Here's a breakdown:
* Neutral: This means the speaker avoids using distinctive features of any specific regional accent. They don't use exaggerated vowel sounds, unique intonation patterns, or slang terms that might pinpoint their geographical origin.
* Accented: While striving for neutrality, the speaker doesn't entirely erase their original accent. They might retain subtle phonetic features, intonation patterns, or rhythm that hint at their background.
Think of it like this:
* Standard American English: A good example of a non-accented, neutral dialect.
* Accented Neutral: Someone who speaks with a noticeable but less pronounced accent compared to their native region. They might speak with a slight Southern drawl, a touch of a Boston accent, or a hint of a British accent, but they've toned down the most noticeable characteristics.
Why is accented neutral important?
* Professional settings: It can be helpful in careers where clear communication is crucial and a strong regional accent might be distracting or difficult to understand for some listeners.
* Public speaking: Speakers who want to reach a wider audience may adopt an accented neutral to be more universally comprehensible.
* Personal preference: Some individuals might prefer to speak with a more neutral accent for personal reasons.
Examples:
* A news anchor speaking with a slight Southern drawl, but avoiding the most exaggerated features of the accent.
* A professor speaking with a noticeable British accent, but using more standard pronunciation and intonation patterns.
In conclusion: Accented neutral is a way of speaking that aims for neutrality by minimizing regional accent features but retains a subtle degree of individual speech patterns. It's a valuable skill for those who want to communicate effectively and be understood by a wider audience.