Have you ever been asked if you are from a foreign place (to your state or country)?

Question

I have a few times. My writing style and accent have on rare occasions elicited queires about my origin of birth and where I grew up, with guesses that include England, Canada, the midwest of the US, among others. Perhaps it is because I norrmally talk low and have anxiety issues.

I am a Virginian. Do you think I am atypical of Virginians?

Answer 1

I'm Mexican (born here of course) and I've had people ask me if I was Indian (from India, from other Indian people)

Answer 2

I get that all the time, and I'm from Scotland. I've lived here for almost twenty five years. Although, I don't think I speak with an accent, and my relatives back home, think I sound American, I'm still getting asked.
But it is usually in good humor, often by people who do recognize myh accent, and visited Scotland at one time or another.
So it's a nice way of getting to meet people. It's always been pleasant for me.
Being American born, I'm sure it can be annoying. Unlike most Brits, who can tell by ear, where you are from, down to the actual town or city, Americans, don't seem to have that ear for accents. Hence all the guessing about yours.
It may be that being nervous, and talking low, adds to peoples confusion. Take it as a nice way to meet strangers, and try to over come your shyness, or anxiety.
Good luck. Just try to enjoy those conversations, and you may learn to have fun with it.

Answer 3

I get it a lot too. Grew up in CA, but was in my native state of Maine long enough to acuire an accent which through the years mellowed to something no one can identify.

And Virginia is becoming a pretty diverse state..the folks in one corner are nothing like those in another, so I wouldn't say you're atypical, because that would indicate a 'typical'.

Answer 4

I don't know too much about Virginians, but I have indeed been asked if I am from New York on many occasions. I was born in Nevada, lived in New York from age 3 through 7, and have lived in Arizona ever since. I guess those first couple of years in elementary school set the New York accent in me. :D

Answer 5

I am jamacian but I have been americanized so it really doesnt matter we all talk low at times and hell I have anxiety issues everytime I have to deal with a client who refuses to listen because I dont like to have them locked back up but sometimes you have to do that so you get some anxiety issues while working with inmates so you are human we all go through a little something

Answer 6

I have often been asked if I am from Russia. Or if I am European. People tell me I don't look American, which is odd to me since Americans all look totally different. As far as accents go, mine is too blended to tell where I'm from. Having lived in over 10 states in my short 19 years, my accent is very unique.

Answer 7

When I visit the Northwest people think I am a Brit or Australian. I am a native Californian.

Answer 8

it's happened to me based on looks...i've gotten everything including mexican, native american, half black, half white, iranian, saudi, egyptian, filipina, indian (from india). the last one is correct. i grew up overseas but my accent is pretty neutral because i went to american schools.

don't know any virginians, sorry.

Answer 9

I'm half Brazilian and half Lebanese. People have asked me if I am Arabian. I have pale skin, but my look does look a bit Arabian.

Answer 10

yes,i have
I'm in the usa now but i am originally from the Philippines