I don't have any >> formal ESL training or certification, ... which pronunciation features have greater or lesser effects on comprehension? OK, a start would be http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/think/pron/global english.shtml#two

This supposed "Standard American English accent" sounds like a variation on the now rarely-used term "General American": From the dictionary at www.infoplease.com , which appears to be the *Random House Webster's Unabridged

Yes, but why do American dictionaries choose *my* pronunciation oversomeone from Alabama, or Massachusetts, or Wisconsin? There are glaring anddrastic differences in pronunciation from region to region. Not sure if this helps, but from

"Joseph Andorfer" (Email Removed) wrote on 08 Jan 2004: There are regional, educational and ethnic differences, but the majority of American-born, highschool-educated speakers of American English as a first language who have normal

On 25 Nov 2003, Bob Martin wrote -snip- In other words, do you adopt a strongly rhotic pronunciation ... and by your yardstick other versions must therefore be "incorrect". Harvey, considering someone to be an "insufferably precious

In Received Pronunciation, "bother" is (bA.D@), "father" is (fA:D@). That ... "bother" is rounded, while the one in "father" is not. And the one in "bother" is noticeably shorter. Depends upon what