She seems to be teaching the basic "mid-west" accent, though. As in the UK, there are lots of regional accents, too. The two best "American" accents from English actors that I've seen were Kenneth Branaugh in "Dead Again" (doing an L.A. regional, which even a lot of Americans can't distinguish) and Bob Hoskins in "Roger Rabbit."
Dominic West does an excellent Baltimore cop, and even better Baltimore cop pretending to be an English guy (with a BAD accent). Brilliant!
I'm not certain of the UK region, but when directing people from the UK I've noticed one of the big issues is in the "th" sound. It seems that many Brits tend to make this sound by placing top teeth on bottom lip. That is the sound most people in the US use for "f." The "th" sound we make is made by placing top teeth on the tip of the tongue and breathing through (like an aspirant hiss).
However, there have been studies that indicate after a certain age, people are literally unable to create some sounds (the Stereo-typical Asian "r" as "l" issue is one indication of this). So in short, you may just be screwed. ;)
His accent in The Wire is great. You can't distinguish it from the native Baltimore actors. It's quite strange to hear him talk in his own accent in interviews.
This brings back fond memories of British Accent Day in my Voice for Stage class in college. Unfortunately, I've since lost the handy guide sheet and can no longer produce a not-terribly-insulting RP accent.
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timeasmymeasure
Not bad
Date: 2008-07-21 02:29 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-07-21 03:02 pm (UTC)I'm not certain of the UK region, but when directing people from the UK I've noticed one of the big issues is in the "th" sound. It seems that many Brits tend to make this sound by placing top teeth on bottom lip. That is the sound most people in the US use for "f." The "th" sound we make is made by placing top teeth on the tip of the tongue and breathing through (like an aspirant hiss).
However, there have been studies that indicate after a certain age, people are literally unable to create some sounds (the Stereo-typical Asian "r" as "l" issue is one indication of this). So in short, you may just be screwed. ;)
no subject
Date: 2008-07-21 07:08 pm (UTC)I heard it slip every now and again...
Date: 2008-07-28 12:02 am (UTC)Sigh. I miss The Wire.
no subject
Date: 2008-07-21 03:51 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-07-21 04:47 pm (UTC)