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Alright, I've been wondering, is Boris' Russian accent realistic or exaggerated for comedy? I'm wondering this because one of my frequently used characters, a Siberan Tiger named Kira, is Russian and I'd like to know so I can write her dialog correctly. That's my motivation for posting this and there might be a discussion to be had here somehow but mostly, I think I'm probably not the only one with this question and I'd like to see everyone's opinions on it. Thank you.

Well Bob Hoskins who does the voice of Boris in Balto is from England so his Russian accent can't really be considered authentic but i think it's meant to represent what most English speakers consider a Russian accent and if you were able to match it in witting I doubt someone would contest it's accuracy but for the best analysis i suggest you find a real Russian speaker.

Just because Boris' voice actor wasn't Russian doesn't make it fake. I mean, yes, it was acted, but it was very close to how a Russian would speak English.

But Godzillawolf, I think it just depends on how long they've hung around English-speakers. If she's lived with them for years, then her English would more than likely be better. If she's only been with them recently, then her English won't be as good.

Russians roll their R's alot (alot of the time, the rolling of the Russian R is so sharp, it just sounds like an English L), but that doesn't really need to be exaggerated in writing. But the Russian language doesn't have a translation for "a" or "the". So instead of saying "I have a black cat" they say "I have black cat"

Also, their A's tend to sound like English E's. So instead of saying "I have black cat" they say it like "I hev bleck cet". But of course you have to make some sacrifices in order for your readers to understand what she's saying, so it'll have to be /written/ like "I have bleck ket". And if the characters she's talking to don't understand her, mention that. Then maybe have her strain to say it correctly, or have someone translate /for her/.

Know what I mean?

Thanks guys, that was very helpful. I didn't know Bob Hoskins was British, as I've only seen him in the Who Framed Roger Rabbit? film and I couldn't tell it, as Jersey said, he did a perfect job. So from the awnsers here, particularally Jersey's, who I know tipically gives very acurate information, Boris's accent was well done. I don't think I can write the spelling changes, the no equal to 'a' and 'the' is really helpful though. Can someone explain about how he used the present tense (using being rather often) works? That's a major confusion for me.

Cat, thanks, but like I said, I'd have a great deal of trouble with writing that way but the no translation to 'a' or 'the' is something I'll defiently use. To awnser your question, she's been in Alaska since she was about 2 years old. Anyway, thanks for your information.

Thanks again. Your welcome as well, I mean it, your good to have in a disscussion because of how you do research and such. I only recently decided to have Kira use a Russian accent as I realized she, being feral and having her family killed when she came to Alaska, would have one and as you said, it would add to her Russian nature. Thank you...Anyway, I won't have the mods close this, dispite the discussion on Boris' accent in my questions being done, as I'd like to see other people's opinions on Boris' accent.