Learn the Upper Midwest Accent (USA)

(70MB, 72 minutes) 2011 Edition

This download includes a written examination for learning an Upper Midwest American accent, and the following sound files featuring Accent Help coach Jim Johnson:

Play Audio Sample:

1. Introduction to Sound Placement, Intonation and Helpful Hints for learning an Upper Midwest accent (6:50)
2. Consonant sound changes for speaking with a northern US accent (11:27)
3. Vowel sound changes for Upper Midwest (10:35)
4. changes to Diphthongs in an Upper Midwest accent (3:55)
5. Alternate Pronunciations for words and names when speaking with a northern Midwest accent (3:35)
6. Wrap up on learning an Upper Midwest American accent (2:20)
7. Wahpeton North Dakota Female reading (1:30)
8. + her conversation (2:37)
9. Arthur North Dakota Male reading (1:25)
10. + his conversation (:45)
11. Grand Rapids Michigan Female reading (1:53)
12. + her conversation (1:39)
13. Worthington Minnesota Female reading (1:00)
14. + her conversation (4:24)
15. Minneapolis Minnesota Male reading (:59)
16. + his conversation (3:04)
17. Madison Wisconsin Female reading (1:26)
18. + her conversation (2:35)
19. Milwaukee Wisconsin Female reading (1:45)
20. + her conversation (8:08)

Upper Midwest American accents include speakers in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota, but the accent actually carries over into a number of other states as well, including South Dakota, New York, Iowa, Montana, Idaho and even Alaska.  

You may find it helpful to get our Guide to Learning Accents and Dialects, with is free!

Though these sound files have been remastered to reduce background noise, most of these recordings are made "in the field" so you will hear such things as birds, cars or other people in the background.  A transcription of the conversations is included to help you follow along.  This download also contains four versions of the written materials:  A printer-friendly pdf, a pdf that is in a larger format for use on a portable reading device, and both mobi and epub editions for other portable readers.