Learn the Boston Accent

(66.4MB, 67 minutes) 2011 Edition

This download includes a written examination of how to learn the Boston accent, and the following sound files featuring Accent Help coach Jim Johnson:

Play Audio Sample:

1. Intro to Sound Placement, Intonation and Helpful Hints  (3:35)
2. Consonant changes for learning a Boston accent  (9:35)
3. Vowel sound changes for the Boston accent  (12:34)
4. changes in Diphthongs for speaking with a Boston accent  (1:50)
5. Alternate Pronunciations for words in a Boston accent (2:04)
6. Wrap up to learning a Boston accent  (2:00)
7. Southie Male reading  (1:45)
8. + his conversation  (9:26)
9. North Boston Male reading  (1:32)
10. + his conversation  (4:16)
11. Dorchester Male reading  (:50)
12. + his conversation (profanity)  (5:29)
13. Charlestown Male reading  (1:06)
14. + his conversation  (3:04)
15. Methuen Female reading  (:56)
16. + her conversation  (4:36)
17. Cabbie Male conversation  (2:13)

Boston accents are similar to the accents of New York City and the Downeast New England accent, but if anyone is familiar with them, the difference is quite strong.  There are examples from both the south and the north side of Boston included in this download.

I also recommend that you get our guide to basic ideas behind learning accents - and it's free!  It's also included in this download.

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.