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Here's How to Do Accent Modification: A Manual for Speech-Language Pathologists, First Edition

Here's How to Do Accent Modification: A Manual for Speech-Language Pathologists, First Edition
Robert McKinney, MA, CCC-SLP
December 31, 2025

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Please note that to complete this course, you will need to read the textbook Here's How to Do Accent Modification: A Manual for Speech-Language Pathologists, First Edition. If you do not already have a copy of the textbook, you can purchase it at Plural Publishing.

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robert mckinney

Robert McKinney, MA, CCC-SLP

Robert (Bob) McKinney, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the lead Speech-Language Pathologist at the Sweetwater Union High School District, where he heads the district's Culturally/Linguistically Diverse Assessment team. At San Diego State University, he supervises graduate students in the Accent and Communication Training Program and teaches phonetics. He had a 26-year career as a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) instructor, teaching and conducting teacher training in six countries, including 17 years at UCSD's English Language Institute. He holds an M.A. in Communicative Disorders, an M.A. in Education/TESOL, and an M.A. in International Relations. He speaks six languages and has worked with clients from more than 80 countries. Bob is active in the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association and has served on its board of directors.

 



Related Courses

Ethics of Accent Modification
Presented by Robert McKinney, MA, CCC-SLP
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Targeted phonological instruction (i.e., “accent modification”) provided by SLPs may help non-native speaking adults communicate more effectively in their new language, but can also prompt ethical concerns. The nature of accents, their connection to linguistic discrimination, and best practices for ethical provision of elective accent modification services are discussed in this course.

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Adults acquiring a new language often face challenges because their speech sounds different, and speech-language pathologists are uniquely suited to help them become more effective communicators in their new language. The nature of non-native accents, aspects of accents to address in therapy, and best practices for the ethical provision of elective accent modification services are described in this course.

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This advanced-level seminar explores key suprasegmental features, such as rate, intonation, linking, syllable stress, word stress, and phrasal stress, which can significantly impact intelligibility and naturalness for non-native speakers. The seminar combines brief theoretical overviews with practical strategies to use in accent modification. Participants will examine common challenges faced by non-native speakers and learn adaptable, client-centered activities to target suprasegmentals effectively.

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