Any Adult public high school in San Antonio ? (Alamo, Alto: school districts, community college)

[Petcha]

Hi there.
I am an Asian woman who just migrated to San Antonio, Texas beginning of 2011. My American husband and his American friends say my English is good, but when I have long conversation with them, let's say more than 10 minutes, they will look at my husband and asked him "What's she say ?" They can not catch my assents.

I heard from some webboard that there are an adult public high school in USA but I can not find one here. I have taken ESL class (English for Second Language) but it's not suitable for me. I want to start from beginig to get rid of my asian accents.

Kindly advise where should I start to be an American accents ?

[neddy]

Northside ISD has some continuing ed courses that I think might fit your need. Look on the website to see if its what you need.

[DexterCat]

i would say you need a more advanced english class vs a public high school, unless getting a diploma is something you are also after.

[L210]

The school districts offer courses to the community from language to automotive repair. NEISD also has ESL courses and so do the community colleges.

[End Alzheimer's]

Hi Petcha,

To clarify, adult public education classes are provided by both school districts and community college districts. Of the many local school districts I am aware of two that offer adult education classes, they are Northside ISD (Independent School District) and Northeast ISD. San Antonio's only community college district is Alamo Colleges, it's comprised of five community colleges...San Antonio College, St. Philip's College, Palo Alto College, Northwest Vista College, and Northeast Lakeview College.

To minimize, or overcome, an incomprehensible accent you need specialized speech instruction. It's apparent from your writing ability that basic ESL classes may be unsuitable, as you've said, however you might consider advanced ESOL classes (ESOL=English for speakers of other languages). Alternatively, your greatest instruction may come from voice and diction classes. San Antonio College offers the following courses:

ESOL 0324 - Pronunciation
This course focuses on improving students’ oral intelligibility. Students receive practice with English vowel and consonant sounds, stress, and intonation. Course work includes listening comprehension exercise and dictation.

ESOL 0334 - Pronunciation
Focuses on improving student’s oral intelligibility. Students receive practice with English vowel and consonant sounds, stress and intonation. Coursework includes listening comprehension and dictation.

SPCH 1342 - Voice and Diction
Physiology and mechanics of effective voice production with practice in articulation, pronunciation, and enunciation.

The last course (Speech 1342) is also available at Northeast Lakeview and Palo Alto colleges, I didn't check what colleges offer ESOL courses. Once you have gained some technical instruction you might find self-study diction books to be suprisingly helpful. In the meantime, search online for some fun tongue-twisters and practice, practice, practice.

I applaud your efforts to better your speaking abilities. It's easy to become discouraged and complacent when learning a foreign language, moreso with impatient listeners. Keep up the —great— work!