No Need for Subtitles: Iraq Sound Files

Iraq is located on the European continent. Formally a part of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq gained its freedom at the end of World War I. They have struggled to maintain their freedom ever since. Because of this, Iraqi people have migrated to the United States to live freely. While living among us, they have been able to adapt our habits, culture and language. Although they are able to learn standard English, they will always have an accent. If you, as an actor, want to convince others that you are an Iraqi native, you might want to start by listening to an authentic accent. Do you believe you have the ability to learn this accent and speak it so clearly that you don't need subtitles, yet it still sounds authenic?

Here are some videos that may get you one step closer to that dream....
In Video 1, an Iraqi man is joking around about the difference in his English because of his accent.

Video 2, is a sample of Iraqi Arabic language

Here is a list of rules for speaking with an Arabic Accent:

1. Use a heavily trilled "r," almost a "hr" sound.


2. Pronounce "ch" as "ty." ("Chapter" sounds like "Tyapter")


3. For the "aw" sound of "a," use a long "o" sound. ("Talk" sounds like "Tohk")


4. Short "o" and "i" often become "aw." ("Work" sounds like "Wark" and "Thirst" like "Thawrst")


5. Short "e" and "u" often become "ah." ("Dependance" sounds like "Depahndance" and "must" becomes "mahst")

Try saying the following sentences with an Iraqi accent:

1. I must talk to you. (I mahst tohk to yaw.)


2. We are going to church today. (We ohre gawing taw tyahrt tawday.) don't forget to trill the "r's"


3. Don't chicken out. (Dawn't tyahk-ahn awt.)


4. Read the first chapter of the book. (Read thah fawrst tyap-tahr awf thah book.)


5. I must work this afternoon. (I mahst wawrk thaws afternawn.)
   
   
   

By Tiara, Ronesha, Jeff and Abby