- Survey reveals challenges of using voice recognition AI with various accents.
- The southern accent identified as the most challenging.
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 – and 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 Georgians) 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!
Created by Guide2Fluency • Viewlarger version
