The Evolution of American Accents in Television: From Trans-Atlantic to Realistic American Speech

When you watch American television shows from the 1940s, 1950s, and even the 1960s, you often notice a certain accent among some characters that is rarely heard today. This article explores the origin and transformation of these accents, focusing on how American actors and television productions have evolved over the years.

Introduction to Trans-Atlantic Accents in Television

Artificial Trans-Atlantic or Mid-Atlantic accent, an accent that was halfway between American and British styles, was often taught in schools and spoken by American actors throughout the mid-20th century. Today, accent coaches may use various real American accents for training purposes, highlighting the evolution of accents in television.

Early American Television: Accent and Acting Styles

Well, television was mostly a post-World War II phenomenon, only truly taking off after 1945. This left only a short period to establish early 1900s television styles. Early television shows were often filmed before a live audience, mimicking a stage production. Actors had to perform in a way that allowed sounds to reach the audience without amplification, speaking loud enough for the live audience to hear. The laughter in these early shows was real, contributed by the live audiences.

Laugh Track and Better Sound Reproduction

The introduction of the "laugh track" transformed the experience of watching television, adding a layer of artificial laughter to keep the viewers engaged. Advances in television sound reproduction also improved, allowing actors to deliver nuanced emotions through their voices. This can be observed by comparing the portrayal of the character 'Lou Grant' in Mary Tyler Moore and Lou Grant TV series. In Mary Tyler Moore, the character's delivery was more restrained, while in Lou Grant, the same character exhibited a more expressive and realistic delivery thanks to the advancements in sound technology and acting techniques.

The Shift from Received Pronunciation to Realistic American Accents

Early television programming often mimicked early films, which predominantly used Received Pronunciation, a style of acting and accent favored by film studios. However, with the post-World War II period, the use of Received Pronunciation in television began to decline. Pioneering actors like Marlon Brando and James Dean led the way to more realistic "American" accents, reflecting the authenticity that audiences craved.

While the changes in accents might not be immediately noticeable, it is essential to recognize that languages, and their accents, evolve continuously. Many of these changes occur subconsciously, as highlighted by the work of sociolinguists like William Labov and his students. Labov's research, and his textbooks, provide valuable insights into how these changes unfold over time, beyond human perception and into measurable acoustic patterns.

Preservation and Transformation of Old Accents

By watching old movies and television shows, one can see that most people did not sound dramatically different. For example, while actors like Jimmy Stewart and Katherine Hepburn may have had distinct accents, it is only the upper-class Mid-Atlantic accent of the Northeast that has truly disappeared. Other accents and speech patterns from that era remain, highlighting the complexity of language evolution and the subtle changes that occur over generations.

In conclusion, the evolution of American accents in television is a fascinating journey that reflects the changing nature of American society, culture, and media. As we continue to produce and consume media from the past and present, it is crucial to recognize the myriad influences that shape our language and accents.