Correct pronunciation of all words can be found in a dictionary, which presents a course of study open to all. A too-obvious accent, however, may be overcome only with continual practice. Since most people unconsciously mimic voices and accents they hear about them, it is essential for a student to hear cultured speech as much as possible. Motion pictures are an important factor in presenting an accent to many people. Educators are deploring the fact that the industry is not as helpful as it might be if the diction, that is, the manner and style of speech of all actors and actresses, were better.
There is what might be called a cultured American speech that does not seem to belong to any particular part of the country. It is an American adaptation of the English language. Correct American speech does not include a lazy Southern drawl, a New England nasal twang, or a New York neglect of "r," as in " toidy-toid street." Nor is the correct American accent an imitation of the accent known as the "English." There are, as a matter of fact, as many "English" accents as there are American ones. Every language has its dialects. An educated person may know any number of these, yet invariably speak the purest form of his mother tongue because of his cultured background. To be effective a voice must have adequate expression—the actual tone of the voice should indicate the speaker’s meaning, even as his words declare it, otherwise the effect of sincerity will be lacking. When "I love you" is said in the same tone of voice as "please pass the salt," the words will not be very convincing.
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