Learn the French Accent

(68.3MB, 69 minutes) 2011 Edition

This download includes a written examination of how to learn a French accent, and the following sound files featuring Accent Help coach Kate DeVore:

Play Audio Sample:

1. Introduction to Sound Placement, Intonation and Helpful Hints (6:11)
2. Consonant sound changes for learning a French accent (10:56)
3. Vowel sound changes when speaking with a French accent (5:19)
4. changes to Diphthongs in an English-speaking French accent (2:34)
5. Alternate Pronunciations of English words and some French terms (2:16)
6. Wrap up on how to speak with a French accent (:53)
7. Paris France Female reading (1:19)
8. + her conversation (2:50)
9. Paris France Male reading (1:54)
10. + his conversation (1:57)
11. Paris France Female reading (1:29)
12. + her conversation (4:11)
13. Paris France Male reading (1:22)
14. + his conversation (2:29)
15. Montpellier France Male reading (1:31)
16. + his conversation (3:22)
17. Nantes France Male reading (1:39)
18. + his conversation (3:19)
19. Civray France Female reading (1:17)
20. + her conversation (:42)
21. Alsace France Male reading 1:28)
22. + his conversation (1:38)
23. Toulon France Male reading (1:37)
24. + his conversation (1:30)
25. Chartres France Female reading (1:34)
26. + her conversation (2:08)
27. Marseilles France Male reading (1:52)
28. + his conversation (:15)

The AccentHelp guide to learning a French accent focuses largely on Parisian French, which is commonly also considered the "standard" dialect for French speakers.  You will hear a number of recordings of native Parisians, but you will also have examples of accents from all over France.

Whatever accent you're working on, it's a good idea to get our FREE guide to learning accents and dialects - it will help you to get started with some basic terms and ideas for learning accents.  (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.