Say "Chowdah" to Your Boston Accent (But Maybe Keep the "Wicked")
So, you wanna ditch your Boston accent, eh? Maybe you're moving to Hollywood and think that fancy "cawfee" talk will land you a role. Or perhaps you're tired of people asking you to translate "packy" (it's a liquor store, folks). Whatever the reason, there's no shame in wanting to smooth out your Brahmin twang. But fear not, because this guide will have you saying "Harvard Yard" like a true sophisticate in no time (well, maybe not that quickly).
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| How To Get Rid Of Boston Accent |
The "R" is Silent (But Not Really)
Ah, the dropped "r." The bane of subtitles everywhere. This is where your journey begins, my friend. Words like "cah" and "pahk" gotta go. Practice pronouncing those "r"s at the end of words like a pirate with a cold. "Car" becomes "carrr," "park" becomes "parrrr." You might feel a little silly at first, but hey, that's what shower singing is for, right?
Vowel Vacation
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
Boston vowels like to take surprise vacations to the back of your throat. "Park" becomes "pahk," "laugh" becomes "laahf." Gotta break them out of that resort! Focus on opening your mouth wider when saying those "ah" and "ee" sounds. Think "spa" instead of "spahk."
Mind Your "Rs" and "Ds"
Sometimes Boston likes to play a game of switcheroo with its "r"s and "d"s. "Rotary Club" becomes "Rotarty Club" (not a great look for a professional organization). Pay attention to where you place your tongue when making these sounds. "D" uses the tip of your tongue, while "r" usually vibrates in the back.
QuickTip: Skip distractions — focus on the words.
Befriend the Mirror
Shadowing is your new best friend! Watch movies and TV shows, listen to podcasts, and mimic how they pronounce their words. Pay attention to the rhythm and intonation of their speech. Bonus points if you can find a news anchor from, like, Iowa or something.
But Wait! Don't Ditch Your Roots Entirely!
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Your Boston accent is part of what makes you, you! Maybe you don't need to sound like you stepped out of a BBC documentary. There's a difference between "refining" your accent and erasing it completely. Keep a little bit of that Boston charm. After all, a world without "wicked awesome" would be a very sad place indeed.
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
How-To FAQ
How to sound less Bostonian in a hurry?
Focus on those dropped "r"s first. Practice tongue twisters like "red lorry yellow lorry" (don't worry, nobody expects a perfect British accent too).
How to find good resources for accent reduction?
There are plenty of online courses and apps that can help! Search for "Boston accent reduction" and see what fits your learning style.
QuickTip: Use the post as a quick reference later.
How long does it take to lose a Boston accent?
Depends on how strong your accent is and how dedicated you are. It could take a few weeks to a few months.
Should I completely get rid of my Boston accent?
Absolutely not! Embrace your heritage! A refined Boston accent can be sophisticated and charming.
How do I know if I'm making progress?
Ask a friend or family member who doesn't live in Boston if they notice a difference!
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