The Way People Talk

Ladyhazle

Ladyhazle

Active member
Hello,

I was wondering if anyone had a good resource for finding out how people spoke in the different centuries? Specifically the 1860's. I'm a big fan of dialogue and would like my characters to have authentic speech patterns. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks and happy writing,

Ladyhazle

p.s. I trust the history in movies about as far as I could throw them, so I'm not really interested in too many movie references.
 
Ladyhazle said:
Hello,

I was wondering if anyone had a good resource for finding out how people spoke in the different centuries? Specifically the 1860's. I'm a big fan of dialogue and would like my characters to have authentic speech patterns. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks and happy writing,

Ladyhazle

p.s. I trust the history in movies about as far as I could throw them, so I'm not really interested in too many movie references.
Click to expand...
There aren't a lot of people running around from that time. Most people who will judge your dialogue will do so "from the movies" so you could be correct and people will think you're wrong if it's different from what they've heard. I suppose you could read some old books. You could watch this:

http://www.amazon.com/Story-English...=pd_bbs_1/002-8816669-8593607?ie=UTF8&s=video

but it will only give you a hint of what you're looking for.
 
I know you're right. I just HATE historical movies that use words that you KNOW weren't used in that era... I don't wanna be that writer. Anyway, I did find a small reference in a dictionary to some contractions that were used in the 19th Century.

Thanks for the reply.
 
I've had the same issue with a script. Try and find letters from the era. Also, avoid use of the word "Dude".
 
read some Mark Twain. I think he was writing a little later than that...more 1880's or something...but I bet you'll get a feel for dialog of the time. Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, Innocence Abroad. All great books.
 
Yeah, I'd say the biggest issue is avoiding words and phrases that are too modern. I was peeved to no end when in "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" Costner says to Marian, "I missed you," and she replies, "It was good to be missed." Yeah, that's real 16th century speech. Yeesh. Granted, that was just one of the many things wrong with that movie. :) When in doubt, check the etymology of a word or an idiom dictionary. I wouldn't be too worried about be really, really authentic about speech patterns -- an over-abundance of "forsooths" and "fortnights" might confuse people.

Fox
 
They didn't use contractions so much.
You are instead of you're, for instance.
Read Jane Austin stuff.
 
read some journals from LEWIS AND CLARK, watch deadwood, east coast stuff (n.y.c) west coast CA. and MID WEST, SOUTH ARE ALL DIFFERENT BACK IN THE DAY ALSO. you got to watch out for english correct poetry and stories that's not exactly how everybody talked, you know whatta mean jellybean.
 
I started a piece that took place in the 18th century. had no clue how they talked--wrote it any way because the story was itching to get out. dialog is not as important as character or story or structure. I say write the damn thing then get back to the nuances of ancient speak after the fact. write it.

writing is rewriting.
 
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