Comments on: Speech Accent Archive

By: Mike Whitla

Mike Whitla — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 16:59:25 +0000

For sure 2 year olds have accents. My 4 year old has a very specific accent now and pronounces several words differently than I do. Amazing how accents are constantly changing.
He says school and cool with an accent on the “oo” that makes lisa and me chuckle every time we hear it.

I also plan to record my 7 year old niece for the project too!!

I like this theme too though it was displaying strangely in explorer. (all the right column options appearing at the bottom of the page instead of the top)

By: Amy Stephen

Amy Stephen — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 16:11:12 +0000

That is interesting. Sounds like the selection criteria needs to be enhanced. Imagine how difficult that would have to be to come up with a set of questions that represent “real life scenarios” closely enough to properly classify the voice. Although, perhaps asking where you grew up when you started learning to talk might be a good start.

Also raises an interesting question as to when “accent” begins in speech. Do you think two year olds have accents? You work with kids - do they?

I like this theme, BTW.

By: Mike Whitla (ddp)

Mike Whitla (ddp) — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 14:21:36 +0000

Hey here is something weird about the study. They classify the accent according to birthplace. They placed my accent as an example of an Oxford, England accent.

http://accent.gmu.edu/browse_language.php?function=detail&speakerid=604

I only spent years 1 and 2 in England (and then one again later when I was 10) Don’t think my accent sound like an English one.

By: Amy Stephen

Amy Stephen — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 23:26:39 +0000

Well, that is hardly fair! You are a professional! lol … that was fun, thanks for sharing. That is such a cool project. I need to go back out there and hear some new voices.

BTW - Iain left you a note about your backup script … http://community.nebraska.edu/amyblog/index.php/2006/11/02/google-blogger-gone-blinkers/