How can I speak English like an American?

This post is combined from here and here of Yahoo Answer!

Best Answers (the first one is chosen by asker, the second one is chosen by voters)

*************************************************************

By Two Lips:

I’ve answered this question asked by someone else already, but here I go again.
First, WHY would you want to speak like an American? I’m Canadian. Believe me, you should aspire to speak like a Canadian instead. Canada is a cultural mosaic while America is a melting pot. Canada encourages people to celebrate their heritage and allows for dual citizenship, all of which is frowned upon in the U.S. If you speak with an accent indicating that English is not your first language, this is a NORMAL thing in Canada and no one will think any the worse of you.
Second, if you insist on speaking like an American, you do NOT have to learn your grammar as others have suggested; rather, FORGET the grammar you do know, especially the present perfect. Americans do not say, “I have forgotten my key.” They say, “I forgot my key,” and they wouldn’t be able to explain when one is supposed to use the present perfect as opposed to the past simple.
Third, Americans have a tendency to swallow their words, so I would recommend you put large amounts of gum in your mouth and speak while you chew.
Fourth, there are so many different accents throughout the North American continent. You can’t just say “American accent”.
Fifth, be proud that you have learned English on top of your mother tongue. It’s not easy to learn a different language. Congratulations on having done so.
Good luck in your endeavour.

*************************************************************

To speak well like the Americans, speak to Americans. Find and create every opportunity to have a conversation.

Watch more American movie or TV program.

Don’t be embarrassed about your grammar or vocabulary. The most important thing is to use t as often as possible.

*************************************************************

Other answers are:

Practice makes perfect, they say. It is not always true though. Depending on how old you are, whether you live in America or not, and of course depending on the amount of communication (both when you speak and listen), you will get to a certain degree of pronunciation. I am a professional translator and I lived in USA for three years now, but I still speak with a Russian accent myself. I heard of a 76-year old woman, living in Britain, who moved there when she was little, and she speaks with an accent still. Try hard, attempt to listen not only to the words, but the ways they are pronounced. Also try to sing after American singers – it will be fun, not boring way to practice. If you have an opportunity ask an American to correct your pronunciation, and don’t get offended by it. BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, don’t forget, that the main thing is your ABILITY to speak the language – they understand you, that’s really all that matters. HOW you speak it is another matter – you want to be better? please yourself, but don’t get stressed if it doesn’t work out – most of people don’t even speak a second language.

*************************************************************

Watch CNN instead of BBC;) And – American films;) Well, generally I think most of us have no accent – only the one of our native language… I would love to speak British, but … I don’t know, looks like I was born with American – somebody told me… And it “improved” as I had an American teacher.. – maybe try that?

*************************************************************

Watch more American movies, talk to more Americans, speak English at all times. You can record your speech and listen to it to see how you improve.

*************************************************************

And, finally, have fun with your study

---

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)

• High Tech Linguistic Analysis
• An American Dictionary of the English Language