Question to my friends who understand Japanese language and culture and whatnot...

[chibi_chichiri]

...Can someone explain to me how/why Osaka dialect equates to Southern accent when dubbed in English?

...Besides the fact that Osaka is south west of Tokyo...

Comments

[ana_mikala]

Well, there's the location thing, like you mentioned, plus both Kansaiben and the southern American accent indicate a laid-back, devil-may-care attitude to people with standard accents. It's a fair approximation, methinks.

[celes_fire]

Well, that and I think it has to do with the fact that both drawl out certain syllables, too. XD

[ana_mikala]

Right. They don't really "sound" the same, but both have certain characteristics that make it a good transition. Not in every case, but many of them.

[chibi_chichiri]

You, of all people, would know that. :P

[chibi_chichiri]

And you happened to be the one I was directing the question to. Considering you're studying all of this stuff now. :P I'd hope you'd know something.

[miffedplatypus]

Because Americans are stupid when they dub things. >:(

[ajil6]

I heard it was because the dialect was pretty goofy sounding to people not from that region of Japan.

[satanic_buddha]

As I understand it, Osaka is supposed to be the sticks of Japan. I mean, obviously the people in Osaka aren't like the red necks we have here in America, but I think it's supposed to be the Japanese equivalent somehow. Like there's a stereotype that people there are less sophisticated. That's just how I've understood it though. To be fair, my source for this understanding is Azumanga Diaoh.