Accents: A Manual for Actors [with 2 CDs]

by Robert Blumenfeld

LimelightThis practical reference manual, with its precise, authentic instructions on how to speak in more than 100 dialects, has established itself as the most useful and comprehensive guide to accents available, 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. Includes two CDs.

Genres: Reference, Theatre, Nonfiction, Linguistics, Film

448 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Robert Blumenfeld works as an actor, dialect coach, and writer. He has recorded more than 325 books and acted in regional and New York theater. Blumenfeld is the author of Accents, Acting with the Voice, Tools and Techniques for Character Interpretation, Using the Stanislavsky System, Blumenfelds Dictionary of Acting and Show Business, and Blumenfelds Dictionary of Musical Theaterall published by Limelight Editions. He lives in New York City. "

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilariously inaccurate. British RP is relatively on the money, and from there it devolves into paroxysms of invention.
cf. p. 163 - "the intrusive 'R' in washing," which supposedly occurs in Indiana and Nova Scotia, but is absent from the reference to Pittsburgh on the previous page; or (my personal favorite) on p. 401: "There is no 'w' in Tagalog"... this is extra awesome, in light of the fact that the Tagalog for "brainless" is "walang utak."

The 2 CDs included are where the real entertainment begins. Be sure to bust out the track with all the "American" pronunciations of "pork chop" at your next dinner party - a surefire way to keep your guests amused for hours.

I can't give it more than 4 stars, since it actually touts its spurious information as fact, but I can't give it less, since it's just so damn fun.

[Michael Relland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource, meaning that it's more academically presented and less readable. The audio is fun.

[Bryan Hallett · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot of useful and interesting stuff in this book, and although it's aimed primarily at the US market and accents are compared with General American, many of the sections are useful for initially studying key elements of various accents whatever your native accent. I use the word "initially" here, as many of the British accents on the CD are very far off the mark, and I wouldn't want this to be the only guide available. Fortunately the book makes frequent references to sources of natural speakers and seems to be pretty accurate when discussing key elements of an accent.

[Greg Kerestan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learn by imitation, and have often listed accents, dialogues and impressions on my resume. (I did a great Bill Cosby during "Godspell" in 2013, which is no longer an especially tasteful character to bring up in a family show.) This reference work, complete with demonstration CD, is an immensely useful resource for anyone with a gift for mimicry.

[Jenny Bates · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is rather confusing and not comprehensive enough for my purposes. I will use it as a reference, but I would not suggest that it be your only reference for dialects. It is especially difficult for first-time dialect novices.

[Heather Bonin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is helpful thus far. It's not a leisure book. It's a study book, so it gets read in bits and pieces.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

awesome for car trips. this guy is amazing, especially with the north american accents.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best accent/dialect set I've used so far!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!!! My copy is battered and bruised :-)

[Kate Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely useful book for learning accents. It even includes foreign languages.