Thread: A question about Harry Potter books read by Jim Dale

Has anybody listened to Harry Potter books read by Jim Dale (an American version)?
I wonder what accent he uses when he speaks as a narrator (not a character) - British or American? Does anyone know?

I thought it would be logical to use an American accent in American edition, but after googling a little I found out that Dale is British, so I don't know what to expect.

Ok, I downloaded the first book (which took as long as 6 minutes ) and checked. It is most certainly British, RP or very close to it - at least the narration. He changes his voice and sometimes his accent to imitate the speech of different characters in the book.

Thank you, translationsnmru. I downloaded it too, but it did not help. I often can't tell the difference between American and British accent (I don't know what's wrong with me ), and another person said that it's American and got me all confused.

Originally Posted by gRomoZeka

I often can't tell the difference between American and British accent

Me too, unless AmE speakers pronounce their "r"'s with such intensity that they are simply impossible not to notice. Once I listened to chaika's speech sample and from the sample alone I couldn't tell he's American.

Jim Dale



Stephen Fry

Originally Posted by gRomoZeka

I often can't tell the difference between American and British accent (I don't know what's wrong with me ), and another person said that it's American and got me all confused.

Originally Posted by E-learner

Me too, unless AmE speakers pronounce their "r"'s with such intensity that they are simply impossible not to notice. Once I listened to chaika's speech sample and from the sample alone I couldn't tell he's American.

I don't know about Chaika... but I might be able to assist when it comes to audio books and radio commercials and why it might be difficult for you to determine where people are from. Casting agents look for people who have "Radio Quality" accents. As an example, my daughters have Radio Quality Spanish. It means when they speak Spanish, they have a neutral accent and you can't tell exactly where they are from. It doesn't mean that they pronounce anything incorrectly it just means you have trouble determining exactly where they come from so they sound good to almost anyone who listens to them. SO, when they hire British folks to read, they won't have a harsh British accent or an American, they won't have a Southern or New York accent. It should sound soothing and appealing.

The hottest day of the summah so fah was drawring to a close and ... lahge squaeh houses....
Enough?

he's clearly a Brit.

Thank you, guys! I enjoyed your answers. Accents are fascinating, and I wish I had a better ear for them. Too often what I thought to be a British accent turned out to be American.
rockzmom, thanks! chaika,