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Step 1
Understand the pronounciation of certain words. In a New York accent, the "r" at the end of a word is almost never pronounced. The "g" at the end of a word isn't pronounced either. So "going" is pronounced "goin'" and "here" sounds like "hea". The "th" sound sounds something between "d" and "th", but if you're unsure, speak with the "d" sound.
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Step 2
Know that many of the words that have the "o" sound (like in coffee, dog, talk) are pronounced with an "aw" sound, so the word dog, for example, would sound like "dawg", as well as "coffee." The "aw" sound tends to replace the "o" in all words spoken with a thick New York accent.
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Step 3
Know that the traditional New York accent is like a strong and rough, often with a deep sounding voice. Words are spoken kind of in a relaxed way. Since New York was at one point very Italian, Staten Island and Brooklyn in particular, people of Italian descent that live in the areas tend to have a little bit of Italian accent mixed in. Familiarity with an Italian accent may make the process easier for you.
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Step 4
Have an attitude. Speaking like a New Yorker is less about what you say, and more about how you say it. New Yorkers are known for being direct, opinionated and confident. They are also known for talking a lot, and talking loudly.
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Step 5
Look to American television and popular movies to listen to this accent. The Sopranos series, and any gangster movies, such as The Godfather, are filled with the NY lingo.
Comments
ideiafix said
on 11/25/2009 If you wanna learn, watch Carrie in "King of Queens".
jonil said
on 6/9/2009 I would have to add that not all words with the "o" are pronounced "aw" although many are. For example, box would not be pronounced "bawx" but rather "bahx". I think generally words ending in ot, od, on, ox, and ock are exceptions to the "aw" pronounciation. However, the words ending in "alk" and "ought" do follow the "aw" pronunciation. Therefore, the words "tot" and "taught" are pronounced differently, as are the names "Dawn" and "Don".Also there are cases where the "R" is pronounced more so than in non-New York speak. When there is an R (or 2 R's) in between syllables, such as the name "Carrie", it is pronounced CA (like cat) then REE. "Kerry", on the other hand, is KEH-(like pet)REE. Most other places pronounce both names the same, CARE EE
sassiek said
on 11/26/2008 I guess with any accent though, you just need to be around it all the time.
Watch American T.V, hang with Americans etc and you should soon pick up the accent.
Source: http://www.neutralaccent.com