Beyond the Accent: Writing Speech Patterns Authentically

Today’s post is by author Elle Jauffret.

When developing memorable characters, few elements bring them to life as vividly as the way they speak. Speech patterns—whether accents or impediments—quickly establish background, personality, and history without exposition. However, as writers, we carry a significant responsibility: to represent diverse voices authentically rather than falling into the trap of stereotype or caricature.

The power and pitfalls of accented speech

In storytelling, accents serve as immediate shorthand. They can place a character geographically, hint at their cultural background, or suggest their social standing—all without explicit exposition. As our society becomes increasingly diverse and globally connected, representing this linguistic variety authentically becomes both more important and more challenging.

Research confirms the power of accents in shaping perception. Studies have demonstrated that listeners often make immediate judgments about a speaker’s intelligence, socioeconomic status, and trustworthiness based solely on their accent. A 2010 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that participants “orientated themselves nearly exclusively on the spoken accent while categorizing people,” with accent perception affecting key cognitive processes including memory and social categorization. Other research shows that non-native accents can reduce “cognitive fluency”—the ease with which the brain processes stimuli—which can inadvertently affect credibility judgments.

However, accented speech in fiction has often devolved into shorthand stereotyping. Consider how many villains speak with vaguely Eastern European accents, or how Southern (American) accents frequently signal a character is either unsophisticated or prejudiced. These portrayals perpetuate harmful assumptions about intelligence, trustworthiness, and capability based solely on how someone speaks.

Speech impediments: beyond the stutter

Similarly, speech impediments in fiction have a checkered history. Too often, they’re either played for laughs or used as simplistic character traits rather than as one aspect of a fully-realized person. From the comedic lisp to the nervous stutter, these patterns have become tropes that rarely reflect the complex reality of living with a speech difference. Individuals with speech disorders face additional layers of judgment based on how they speak, with unfair assumptions made about their intelligence or capabilities. These aren’t characteristics one simply overcomes through determination—they’re intrinsic aspects of communication that deserve thoughtful representation.

Poor representation looks like:

• Phonetic spellings that clutter the page and make reading difficult: “Ze doctair vill see you now, ja?”
• Inconsistent accent application that appears and disappears when convenient
• Using accents only for “exotic” or minor characters while protagonists speak in “standard” English
• Speech impediments that exist solely for comic relief or to indicate villainy
• Stereotypical phrases repeated by characters from certain backgrounds (“Mamma mia!” for Italians)

Good representation looks like:

• Stephen King’s Annie Wilkes from Misery uses distinctive speech patterns that reveal character rather than geography. Her peculiar euphemisms (“cockadoodie,” “dirty birdy”) and old-fashioned phrasing reveal her mental state and isolation without resorting to dialect spelling.
• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s characters in Americanah navigate multiple linguistic worlds. Their code-switching between Nigerian English, American English, and British English reveals complex identities rather than serving as mere exotic flavor.
• Toni Morrison’s delicate handling of vernacular speech honors the linguistic traditions of African American communities without reducing characters to their dialect or making the text inaccessible.

Craft tips for responsible representation

1. Follow Stephen King’s rule of restraint

Stephen King, master of character-revealing dialogue, advises using the lightest possible touch with dialect. In On Writing, King suggests indicating accent or impediment once or twice, then letting readers carry that voice in their heads. This approach respects readers’ intelligence while avoiding the distraction of constant phonetic spelling.

2. Focus on cadence and word choice

Instead of phonetic spelling, capture speech patterns through syntax, unique vocabulary, and sentence structure. A character might reverse word order, use distinctive phrases, or favor certain expressions without requiring readers to decipher unusual spelling.

3. Study real speech patterns

If writing a character with a specific accent or impediment, research extensively. Listen to authentic speakers, consult linguistic resources, or interview people with similar backgrounds. Authenticity comes from understanding rather than assumption. Research published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Review highlights that non-native accents can create communication barriers that affect both speaker and listener—knowledge that can inform more nuanced character development.

4. Ensure fully developed characters

Characters with distinctive speech should never be reduced to just that trait. They deserve the same depth, complexity, and agency as any other character. Their speech pattern should be one element of their characterization, not their defining feature.

5. Respect the reader

Heavily phonetic dialogue quickly becomes exhausting to read. Trust your audience to “hear” the accent without constant reminders, focusing instead on occasional distinctive words or phrases.

Final thoughts

Before implementing any accent or speech impediment, ask yourself: Why am I including this? What does it add to the story and character? If the answer involves shorthand characterization, creating humor at someone’s expense, or adding “exotic flavor,” reconsider your approach. But if the speech pattern genuinely reflects the character’s lived experience and contributes meaningfully to their development, proceed with careful research and nuanced execution.

As writers, our words shape perceptions. When we represent diverse speech patterns authentically and respectfully, we not only create richer stories but also contribute to a more inclusive literary landscape that values all voices—regardless of how they sound.