Foreign Accent Syndrome can affect people of any nationality and speakers of all languages. Some people have developed an accent of a different nationality after a stroke or traumatic car accident. The reason for this as identified by experts is that if the left side of the brain known for producing speech gets damaged, then it can give rise to FAS. Since the cases are rare, this health condition is still puzzling for the experts. 

How does foreign accent syndrome manifest?

• There is complete change in the phonetics of the affected person.
• There is difficulty in sounds that are produced with “d” or “t” as it requires tapping of the tongue on the top of the front teeth which the individual is unable to do.
• There is difficulty in pronouncing words which contain clusters of sounds like s-t-r like in the word “stroke”.
• Vowel sounds come out of the mouth differently.
• The entire tone and pitch changes.
• The language proficiency remains the same but it appears as if one is speaking the language not as a native speaker but as a foreigner.
• Just the speech and tone of speaking changes, there is no difference in mental health.

FAS diagnosis and treatment

Due to the nature of the syndrome, a group of specialists would be able to help out in dealing with it. Neurologists would be able to identify and analyze the case through MRI or CT scan to find the link between the extent of brain damage and its impact on change in accent. They might also do surgery if required to cure the damage.  A speech language pathologist would be able to help in analysing the extent of change in accent. If a person wants to recreate the original accent, then he/she would require the help of a speech therapist. Psychologists would be able to help out in dealing with the new changes and reactions of others due to this condition.