why do british people lose their accent when they sing

Malaps

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13-10-2024

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Why Do British Singers Lose Their Accents? The Mystery of the "Singing Voice"

Have you ever noticed how British singers often seem to lose their thick accents when they hit the high notes? It's a phenomenon that's been the subject of much discussion, even sparking a humorous article in The Guardian titled "Why do Brits sound like Americans when they sing?"

But is there a scientific explanation behind this "singing voice" phenomenon?

The Role of Phonetics and Resonance

According to a study by Dr. Sarah Hawkins, a phonetician at the University of Oxford, the answer lies in the way we produce different sounds when speaking and singing. "When we speak," explains Dr. Hawkins, "we focus on articulating consonants clearly, which is why regional accents are so pronounced. However, when we sing, we rely more on vowels, which tend to be more universally understood."

This difference in focus is further enhanced by the way resonance works in singing. "The resonating spaces in our vocal tract change when we sing," says Dr. Hawkins, "leading to a more open and less localized sound, potentially masking some of the regional speech characteristics."

The Influence of Music and Training

Another factor contributing to the "singing voice" is the influence of music itself. Many singers, particularly those trained classically, learn to adopt a more neutral vocal style, often influenced by American or Italian singers. This training can further reduce regional accent markers in their singing.

The "American" Influence

The common perception that British singers sound "American" when they sing is likely due to the dominance of American pop music and the influence of American singers in the global music industry. This exposure to American musical styles may subconsciously influence the way British singers perform, further contributing to a more neutral vocal style.

Beyond the Singing Voice: Embracing Regional Accents

While the "singing voice" phenomenon is fascinating, it's important to remember that accents are a vital part of our cultural identity. It's refreshing to see more and more British singers, like Adele and Ed Sheeran, embracing their regional accents in their music. This shift reflects a growing appreciation for the diversity of accents and the unique storytelling potential they offer.

In Conclusion

The "singing voice" phenomenon is a complex interplay of phonetics, resonance, musical training, and cultural influences. While it's interesting to explore why British singers may lose their accents when they sing, it's crucial to recognize the value of regional accents in music and celebrate the unique voices that make each singer distinct.

Source:

• Dr. Sarah Hawkins, Phonetician, University of Oxford (cited in The Guardian article "Why do Brits sound like Americans when they sing?")