The Brain: How do we learn accents?
Wednesday 4th June 2025, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (London Time)
Did you know that babies learn accents before they are even born? Did you know that there is a neurological condition where people wake up one morning and start speaking with a different accent than they did when they went to bed? Did you know that people with a foreign accent are perceived as less competent and less trustworthy than those without an accent? Can one’s accent be influenced by pollution? Why is it so difficult for late learners of a second language to acquire a native-like accent? Can voice coaches for actors help speech therapists develop exercises for people with communication problems?
In her talk on the neuroscience of accents, Dr Miha Constantinescu (Department of Psychology, University of East London) will address some of these questions.
Miha Constantinescu is a Senior Lecturer in Cognitive and Developmental Psychology. Before joining UEL in 2018, she earned an MPhil and a PhD in Developmental Psychology from the University of Cambridge. Miha has published research in the following areas: cognitive development and spatial abilities; sex differences in infancy and childhood; hormones and behaviour.
More recently, Miha has embarked on a research project on bilingualism and foreign accentedness, which seeks to investigate and understand the complex and subtle ways in which existing biases and stereotypes concerning foreignness can impact an individual’s perceived competence and trustworthiness.
🏷️ Price £30 (UK VAT inclusive)
🎥 Recording automatically sent to all who book (even if you cannot attend live)
▶️ Rewatch as many times as you like
📜 Certificate of attendance available
Dr Miha Constantinescu
Miha Constantinescu is a Senior Lecturer in Cognitive and Developmental Psychology. Before joining UEL in 2018, she earned an MPhil and a PhD in Developmental Psychology from the University of Cambridge. Miha has published research in the following areas: cognitive development and spatial abilities; sex differences in infancy and childhood; hormones and behaviour.
Attend this course for as little as £22 as part of the Voice Professional Training CPD Award Scheme.
Learn MoreSorry, this is an archived short course...
We have plenty of upcoming short courses coming soon. See details of some of them below or look at the full list of short courses.
Monday 7th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday 8th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 9th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday 11th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Monday 14th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday 15th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 16th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday 18th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)
Introduction to statistics and working with quantitative data for Voice Professionals: 8-Session Online Bootcamp
Dr David Cane
This certificated statistics course is ideal for individuals interested in laying a solid foundation in quantitative research methods. By focusing on essential statistical principles, you will be equipped with the tools to understand and apply quantitative research techniques effectively. Statistics is a crucial component of quantitative research; mastering it will enable you to grasp quantitative methods more confidently and precisely.
Wednesday 16th July 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(London Time)
Emotion and Performing Accents and Dialects: why does Emotion Get in the Way?
Louisa Morgan
At points of heightened emotion, it is common for actors working in an accent to default to their natural speech. How do we help performers to avoid this issue and provide them and their directors with the confidence they need regardless of the emotional demands of the piece? What can we learn from research in vocal expression of emotion to help actors to embody the emotion and keep control of their voice and accent? Our very own Louisa Morgan will guide participants through the latest research and offer practical suggestions for working with performers needing to navigate this challenge.
Tuesday 22nd July 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 29th July 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 5th August 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 12th August 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 19th August 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 26th August 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Certificated Public Speaking Coach qualification - with John Henny
John Henny
Would you like to be a certified public speaking coach? Join the renowned John Henny for this exciting new online course! This six-week online certification course is designed to equip voice teachers with the specialised skills needed to work with public speakers, corporate trainers, educators, and presenters. Unlike a general public speaking course, this program is specifically tailored to train-the-trainer, giving voice professionals structured methodologies, coaching techniques, and applied skills to enhance vocal delivery, confidence, and influence in professional speakers.