The perfect blend of culture and cadence: a recent study has revealed that the Chicano accent has ranked as one of the most appealing in the U.S. The research was conducted by Preply, a provider of accent classes who gathered insights from various sources.
Originating from California and the Southwest U.S., this distinct accent blends Spanish and English into what is known as Chicano English. The study, which meticulously examined various regional accents across the country, found that the Chicano accent resonates particularly well with respondents. Surprisingly to some, it even outshines accents from traditionally popular regions like Chicago and New York — revealing its broad appreciation and popularity.
This comes to no surprise to us Californians — Chicano English is a fully developed dialect that bridges Mexican-American roots with English-speaking communities. Its allure lies not only in its linguistic makeup but also in its melodic rhythm — a blend of Spanish-like cadences. According to Preply, this rhythmic quality, influenced by local dialects, creates a harmonious auditory experience. In essence, Chicano English isn’t just a means of communication but a rich sound that connects individuals to a vibrant cultural heritage.
In case your wondering what the rest of the list looks like:
- Southern
- Western
- Cajun
- Hawaiian
- Texan
- Geechee
- Georgian
- Bostonian
- Appalachian
- Mainer
- Alabamian
- Chicano
- Southern Californian
- Upper Midwesterner
- Yooper
The beloved Chicano accent made the top 15 list at number 12. Below 15, you can find Pacific Northwesterner, Floridian, Philadelphian, Long Islander, Chicagoan, New Yorker among other accents.
“Preply‘s accent rankings are based on comprehensive research from sources including WordTips Research, YouGov’s Accents Study, the Language Attitudes to Speech Study, and insights from a Thrillist article. These studies utilized methods such as AI analysis of Twitter posts, perception surveys on attractiveness and cultural prominence, evaluations of linguistic qualities like correctness and pleasantness, and informal rankings accompanied by celebrity examples and accent descriptions. Together, they provide a nuanced perspective on accent desirability, acknowledging the inherent subjectivity across these diverse sources.”