Speaking with a foreign accent: Developed strategies of East Asian international students in Australian higher education

Abstract

This study investigates strategies developed by East Asian international students to cope with the communication barriers caused by accented English. While these students encounter a range of communication barriers caused by accented English, research investigating how these students mitigate the challenges to successfully complete their studies has been limited. Using a qualitative survey approach, this study presents findings from responses from 306 East Asian students to the question “What would be the three top tips that you would give to new international students to be better understood by others and why?” The students, originally from English as foreign language countries (EFL) located in both Northeast and Southeast Asian regions, at one Australian university. In this survey research, two main types of strategies were identified: (a) verbal strategies and (b) non-verbal strategies. The first theme concentrates on enhancing the ability to produce intelligible sounds. The second theme emphasises behaviours or self-discipline in attempting to improve overall speaking fluency. Practical implications are considered for these students’ intercultural communication and learning support.