How to Speak Any Language Like a Native

1. Realize that it is possible to speak like a native. Geneviève Bujold, Gael Garcia Bernal, Charlize Theron, and Famke Janssen are all non-native English-speaking thespians that play convincing roles as Americans. Also, American actress Jodie Foster can play a credible French woman in A Very Long Engagement. Think that this is limited to European languages? Tell that to Anglo-Canadian Mark Rowswell, who not only mastered sounding like a Chinese native but is so adept at Mandarin that he can give outstanding comedic performances! If learning to speak like a native in a foreign language were not possible, then no country would have sleeper agents and spies from foreign lands that would be able to integrate into the society without being found out. Sure, these people have professional voice coaches or, in Foster's case, are adept at languages and attended special language immersion schools. However, the point is that this is not out of your reach.

2. Become fluent in the language. Sure, you could fake being a native with just a view phrases and the right pronunciation, stresses, and correct word choice... but for how long? My guess is about one minute, tops. If you are going to put in the time to try and sound like a native speaker of any language, then you should just go all the way and become fluent in the language. Of course, this is a whole new subject and one that is much easier (since we hear people all around us with heavy accents that speak fluent languages, this goal must be easier to obtain).

3. Interact with native speakers. There is no way of getting around this. You must come in contact with native speakers of the dialect you are trying to learn. Listen to web radio, watch movies and sitcom/soap opera episodes, and talk to people via messaging programs or other language exchange online communities to get critiques and examples of how people specifically speak the way you want.

4. Imitate the target dialect stereotypes. I know this is a risqué topic to breach. It is rude and politically incorrect to make fun of foreign people. However, using the stereotypic ways of how we imitate foreign people is a great starting tool. Of course, you need to be courteous and realize that accents are exaggerated when used in a derogatory way. Therefore, you must "tone-down" the speaking style and you must exercise utmost respect. Sometimes our imitations are so warped to the reality of the language that you will look and sound like a fool, but this where the guidance of a native speaker is so important.

5. Become adept at the subtleties of the target dialect that distinguishes it from other dialects of the same language. Canadians, Americans, Australians, Irish, South Africans, and Kiwis all sound different when they speak English. You must seek out the differences in vocabulary, cadence, and pronunciation between dialects of your target language in order to master speaking a specific dialect. If your goal is to sound like any native of that target language, the most practical goal should be to speak the most widely accept "Standard" form of the language. For instance, "High German", "Beijing Standard Mandarin", and "Egyptian Standard Arabic" all fall into this category.

6. Don't forget to learn customs, non-verbal gestures, and idio-synchronicities of the people that speak the dialect that you wish to adapt your language skills to. If you speak a language as though someone should understand you and you are not aware of the customs, you are automatically seen as a foreigner. It is best to research these small details before fully attempting to pass off as a native language speaker of any language.

7. Fake it until you make it. Sure it's a cliché, but in this particular instance, you must act as if this is natural to you and have confidence or you will always be found out.

8. Practice, Practice, Practice. This isn't going to happen overnight, you are going to make mistakes. However, learning from your mistakes is the best teacher that you have in language learning. Use language chat rooms, IM programs, and internet radios to stay inundated in the language dialect. Of course, it also helps to befriend local neighbors that may speak the specific language and dialect that you wish to learn. If they speak the language but not the specific dialect, they should be able to help you with the general differences to at least improve toward that dialect.

9.Optional: Seek professional help. There are voice coaches both online and in brick and mortar institutes, that are dedicated to making enthusiastic learners sound as authentic in a language as possible. If you have the resources, it may be worth the investment to get this personal coaching.

By Greg Cherryholmes.

Tips & Warnings

Practice every day just after waking and right before you go to bed.
Do not multi-task if you are talking to native speakers online, this is rude and negatively affects your language learning abilities.
Being rude , using foul language, and making fun of indigenous people in the language dialect is a guaranteed way to get labeled as an outsider or something worse.