In “My Fair Lady,” Higgins says: The French don’t care what they do actually, as long as they pronounce it properly. ….
We are sensitive to accents … sensitive to voices …. sensitive to pronunciation … Does anyone speak accentless? I suppose robots do … and then what have you got? A ro–bo–toc–voi–c-e … thank you very much …. ! We’re so much better off with a Southern accent, a NY accent, a French accent, a Scottish accent … and all of these are generally not served alone: there is always a specific vocabulary, often a specific grammar that goes with them.
To Savannah folk: Be on your guard to keep and cultivate your beautiful accents. A lot of people around the world (even in towns beginning with the letter “A” are … so jealous of your voices!
My advice? Be yourself. Use your own voice. Speak clearly … not too fast, please … Express yourself with your personality!
This being said, your accent is secondary to your pronunciation. The English and Americans tend to like the novelty and sonority of a French accent in English … and vice-versa: Most French like you to keep your charming American or British accent …. if you manage to pronounce fauteuil (armchair) or champignons (mushrooms) or ratatouille or Limoges correctly … or at least make a sincere effort to do so!
But, mesdames, messieurs, mes amis français, mes amies françaises, j’ai ceci à vous dire: vos voix, vos accents, sont tellement agréables à l’oreille anglophone, tellement séduisants … You must be careful – SO, only if you prefer NOT to be SO charming, then work on a perfect Oxford or Cambridge or London accent or a perfect ‘New York’ voice … or a delicious, mint-julep, Vivian Leigh southern drawl … so … whether you are from Paris or Montpellier or Neuilly or Asnières or Vincennes or Chantilly … please don’t trade your own accent for another … just pronounce the “s” at the end of plurals and at the third person and we will love you for that … too.
[audio:http://test.paris-savannah.com/wp-content/uploads/ex17043b1.mp3|titles=Be careful.]Be careful.
On the other hand … pronounce the “S” please !!!
[audio:http://test.paris-savannah.com/wp-content/uploads/ex18109d1.mp3|titles=Do you know what I’m saying??]Do you know what I’m saying?If you’re interested in language learning … subscribe to the Paris Savannah Connection newsletter!
