Accent Differentiation: Tips and Tricks from a Dialect Coach
Summary
In this article, we explore the accent differentiation tips and tricks shared by Eric Singer, a dialect coach. He explains how to differentiate between similar accents, such as Australian and New Zealand accents, English accents, and accents from New York, Boston, and Philadelphia.
Table of Contents
- Differentiating between Australian and New Zealand accents
- English accents: North vs. South
- Identifying accents from New York, Boston, and Philadelphia
- Conclusion
Differentiating between Australian and New Zealand accents
Eric Singer, a dialect coach, explains how to differentiate between Australian and New Zealand accents. He suggests using the phrase “fish and chips” to differentiate between the two. Australians tend to have a realization that is similar to American accents, while New Zealanders centralize their sounds.
English accents: North vs. South
For English accents, Eric Singer draws a line across England, where the north tends to have a vowel sound similar to “oo” for words like “cut” and “mother”, while the south has two different vowel sounds for “strut” and “foot”. To differentiate between the two, he suggests using the phrase “did you cut your foot?” Additionally, he explains that the Brummie accent has a diphthong sound, while the Geordie accent has a monophthong sound. To differentiate between the two, he suggests using the phrase “David bakes great cake.”
Identifying accents from New York, Boston, and Philadelphia
Eric Singer shares some accent party tricks for identifying the accents of people from New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. He explains that the lot vowel is pronounced differently in these accents, with New Yorkers having a more open, fronted vowel without lip rounding, while Bostonians have a slightly lip-rounded vowel. He also notes that both New Yorkers and Philadelphians raise the trap vowel in certain words, but in different circumstances. To test someone’s accent, he suggests having them say words like “trash” or “traffic” and listening for the subtle differences in pronunciation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Eric Singer, a dialect coach, has shared some helpful tips and tricks for differentiating between similar accents. By using phrases like “fish and chips,” “did you cut your foot?” and “David bakes great cake,” we can better identify accents from Australia, New Zealand, England, and different regions in the United States.
