Learn the West Country Accent
Listen to Sarah Valentine from Devonshire, recorded naturally.
Accent Basics: West Country
This recording was donated by Sarah Valentine, from Devonshire in England. It is one authentic voice, recorded naturally rather than performed — useful as a reference for the real sound of the region, and for hearing how it differs from other parts of England.
What to Listen For
Listen for the rhotic "r" — the West Country is one of the few English accents that pronounces the "r" after a vowel, unlike RP or London.
Quick Notes for Actors
- •One voice from Devonshire. Sarah Valentine's recording is a single authentic reference, not a performed imitation — treat it as one point in the range of England speech rather than the definitive sound of the whole region.
- •Where it sits in the accent. Compare this against the other England recordings in the archive. Hearing two or three voices from the same country side by side is what shows you which features are genuinely regional and which belong to the individual speaker.
- •What the video can't tell you. A short recording shows pronunciation and rhythm clearly, but not how the speaker adapts their accent for different audiences. Use it as a foundation, then work with a coach or a longer scene to test how it holds up in performance.
Vowel Patterns
Listen for the rhotic "r" — the West Country is one of the few English accents that pronounces the "r" after a vowel, unlike RP or London.
How to Practice This Accent
Listen Repeatedly
Watch the video multiple times, focusing on rhythm, intonation, and word stress patterns.
Repeat Out Loud
Practice speaking along with the recording to match the natural flow and pronunciation.
Record Yourself
Compare your pronunciation with the native speaker and adjust accordingly.
Use in Context
Practice speaking sentences and paragraphs that incorporate the accent's unique sounds.
Work One-on-One with Sarah Valentine
Get personal guidance and detailed feedback on your west country accent work from Sarah Valentine, the Actors Accent Coach. One-on-one Zoom coaching sessions are tailored to your specific goals — whether you're preparing for an audition, developing a character, or wanting to expand your accent range with expert support.
💡 Pro Tip
Work with Sarah Valentine's recording at half speed first — pick one short phrase and repeat it until the rhythm feels natural rather than copied. Then record yourself on the same phrase and compare the two. The difference you hear is your next thing to practise.
Accent Details
Location
England
Devonshire
Speaker
Sarah Valentine
Format
video
