Can people with Accents one day speak without them?

Question

I mean people like Shakira or even Charro. People that have working in the united stated for many years now and although they speak english they speak it with a heavy accent. Is it possible for them to one day speak without it, not saying that they should, I'm just curious. Maybe they speak with such a heavy accent because they don't use english in everyday life?

I just wanted to clear up that I love accents and I don't think that these ladies should change them AT ALL it's what makes people beautiful

Answer 1

I think accents are a wonderful reminder of the richness and openness of America. Those who have them wish to "overcome" them so that they will fit in better. But to me an accent says that the person is motivated and intelligent and resourceful. You came here to make a better life and that is such a huge step. Don't strive to "overcome" your accent. It says so much about you. Let the rest of us hear it and let it remind us all where we live and what that means to each of us.

Answer 2

Well, I've been living in the USA for 3 years and 1 month, & I don't have an accent anymore (well, I kinda do, but it goes unnoticed most of the times...lol)...which is cool...but I LOVE accents (and different languages as well)...

My native language is Creole (well, it's not really a language, it's a dialect and most of the words come from the Portuguese language)...& I also speak fluent Portuguese (both from Portugal and Brazil), Spanish, English (of course) a bit of Italian, some French, and now I'm learning Arabic :)

Answer 3

Yes, but only with alot of effort. Take Hugh Laurie, for example, the star of the TV show House. If you've ever heard him interviewed, you'll notice that he speaks with a British accent (that's where he's from...go figure). On the show, however, there is no hint of that accent, because he's gone through extensive training. He's got a flat American accent. It would do Charo no good to get rid of her accent...after all that Hispanic coochie-coochie thing is here entire raison d'etre. Shakira, on the other hand, I'll listen to her no matter what her accent.

Answer 4

YES! With a lot of practice they can overcome their accent but it's up to them at how hard they work at it. Some people just don't care though...they've learned the language so why worry about having an accent as long as ppl can understand you.

Answer 5

Everyone has an accent. What does one sound like if he or she doesnt? There are even geographical accents in the states. People can usually tell what part of the country you're from based on it.

Answer 6

I think they could depending on the person. All I have to do is hear an accent for about 30 minutes and I start having it. People like me who accidently pick up on accents easily could.

Answer 7

It just takes practice, although immersion in your accent of choice helps (yes, there is an American accent, Americans just don't seem to hear it). When I moved to the States from Ireland I made a conscious effort to drop my accent.

Answer 8

I think the accent usually starts when you are learning to pronounce your syllablys in words, and when you learn them in this manner and hear it constantly, it is hard to change it, They had an episode on King of Queens where Carry was trying to lose here accent to further her career, it showed how hard it could be, but I believe with a speech therapist, it is definitely do-able.

Answer 9

First, its their trademark, they wouldnt get rid of it. And, second a person can speak without an accent if by taking accent reduction courses.

I think elocution lessons do the same thing for reducing accents.

Answer 10

Some lose the accent while others may keep the accent their whole lives.