Asking for recordings of a Boston accent

Sat, 16 May 2009 22:25:43 +0000 - Author: Peter O.

Lately I have gained an interest in learning the so-called "Boston accent". My goal is to learn this particular accent so well that it becomes the way I normally speak. For that purpose, I ask for recordings of people who normally speak in this accent. Here are the requirements and recommendations for such recordings.

Requirements

  • Normal voice - The recording must be of a person who normally uses the Boston accent, not of a person who attempts to do that accent or of one who does an impression of another person.
  • No clichés - The recording must not contain phrases that are stereotypical of a Boston accent ("park the car in Harvard Yard", "wicked pissa", etc.). In particular, I have no need to learn a new dialect.
  • No extracts from films - In general, films are poor sources for learning an accent because in most cases it's just actors doing the accent rather than people who normally speak in that accent. I am aware of films that use the Boston accent, and I don't want to use them, so extracts from those films are not necessary.
  • No singing - It is more difficult to learn an accent from a person who sings than from a person who speaks.

Recommendations

  • Quiet - The environment should be as noise-free as possible. In particular, there should be no music in the recording.
  • Neutral (inoffensive) phrases - The phrases should not be offensive or convey a bias of some kind. For example, sermons, debates, or other speeches that convey a religious, political, or other bias should be avoided. Also, the words should not contain bad language. This is because such phrases can steer my focus away from learning the accent of itself.
  • Recent - The recording should be as recent as possible. Recordings made years ago are not as useful to me.

Again, my goal is to learn the Boston accent so well that it becomes the way I normally speak. Please send recordings that meet the requirements and recommendations above or direct me to such recordings by using this form.


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