mimicking native speakers’ intonation, rhythm, and pitch while receiving feedback helps refine accent.

• Use online resources and media like “Tsutaeru Hatsuon,” an online media tool, to practice accent and intonation with guided feedback. ⁴

Overall, combining focused pitch accent training, perceptual sound contrast training, multimodal learning methods, and consistent practice with native speech models are the best ways to improve a Japanese accent effectively.

References

• Multimodal training on L2 Japanese pitch accent: learning outcomes, neural correlates and subjective assessments

• Nihongo Speech Trainer: A Pronunciation Training System for Japanese Sounds

• Japanese Accent Pronunciation Error by Japanese Learners in Elementary and Intermediate Level

• The Utilization of the “Tsutaeru Hatsuon” Online Media in Learning Japanese Accents and Intonations

• Exploring Pronouncing English Sounds : Book Review For Japanese Language Learners

• ACCENT MORPHING AS A TECHNIQUE TO IMPROVE THE INTELLIGIBILITY OF FOREIGN-ACCENTED SPEECH

• Emblem Gestures Improve Perception and Evaluation of Non-native Speech

• Commentaries: Promoting Intelligibility Not Terminology: the Role of Speech-Language Pathologists in Accent Reduction Programmes

• Polyphone Disambiguation and Accent Prediction Using Pre-Trained Language Models in Japanese TTS Front-End

• Simplified Japanese Phonetic Alphabet as a Tool for Japanese Course Design 日本語コースの道具としての簡略日本語音声記号

• DOES REPEATED EXPOSURE TO SEGMENTAL SOUNDS IMPROVE PERCEPTUAL ABILITY IN NON-NATIVE SPEAKERS?

• Foreign Accent, Comprehensibility, and Intelligibility in the Speech of Second Language Learners

• A Study of the Intelligibility of Japanese Learners’ English Vowels

• Improving Japanese English pronunciation with speech recognition and feed-back system

• Speaking and Hearing With an Accent

• Formation of the skill of perception of pitch accent at the initial stage of learning the Japanese language

• More foreign-accented but more comprehensible: Attrition and amelioration of L1 speech in proficient L2 learners

• Some Issues In Japanese Accent

• Lexical Category and Downstep in Japanese

• More foreign-accented but more comprehensible: Attrition and amelioration of L1 speech in proficient L2 learners