Foreign accent syndrome: what it is and how it works

Foreign Accent Syndrome (FAS) is a medical phenomenon characterized by a change in a person's usual accent to one they have never spoken before. This syndrome may occur in individuals after a stroke, for example, where they previously spoke English with an accent typical of their country but afterward speak with a distinct British accent.

Such cases are typically rare but can significantly impact an individual's life. Learn more about Foreign Accent Syndrome in NewsBytes.

Impact of FAS on speech

FAS primarily affects an individual's accent and can lead to pronunciation errors, such as saying "pall" instead of "ball" or "cot" instead of "cat."

Causes of FAS

FAS is typically caused by damage to specific areas of the brain, particularly Broca's area, responsible for controlling the melody and rhythm of speech. This damage can result from various factors such as head trauma, stroke, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, brain hemorrhage, or conversion disorder induced by emotional stress.

Treatment

Speech and language therapy can help patients improve their condition, although there is a risk that the accent may persist indefinitely despite treatment.