Just as there are differences in pronunciation and terminology among different Spanish-speaking countries (while remaining mutually intelligible), there are also variations within each region of a country. Mexico is no exception.
In Mexico, at least six types of accents are distinguished, which we describe below:
The Northern accent: It is distinguished by a firm and direct intonation. People speak quickly with fewer long pauses. It has English influences with terms like “parquear” (to park), “lonche” (lunch), and “rancho” (ranch). It is common in states like Chihuahua, Sonora, Nuevo León, and Sinaloa.
The Western accent: The accent of Jalisco and nearby regions has a particular cadence with weakened final vowels, making the “e” in “norte” (north) sound more like an “i,” for example, and specific vocabulary, such as the use of “birote” for white bread and “ocupo” (I use) instead of “necesito” (I need).
The Central accent: Typical of the Mexican highlands, it has a strong Nahuatl influence in its melodic intonation. It is characterized by a clear pronunciation of consonants, especially “s” and “d”. It is considered a standard for media and business.
The Coastal accent: Found on the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific coasts. It is characterized by its musical features, fast rhythm, and strong Caribbean influence, with the aspiration of the letter “s” at the end of syllables, sounding similar to a soft “j” or disappearing altogether.
The Yucatecan accent: One of the most distinctive accents due to the strong influence of the Mayan language. It has a slow, melodic intonation with very marked pronunciation of consonants. The use of Mayan words such as “chan” (small) and “nohoch” (large) is common.
The Southern accent: In Chiapas, it is similar to the coastal accent, with the aspiration of the letter “s”, but with characteristics similar to the Central American accent, including the use of voseo (use of “vos” instead of “tú” (you)), something nonexistent in the rest of the country.
