Dialects and accents: How the right voice over can reach your target audience
If you’re crafting an audio message to reach a specific region, you want to ensure that the voice over has the correct dialect or accent for that region. On Air offers multilingual translation and voice over services. In addition, we can offer region-specific dialects and accents for regions in North America.
Dialects vs. accents
People commonly use the terms dialect and accent interchangeably. However, there is a subtle difference between the two.
An accent is how a person pronounces the words.
Dialect refers to the pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary of the language. Dialect also refers to cultural ‘rules’ to how we say certain phrases and what words are used in that region.
Here is an example of two English dialects.
Canada: Do you have any milk?
England: Have you any milk?
Why dialect and accents matter
Everyone has at least one dialect and accent. Your accent and dialect represent your region, culture, ethnicity, religion, age, and other areas of life. It is possible to switch accents or dialects depending on whether you mean to or not, depending on where you are or who you’re talking to. Your accent or dialect is part of your identity!
Having your marketing message in the appropriate dialect or language can bring familiarity to your audience. As a result, it could help your audience connect to your brand and remember your message.
Sometimes, dialect will determine the words and phrases used in the region, which can help you reach that audience. Here’s another example:
Alberta: It’s cold. I’ll put on a hoodie.
Saskatchewan: It’s cold. I’ll put on a bunny hug.
New Zealand: It’s cold. I’ll put on a jumper.
Dialect can differ across regions within close geographical distances. There are several dialects within English-speaking regions in Canada and across the world.
AI-generated voice overs
Everyone has heard Siri or Alexa grossly mispronounce something. AI voices struggle with correct pronunciation and dialect. While AI voice overs can be useful in some applications, they cannot replace the oral traditions and familiarity of human language.
When it comes to your marketing messages, reaching your audience with their language, accent, or dialect can be powerful. Sometimes, the difference is subtle, but it can sometimes make a significant difference in the message and for the listener.