Dialect and Accent Resources

FREE

The International Dialects of English Archive (IDEA)
Samples from around the world to download and listen to on your computer.
http://web.ku.edu/~idea/

National Public Radio
Do a search on this site for stories involving the region with the accent/dialect you are using. Many will feature interviews with native speakers.
www.npr.org

The BBC
Do a search on this site for stories involving the region with the accent/dialect you are using. Many will feature recorded interviews with native speakers and special programs on the language and culture of that region.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/

Radio Stations
Look for radio stations broadcasting in English and streaming online from the region or country you need, and listen to newscasters, interviews and commercials. I’ve found many useful samples this way, from countries including Trinidad, Ireland, Nigeria and South Africa.

Chamber of Commerce
For a small-town dialect in America, try calling the Chamber of Commerce, or Mayor’s Office. Interview a local resident over the phone, and take notes. You probably won’t have to go much further than the receptionist to get what you need.

Google
Enter the name of the country you need on a search engine and see what turns up – often you’ll find pages that feature recordings of native speakers or have information about the language and culture. Pages on slang from various dialects are especially popular and can be helpful.

The Library
Many libraries carry documentary films that may be useful to you. Listen for interviews and antique recordings. You may also find dramatic films there that feature accents that are helpful. They may also carry books and cds on dialects and accents.

Community Organizations
Find out if there is a community from the region/country you need living in your city. Places of worship and restaurants are two good places to start. Bring a digital recorder and record interviews, if they give you permission.

YouTube
Enter the name of the dialect or accent you are interested in and see what pops up.

TO RENT OR BUY

You can rent or stream online many documentaries and dramatic films featuring interviews with native speakers or actors from the country depicted. Netflix seems to be the best source for streaming, although there are others that are competitive. When you watch a dramatic film, do some research so that you can focus your listening on those actors who are true native speakers.

CLASSIC DIALECT AND ACCENT MANUALS

Jerry Blunt:
Stage Dialects and More Stage Dialects, books and cds
Some terrific basic descriptions and samples here, with more diversity in the second book. Highly recommended.

Lewis Herman:
Foreign Dialects and American Dialects
First published many years ago, very old-fashioned descriptions of dialects and accents you may find useful, especially for plays written before 1960.

Dr. David Alan Stern
Acting with an Accent series, booklets and cds.
www.dialectaccentspecialists.com


NEWER DIALECT AND ACCENT SOURCE MATERIALS

Gillian Lane-Plescia
Accents for Actors series, booklets and cds.
http://www.dialectresource.com/
The widest variety of authentic sources available from a leading theatrical dialect coach. These are the ones I use most often.

Robert Blumenfeld
Accents: A Manual for Actors
A helpful manual with many accents and dialects discussed, with brief samples. Good to have on the shelf.

ALSO:
Edda Sharpe: How to do Accents
Paul Meier: Accents and Dialects for Stage and Screen (from the editor of IDEA)
Evangeline Machlin: Dialects for the Stage
Ginny Kopf: Dialect Handbook