Non-native pronunciations of English

Non-native pronunciations of English result from the common linguistic phenomenon in which non-native users of any language tend to carry the intonation, phonological processes, and pronunciation rules from their mother tongue into their English speech. They may also create innovative pronunciations for English sounds not found in the speaker's first language.

Grammar differences (for example the lack or surplus of tense, number, gender etc.) in different languages often lead to grammatical mistakes that are telltale signs of their native language. Sometimes non-verbal body language, facial expressions, or other cues also give away the origin of the speaker.

Another factor is how the English language is taught as a second language. In such cases, the accent of the teachers will affect the accent of the students. In some places that were formerly under British rule, such as India, Hong Kong and Malaysia, the English language remains a mandatory subject in most schools. Students study the English language at schools while using their native language in daily life. Thus, there may be distinctive features of pronunciation in those speakers.

A reverse version of this article is to be found at: Anglophone pronunciation of foreign languages

Non-native accents by region in alphabetical order: