This AI Can Guess Your Accent, and It’s Unnervingly Accurate

These days, non-native English speakers speak it so fluently that detecting their accent can be challenging. But even if you think your accent is undetectable, the Accent Oracle might just prove you wrong—and it’s a little unsettling.

Meet the Accent Oracle

The Accent Oracle is an AI created by BoldVoice, a company specializing in accent training. BoldVoice is an AI-powered language learning platform, but it’s not your typical English tutor. It doesn’t teach you vocabulary or grammar but focuses exclusively on refining your American accent.

The Accent Oracle, however, flips the script. Instead of training your accent, it identifies it. You’re given a short script to read, and the Oracle analyzes your voice, guessing your accent within seconds.

It’s powered by a vast database of non-native speakers, meaning it doesn’t rely on stereotypes like “if they pronounce X like Y, then they’re from Z.” Instead, it picks up on subtle nuances in speech and detects patterns you’d never notice yourself.

Naturally, I had to try it out. As a non-native English speaker, I’m pretty proud of my fluency. I’ve never taken formal classes, but I can hold my own in conversations. I was curious to see what the Oracle would make of my accent.

When the Oracle Knows Too Much

So, I put on my headset, launched the app, and clicked “Try Me.” I was presented with a short script to read aloud.

After clearing my throat and channelling my inner news anchor, I gave it my best shot. For the curious among you, I’ve included my recording below. Take a listen—and before you scroll further, take a guess. Where do you think I’m from?

Now, here’s what the Oracle had to say. And, as much as it pains me to admit, it nailed it.

I am indeed Persian. Up until now, I’d convinced myself that my accent was too neutral for anyone to place. A couple of years ago, a shopkeeper in Istanbul guessed my accent—Persian—but I shrugged it off at the time, assuming he was just taking a lucky shot. But with the Oracle’s verdict, I’m starting to reconsider.

The real kicker is the detailed breakdown beneath the result. Apparently, there’s a 17% Turkish influence in my accent. I couldn’t fake a Turkish accent if I tried, yet my voice carries traces of my heritage. It’s uncanny. The Oracle went beyond my accent and tapped into my ancestry in a way similar to a DNA test.

If you’re curious about how your accent might be perceived—or just want to have some fun—give the Accent Oracle a try. Who knows? You might even discover a hidden layer to your identity, one syllable at a time.