The Canarian Accent in Spanish Cinema and Theater Plays: a First Approach

Abstract

The absence of the Canarian accent in the Spanish Cinema and TV Series is perceived by the inhabitants of the Archipelago as an element of marginality compared to other accents of the Spanish state. However, it is more widespread than we might think as there is a tradition of a type of diction, intonation and melody called «neutral», heir to classical theatre, radio and film dubbing; that was imposed in all film productions in Spanish since the beginning of the last century. The latest Canarian productions generate hope by opening the ear beyond the neutral accent and educating from the richness of one of the outermost European accents. Perhaps in the future our Canarian accent, heir, mestizo and open, but warm and closer to the speech of millions of Spanish-speakers can serve as a substitute for the neutral Castilian accent in audiovisual productions in our language.