Some might say that AI’s new voice recognition technology has improved our lives somewhat. Now we don’t even need to touch a screen or type out a message; we can just shout out a question, statement or command to our virtual assistant of choice. From the iPhone’s faithful Siri, to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, the answer will be provided without even having to lift a finger.
That is, of course, if they can actually understand what you’re saying in the first place… Most AI’s accents are generalized American, easily understandable by most. But what happens when you’re the one they can’t understand? Guide2Fluency. com, a language learning platform, surveyed 3,000 Americans to find out how AI understands a variety of accents across the country. The 10 most misunderstood accents are:
#1 Southern The research found, perhaps unsurprisingly, the Southern accent (spoken by many Texans) was revealed as the least understood in the US - is it the use of the word ‘Ayuh’ that the technology doesn’t seem to get? Have you ever asked your device to find the nearest yoger class?
#2 New York City New York City's accent was revealed as the second least misunderstood accent by AI across the country. Imagine asking your virtual assistant to find the best 'dawg' (dog) park in 'Manhatt'n' (Manhattan), or to give you directions to 'Toidy- toid and Toid' (Thirty- third and Third).
#3 New Jersey New Jersey’s accent, close to New York City’s, is the third most misunderstood. Navigating to 'Joisey Shore' (Jersey Shore) or finding a good 'wooder ice' (water ice) spot can leave AI baffled. Common phrases like 'down the shore' or the local 'toozdee' (Tuesday) weather forecast often don’t translate well.
#4 Texan Y’all better believe that the Texan accent is the fourth most misunderstood by AI. When you’re drawling out a question of where to 'warsh' (wash) your truck before heading to the 'feedstore,” don’t be surprised if ChatGPT misunderstands you.
#5 Boston Coming in at 5th, Bostonians face challenges with their distinctive dropped 'r's. Requests about parking a 'cah' (car) near the 'Gahden' (TD Garden) or checking the 'T' (subway) schedule often lead to AI misinterpretations.
#6 Appalachian The Appalachian accent poses a unique challenge for AI. Adding 'maters' (tomatoes) and 'taters' (potatoes) to a shopping list or finding a recipe for 'leather britches' (dried green beans) often confuses voice assistants.
#7 Long Island The Long Island accent, coming in at 7th, can be quite distinct from its NYC neighbor. Try asking your AI to check the LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) schedule to 'Lawn Guyland City' (Long Island City).
#8 California Valley accent In eighth place is the California Valley accent, like, totally. When you’re saying 'Oh my God' or 'whatever,' AI might think you’re in distress or needing customer service. And if you ask for 'froyo' (frozen yogurt), don’t be surprised if it suggests a yoga studio instead. AI just doesn’t get the Valley vibe. #9 Miami The Miami accent, a unique blend of Southern American English and Cuban Spanish influences, comes in at 9th. Try asking your AI to find the best 'cafecito' (Cuban coffee) spot on 'Calle Ocho' (8th Street).
#10 New Orleans Rounding out the top ten is the New Orleans accent, with its rich blend of French, Creole, and Southern influences. When you’re asking for 'beignets' (pastries) or directions to the 'Quarter' (French Quarter), AI might suggest a bakery in Paris or think you’re talking about fractions. It’s a gumbo of confusion!
The survey also found that the southern and Texan accents are not the only ones that residents of Texas struggle when communicating with AI. The following accent was also deemed to be among the least understood: #17 Chicano This Spanish-influenced English dialect can leave AI in a linguistic limbo. Asking about the nearest 'paletería' or where to cop some 'firme threads' might have your AI suggesting you visit a fire station or a tailor.
