Some characters naturally lend themselves to having an accent or dialect--like Boris and Natasha. Some can be made more memorable by adding an accent or dialect--for example, the Geico Gecko.
While they can be effective character choices, accents and dialects are rather large subjects and have been studied and written about extensively. For a thorough treatment of more than 100 accents and dialects, see “Accents, A Manual for Actors,” by Robert Blumenfeld.
Becoming a true dialectician takes serious study and practice. More often than not, producers seeking voice actors to voice a project that requires a particular dialect or accent make it known that they would prefer “English speaking natives” of the particular country where that accent or dialect has naturally arisen.
Having said that, the ability to estimate an accent or dialect and then further develop it into a character voice can yield great voiceover characters--like Groundskeeper Willy and Apu from the Simpsons or Sebastian from Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
- Warning: Do not claim to be able to perform an accent or dialect authentically if you are only able to estimate it for the purpose of creating a humorous vocal characterization.
There are many classes throughout the United States that offer training in accents and dialects. If you have a natural ability to pick them up, you may want to consider seeking professional training.
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