We all know that there are many varieties and accents in every language. Well, there are also neutral "accents" which often serve as a basis for language learners. But once you have mastered them, why not go for specific accents? The thought of speaking various English accents sounds really awesome to me. After all, my parents always wanted me to talk Standard German, which is why I am really bad at pulling off Austrian accents -- even if I try really hard.
So, besides accents I think sound charming while listening, I looked for accents I would like to speak myself. Generally, I prefer American English, maybe because I am listening to it a lot. For example, I recently noticed that I really like the way George Costanza in the 90s sitcom 'Seinfeld' talks.
I really like the way he is saying "coffee". It sounds like there is a /w/ between the /k/ and /o/, which really makes a huge difference. And when he is saying "clock", he seems to pronounce the /kl/ sound further in the throat. I like how clearly he voices voiced sounds, and also his intonation is very interesting. According to the internet, the actor Jason Alexander is from New Jersey, therefore speaking the New Jersey accent. So, this accent is definitely on my list for further research.
Another actor I love listening to is Clint Eastwood when he was young. His reputation actually is to not speak very clearly as he tends to talk through clenched teeth. Not so much in this one though:
I noticed that he tends to stretch voiced sounds, which somehow sounds really beautiful in a linguistic kind of way. He also pronounces the /h/ in /wh/-words, like in "which" or "white" towards the end of this video. As for intonation, he rarely raises his voice (as opposed to George Costanza above), and speaks in a slow and regular rhythm.
I tried to find out which accent he specifically speaks. People on the internet say it's Standard American English, so nothing specific I could research further for. However, I think he doesn't speak entirely Standard American, as he stresses certain sounds a bit more than other people would.
Actually, I think trying to talk like a bit young Clint Eastwood (without clenched teeth), as far as this is possible with a different voice and being a woman, sounds like a good plan.
So, besides accents I think sound charming while listening, I looked for accents I would like to speak myself. Generally, I prefer American English, maybe because I am listening to it a lot. For example, I recently noticed that I really like the way George Costanza in the 90s sitcom 'Seinfeld' talks.
I really like the way he is saying "coffee". It sounds like there is a /w/ between the /k/ and /o/, which really makes a huge difference. And when he is saying "clock", he seems to pronounce the /kl/ sound further in the throat. I like how clearly he voices voiced sounds, and also his intonation is very interesting. According to the internet, the actor Jason Alexander is from New Jersey, therefore speaking the New Jersey accent. So, this accent is definitely on my list for further research.
Another actor I love listening to is Clint Eastwood when he was young. His reputation actually is to not speak very clearly as he tends to talk through clenched teeth. Not so much in this one though:
I noticed that he tends to stretch voiced sounds, which somehow sounds really beautiful in a linguistic kind of way. He also pronounces the /h/ in /wh/-words, like in "which" or "white" towards the end of this video. As for intonation, he rarely raises his voice (as opposed to George Costanza above), and speaks in a slow and regular rhythm.
I tried to find out which accent he specifically speaks. People on the internet say it's Standard American English, so nothing specific I could research further for. However, I think he doesn't speak entirely Standard American, as he stresses certain sounds a bit more than other people would.
Actually, I think trying to talk like a bit young Clint Eastwood (without clenched teeth), as far as this is possible with a different voice and being a woman, sounds like a good plan.
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