Hi rkimber, and welcome to MROriginally Posted by rkimber
No, I don't agree at all that you should "Americanize" or otherwise "-ize" whatever you learn. If you can get a correct ring to whatever phrases you learn, it just means you have talent.
Doing it badly on purpose is the worst you can do - it'll teach you bad habits that are very hard to get rid of afterwards.
And it only sounds ridiculous to yourself, because you're not used to hearing yourself producing these sounds (if you know what I mean ) - so don't worry, go for the best you can!