Transfer, Adjust, New: The Framework

When you learn a new language's pronunciation, you don't start from zero. You start from your accent — and every target sound falls into one of three categories.

The Three Categories

Transfer

These are sounds you already make in English that are identical (or nearly identical) to sounds in the target language. You don't need to learn them — you need to recognise them.

Examples:

• American speakers: the flapped T in "butter" → Spanish single R in "pero"
• Scottish speakers: the "ch" in "loch" → German "ach-Laut"
• All English speakers: the "f" sound → French, German, Spanish, Italian "f"

Practice time needed: Almost zero. One session to map the connection.

Adjust

These are sounds where you produce something close to the target, but a small modification is needed. You have the foundation — you just need to tweak it.

Examples:

• Your English "t" → French "t" (same position, less aspiration)
• Your English "oo" → French "ou" (same lip rounding, slight tongue adjustment)
• Your English "s" → Spanish "s" (same sound, different distribution patterns)

Practice time needed: Moderate. A few sessions to learn the adjustment, then periodic reinforcement.

New

These are sounds that don't exist in any English accent. They require building entirely new motor patterns — new tongue positions, new airflow patterns, new coordinations.

Examples:

• The French/German uvular R (for most English speakers)
• The German ü and ö vowels
• The French nasal vowels
• The Spanish trilled R (for most English speakers — except Scottish)

Practice time needed: Significant. Daily practice initially, with gradual spacing as the pattern solidifies.

Why This Framework Changes Everything

1. It eliminates wasted practice

Traditional pronunciation courses treat every sound equally — you spend as much time on sounds you already know as on genuinely new ones. The TAN framework skips the transfers and fast-tracks the adjustments, leaving maximum time for new sounds.

2. It gives you confidence early

When you realise that 30-40% of your target language's sounds are direct transfers from your accent, the task immediately feels less overwhelming.

3. It provides specific instructions

Instead of "pronounce this correctly," you get:

• Transfer: "You already make this sound in the word 'butter' — use that exact same movement"
• Adjust: "Start with your English 'oo' but move your tongue slightly forward"
• New: "This is a brand new sound — here's exactly how to position your mouth"

4. It's accent-specific

An American speaker's TAN profile for French is different from a British speaker's. The framework automatically adjusts for your starting position.

The Numbers

Depending on your accent and target language:

• Transfer: 25-45% of sounds
• Adjust: 25-35% of sounds
• New: 20-40% of sounds

This means most of your target language is already within reach. The "new" category is significant but manageable — and it's where all your focused practice should go.

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Explore more:

• French pronunciation guide
• Spanish pronunciation guide
• Take the free accent quiz
• French pronunciation for your accent