Dialect and Accent Development

Accents: A Manual for Actors

Revised and Expanded Edition

(Paperback with 2CD)

by Robert Blumenfeld

Recommended for actors or anyone who finds accents intriguing. The interesting introductory essays to each language group give a history of the country and its language while also including many examples of recordings and films in which the student can hear wonderful examples of English spoken with that accent. The author uses practice words and sentences that allow the speaker to familiarize herself with the structure of her vocal apparatus. Simple hard work and repetition is key to achieving any accent accurately, and this book, with the CD, is a good way to start the process.

This practical reference manual, with its precise, authentic instructions on how to speak in more than 100 dialects, has established itself as a useful and comprehensive guides to accents, now increased by a third in this revised printing. As before, the accents range from regional U.S. and British dialects to European accents that include, among others, the Germanic, Slavic and Romance Languages. Completing his around-the-world journey, the author then covers the Middle East, Africa and Asia.