One of the characters in the book I’m working on was born in the Bronx and has worked there much of his life. I’m thinking that given his management role and his age (over 50), his natural Bronx accent (not Hispanic) might have diluted; mostly being replaced by a general New York accent. I know that there are many variables. My question to you is, should I write the accent into his dialogue, or point out that he has an accent and leave the dialogue clean?
Talk=Tawwk
Flatter=Flatta
Morning=Mawnin
There=Ther’
The=Da
Going=Goin’
Want=wan’
Idea=Idear
Due=Doo
Stupid=Stoopid
Those=Doze
Three=Tree
New York=Noo York
Soda=Soder
Calling=Callin’
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About ispiderbook
Anthony is a first time novelist who is based in Sydney Australia.
I think write it into the dialogue…
Thanks Boomiebol! That’s the way I’m leaning.
write accent into dialogue..as it is showing the readers and not telling them directly..
Thanks! I’ve started to write some and it feels right.
Wha-da-ya’ mean, accent? (just joking) The answer is probably not as clear cut as it seems. Some readers could be annoyed by the accent written in and not continue reading because of it. Ever try to read Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn? Damn annoying! I would perhaps pick just a few key words (3 or 4) and always put them with the accent and not make every word part of the local dialect, kabisch? I like: tawwk, goin’, doze, and wan’/wanna’.
That’s great Parlor of Horror. I noticed some of the words look like typos so I’ll leave them out. And thanks for the suggestions.
I agree with this. A few well-chosen words that would be typical of an accent is the best way…I mean what accent do you hear when you read “fugetaboutit”…eh?
That’s a beauty. I’m getting somewhere in NY.
Not everyone would be familiar with his accent so I’d write it in…
Thanks Rosie Scribblah! I wrote some this morning and it felt right. I’m thinking the trick might be to not overdo it.
You’re welcome. i just thought that your international readers might not know what a specific accent sounds like
I like these.
Accent dialogue, like cayenne pepper, needs just a light sprinkling to punch up your character. Too much and I think it becomes overpowering and cumbersome to the scene.
Great simile and a great summary. I doubt I’ll ever forget that one.