Giving voice to Mandela: an analysis of accent acquisition intervention for the role of Nelson Mandela in the film Mandela: Long walk to freedom : a case study
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Date
2014-07-25
Authors
Horsthemke, Fiona Ramsay
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Abstract
Framed by the experiences of the dialogue coaching process for the accent acquisition
of the IsiXhosa accent for the role of Nelson Mandela, this study aims to test the
methodology I have devised. My tutelage has been rooted in, but not confined to,
Western pedagogy, and is present and reflected in the embodied knowledge that I
bring to the research. I investigate the use of Received Pronunciation to facilitate this
process of accent acquisition and the role a medial point of articulation plays in aiding
sound shifts for an accent.
From a socio-linguistic perspective the study investigates the elements that constitute
and contribute to an authentic accent and examines placement as one of these as
action research. I am testing the methodology and as an active participant in the
research, while at the same time conducting the research, I am investigating my praxis
and process. Favouring a post-structuralist position, I deconstruct and identify good
vocal production and question whether this influences the ability to acquire an accent
and facilitates this process. The study analyses vocal coaching as a series of modified
interventions, which require continual re-modification through the course of action.
Language subsists and reflects the cultural paradigm within which it exists. Through
an analysis of the characteristics and content of that paradigm I suggest how this
knowledge can develop the process of accent acquisition.
The study demonstrates the use of Received Pronunciation as a tool coupled with a
technical precision and cultural accuracy as valuable and necessary in authentic
accent acquisition.