If you are a linguistics student, understanding how language works and how various dialects and accents develop is important. Learning how other accents function and understanding how particular sounds are made can help you thoroughly understand your subject. If you are a theatre student or a professional actor, you have most likely performed in or studied a Shakespearean play. To prepare to audition for the part of Romeo or to land the part of Ophelia, try practicing a British accent.

Spanish that is spoken in Madrid and the northern part of Spain is called Castilian. Castilian has unique sounds that differentiates it from other forms of Spanish, which includes pronouncing “ci” and “ce” as “th” When you say “gracias” in Madrid, for example, it sounds like “gratheas. " Listen for this sound next time you hear a native Spanish speaker conversing! Listen for particular sounds that are often repeated.

The U. S. has a wide variety of accents and slang terms across its many regions. Speakers in the Appalachian region, for example, may use the term “reckon” to mean “to suppose” or “to consider. ” A person may say, “I reckon I could come over for dinner this evening. ”[5] X Research source Find out the slang terms used in your chosen accent or dialect and discover how they are used in commonplace conversations. In Scotland, the word “bonnie” is often used to describe something that is pretty or lovely. Incorporate popular and frequently used words into your speech when you are practicing your accent.

A Bostonian accent is an American accent where the vowels are often manipulated to produce unique sounds. For example, the vowel “a” is often described as sounding broad precisely because that is what the mouth does to create that particular sound. To get the long “a” or “ah” sound, stretch the corners of your mouth to the sides as the air passes through your lips.

Record yourself when you are reading aloud. Listen to the recording once you have finished, and pay attention to sounds that may need improvement.

Depending on your location, a dialect coach can cost anywhere between $85 to $300 per hour or session. [10] X Research source