1. Pronunciation of Vowels and Consonants
The same 26 letters can be pronounced in as many different ways as they will ever be spoken. However, there is extensive research as to the characteristic phonetics of particular countries, cities, etc.
The phonetics of an accent are often a good place to start, but they’re only one aspect of speech. Many accent books start and end with phonetics, but they can be helpful in showing how to differentiate between sounds that look the same on the page.
2. Rhythm and Stress
There is a particular cadence to each person’s speech patterns, with geographic proximity often influencing characteristic pacing. An example is the tendency to slow the speech in warmer climates. Even time periods have characteristic accents and pacing. It’s easiest to see/hear them by the decade.
3. Melody
We use recognizable melodic patterns to carry meaning, such as a rise or drop in pitch to indicate a question. More than that, they carry a common Song of a collective entity (country/area) and can convey emotion through the vowel notes.
Some melodic intervals are so particular that if you’re half-a-step off, you’re in another country.
4. Grammar and Word Choice
Foreign languages structure their grammar very differently than we do in English. As a result, grammar can be miss-matched unintentionally.
Study of the actual Language of the accent you’re learning is essential. It will teach you how they’re used to structuring grammar in their native tongue.
Education is also a factor, as there is a wide variance in rules and methods taught in schools.
5. The Vibe
Your accent is a characteristic of your Voice, which is entirely linked to your identity and your being. Speech is an expression of who you think you are, who you want others to think you are, what you’re feeling, what you want… The same is true of everyone.
Amy is an artist of many media.
An actress/singer/songwriter since the highchair, she has played key roles in more than 75 theatrical shows and films in both global hemispheres.
Her online videos have garnered over 16 million views on YouTube and beyond, from the viral “21 Accents“, to memorable characters, songs, stories, and musings on being human. She recently collaborated with Jack White and Third Man Records, to produce the single “A Discourse on Accents“, available from iTunes and Third Man Records.
The success of her one-woman shows and videos landed her on the TODAY Show, NPR, Inside Edition… and inspired the film Connected, which is being produced by the global community at ConnectedFilm.com.
As a teacher and director, Amy has tapped the truth in artists all over the world, from productions to workshops and private coaching.
She is insatiably interested in the unique juice that fuels the human spirit, and dedicates her life to
awakening the full potential within herself and others.
Learn more about Amy: http://www.AmyWalkerOnline.com
