Is a Foreign Accent a Speech Disorder?

Have you ever thought of a foreign accent as a disorder? Most of the time it is absolutely not a disorder but sometimes it is. Let me explain.

A foreign accent which has developed following the learning of second language is not considered a speech disorder. Since second language learning differs from a first language, we are likely to develop an accent in the second language because we adopt the speech and language characteristics of our native tongue and apply the same rules to the new language. But a speech disorder implies that there is some neurological component that creates a disruption in normal speech.

Foreign accent syndrome (FAS) is a rare and acquired speech disorder. In many cases, it is caused by a stroke. Damage to the brain affects the rhythm and melody of speech. If you have FAS, you adopt what sounds like a foreign accent, even though you may never have traveled to that particular country.

A foreign accent acquired because of a stroke is considered a disorder but a foreign accent that develops because of second language learning is not a “disorder” If you would like to read more about this rare and unusual disorder, go to the websites listed below (or search Foreign Accent Syndrome for more articles):

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/foreign-accent-syndrome-for-beginners

http://www.vpr.net/npr/136824428/