I accidentally pick up accents...?

Question

Whenever I go to a place where the people have an accent, it seems after only a few weeks I've gotten that accent. When I was in Boston, I had the accent, and people thought I was from there. Same with Canada, and a lot of other countries/states. The only problem is, I was planning on moving to the UK sometime next semester, and I don't want people to think that I'm just putting up an act, because I really can't help it! Is there anything I can do?

Answer 1

It means you are what I call a "language sponge" and perhaps that you have a good ear for language. I think that it may be your way of "bonding" with people.

Perhaps you want to benefit from this and go study a foreign language.

My theory is that you speak like whatever culture you most identify with. And, while you are speaking with someone you are identifying with them.

But, I believe that once you settle for a cultural identity your accent will stabilize.

Then you may be sad that you are identified as what you are!

I have always been a language sponge but as I have learned to love my own (US) culture best I now talk "like an American" it seems. And, why not? I am an American and I'm lucky to be one in this day and age!

After I say all of this, while, when still a language sponge, I have sounded British to a British person I found my pronunciation most criticized in England. Even language sponges have trouble fooling the English! And, they are harsh in a way that the French never are!

And, if you really have the accent people won't notice! People only notice what is different and not what is the same. Of course, there are so many UK accents!

Answer 2

I do it too. I learned it in training for becoming a Certified Collection Agent. The trainer suggested mirroring the customer's accent. It didn't take me very long to pick that up & I do it regularly now. I don't do it to insult people or mock them. When I realize I'm doing it, I apologize. Most people get a kick out of it & we laugh & joke about my new "accent" or way of talking.

Being able to speak the language or accent of the place you're living in is unique. Those that get offeneded will get over it. It's not an emotional issue of fitting in either as someone suggested. It's a simple way of blending in.

Answer 3

It's not a bad thing. I don't think people will notice, frankly, and if so they probably won't mind, because your accent will only get more like an accent that they're used to hearing. I wouldn't worry about it.

Answer 4

I do that ALL the time I visited my friend in Texas for two weeks and now all my friends make fun of me because I have a Texas accent

Answer 5

it is not completely weird and wonderful. I picked up in basic terms somewhat a brand vast apple accessory from my mom. She's from Brooklyn, yet i've got lived in Maryland my entire existence. this is extremely weird and wonderful. And Arnold Schwarzenegger is from Austria, with the aid of the way.

Answer 6

It's natural to be assimilated into the culture in which you are living. But if you're really worried about it, just be sure to be conscious not only of what you say, but of how you say it. Think before you speak.

Answer 7

i have to really concentrate on how i talk because i do the same thing. did you have to take speech therapy when you were little because i know that's whats wrong with me
don't worry about it to much you wouldn't believe the number of people who have the same problem.

Answer 8

I have a daughter who does the same thing and it is aggravating . You have an emotional need to fit into a square hole even though you are a round peg. Figure out why.

Answer 9

Don't worry about it, I'm sure its not that big of a deal.
Just don't let them know where you're really from unless they're friends of yours or something.

= )

Answer 10

I have a friend who does that, and believe me it can offend people, they think you are mocking them...