How to aquire a posh Scottish accent?

Moonheart

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Dec 6, 2023
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Student or Learner
Native Language
German
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Germany
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Germany
In my quest to enhance my English proficiency, I have delved into the realm of various accents. While my vocabulary is already at a C2 level, the (to my ears, rather grating) strong German accent persists. After some research, I came across "Morningside," or in general a Scottish (Edinburgh) accent, characterized by an upper-class tone or RP undertones. I’m aware that many upper-class Scots attempt to hide their accent with an RP one, but I’d like for some parts of the Edinburgh accent to “shine through”. Are there any other dialects that sound similar? Unfortunately, there are only a few language samples on YouTube for this "posh Scottish English." So far, I'm familiar with the film "Miss Jean Brodie"; can you suggest any other examples?

As for approaching the task of acquiring a new accent, what is the most effective method? Are there any phonetic peculiarities that define the Morningside dialect or are there any tips available? Traveling to that location is currently not feasible for me, so the internet is my sole resource.
Many thanks in advance!
 
I suggest that you don't skip things that are important.

Try: "How can I learn to have a posh Scottish accent?"

If your first language is German it is unremarkable that you would have a German accent. In fact, it would be surprising if you didn't.

On a personal note, I studied German in high school, but I haven't had much use for it. (Spanish would have been more useful.)

Somebody is going to ask you this, so it might as well be me. Why do you want to have a Scottish accent?
 
A posh Scottish accent is the same as a posh English accent. As the fictional Dr McTaggart put it on the old Tony Hancock show : "We're not all Rob Roys you know".

 
A posh Scottish accent is the same as a posh English accent. As the fictional Dr McTaggart put it on the old Tony Hancock show : "We're not all Rob Roys you know".

The accent used by Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films is a good example of what I, as an English man, would recognise as a Morningside accent which is traditionally associated with the Edinburgh elite. On the other hand the Highland aristocracy have been sending their sons to English public schools for generations so it all depends on your definition of "posh".
 
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Watch videos of Ronnie Corbett.
 
I suggest that you don't skip things that are important.

Try: "How can I learn to have a posh Scottish accent?"

If your first language is German it is unremarkable that you would have a German accent. In fact, it would be surprising if you didn't.

On a personal note, I studied German in high school, but I haven't had much use for it. (Spanish would have been more useful.)

Somebody is going to ask you this, so it might as well be me. Why do you want to have a Scottish accent?
Apologies, although I’m still unsure what exactly I have left out that is important?

Are you really saying that you aim to develop a posh Edinburgh accent, @Moonheart? Why?
It simply is an accent I enjoy listening to and that interests me? Just like how some people prefer to learn RP or General American, I am quite fond of the Scottish variant. As for the differentiation Edinburgh, I find it to be rather easily understandable for non-native speakers as it seems spoken as written as well as being described as one of the most pleasant accents, and since I need to do a lot of talking in my later field of work this is important to me. The posh part was recommended to me by my professor, since it appears as if most lawyers in that field are old-fashioned. In general I’m searching for a posh accent with a Scottish twinge.
 
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I don't have any advice but once you've reached a level you're happy with, I'd love to hear a recording of it!
 
It simply is an accent I enjoy listening to and that interests me? Just like how some people prefer to learn RP or General American, I am quite fond of the Scottish variant.

It's still quite unclear to me. Are you just saying you like the sound of it in others? Or do you really mean you want to start putting on a posh Edinburgh accent in your own speech? You should absolutely not do that.

The posh part was recommended to me by my professor, since it appears as if most lawyers in that field are old-fashioned. In general I’m searching for a posh accent with a Scottish twinge.

Searching for what purpose?
 
I think post #1 makes it very clear that the OP hopes to adopt/acquire this accent himself/herself.
 
Apologies, although I’m still unsure what exactly I have left out that is important?
One thing is how to ask a question. To make that a question you should say, for example, "What have I skipped that's important? (Then you would need a question mark.)

There's no need to apologize.
 
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