When I listen to Mauricio's pronunciation and try to imitate it precisely, I am conscious of slight differences in vowels and consonants that I cannot imitate. Every syllable spoken by a native speaker differs from the same letters spoken in English. This is the basis for our foreign accents. And yet I find it hard to accept the fact that no matter how carefully I try, when I listen to my own Spanish speech I hear a foreigner with an obvious American accent. I can read Spanish, but understand nothing spoken on Telemundo, radio, or in WalMart.

This is my personal opinion, and I do not expect anyone to share it with me. I had in the last 3 years nearly 100 students. They all can express themselves properly. They all also have a different accent. This can not be avoided. Trying to be perfect , like Mauricio, is a waste of your valuable time, because I bet my last bottom dollar, that when Mauricio goes to Spain, they will tell him that he speaks with a funny accent. This does not mean you must not try, only that you must not demand the impossible from yourself. Take into consideration that there are many different English accents in the world. Does any one worry ? No, every one accept it. So, do yourself a big favour. Do your best and be happy with it. The only way to get one or other particular accentjust right is to go and live "there: for a year or so. Again, it's my personal opinion and not facts.

[quo]*Quote:* So, do yourself a big favour. Do your best and be happy with it. [/quo] Great advice! [quo]*Quote:* The only way to get one or other particular accentjust right is to go and live "there: for a year or so. [/quo] My business puts me in constant contact with ESLers, some of whom have been in the states and speaking English 20 years or more yet none of them sound at all native. Pronunciation and construction are both off. I'll continue to settle for understanding and being understood.