i'm afraid londoners wont like my southern accent?

Question

now i know what you're going to say, "who cares what they think as long as you're confident"

true. but it's a little annoying nonetheless. i have no clue as to what they think of when they hear southern accents. i've lived in kentucky, tennesse, and north carolina. so ya know...that's how i sound.

Answer 1

I'm right there with you (Nashville native -- spent a lot of time in the UK). Truth be told, all American accents sound a bit weird to Brits. We do things to vowels that they would never dream possible.

In all likelihood, plenty of people will think you fall into a pretty obvious stereotype: ignorant, Bible-thumping, flag-waving American cowboy. It's unfortunate, but that's what they see when they think of the South. (FYI: The Jerry Springer show was very popular in Europe for a while because it proved their suspicions about our culture. The new Borat film does the same.)

Just like all stereotypes, this one is incorrect. Prove it by opening some of that southern charm your mother taught you. Politeness goes very far with Londoners. Eventually, you'll find that Southerners do better in England than Yankees do. Our cultures are actually a bit closer in context.

Laugh off any ignorant remarks you get, and be sure to have a good time!

Answer 2

But... but... Londoners are southerners!

Anyway, unless you behave like a complete pratt (loudly proclaiming that GWB is the re-incarnation of Abe Lincoln and championing US foreign policy as the best choice for the world) then people will probably just treat you with some curiosity.

Brits deal with a great many foreigners, they've seen lots of yanks already. Most of them will give you enough rope and wait to see what you do with it.

It's not like being British and turning up at Detroit to get on a Northwest flight to San Francisco, nobody is going to treat you like a two headed alien.

Answer 3

I suspect you have never been to London before? Yours will not be the first ever southern American accent we have ever heard.
Its not a case of not liking your accent, but we may perhaps find it a little amusing because it tends to fulfil all our preconceptions of the average Yank, just as a posh English accent fulfills all your preconceptions of us. ( and yes, I know you aren't a "yank"...but you are to us!)

You've really no need to worry..there are about 300 different accents from all around the world in London, and yours will be simply be another one in the mix. I'm sure you'll enjoy my city.

Answer 4

They'll think you sound like a quintessential American but only a real jerk would be rude to you because of it. I met two girls from the south in Leicester Square this summer and told them their accents were very cute. As others have said, London is very cosmopolitan and full of different nationalities.

Answer 5

Hey,, I am from Mississippi,, i went to college in London for 2 yrs and they loved my Southern Drawl..... they did not know where the state was,,,, but they all know where Texas is...... so just to keep from explaining where Mississippi was so many time,,, i just agreeded with them.... makes life a lot easier...

They love Cowboys,,, all over there,,,,

good luck

Answer 6

Indeed.... Londers are not unfamiliar with people with different accents! as long as you talk slowly and try to be clear you wont have a problem... some people will ask you where you are from too... you might find they like your accent!

Answer 7

I imagine they'll feel the same way about your accent as we do about theirs. It's exotic and interesting. Shirley has a point, make sure to speak slowly if it seems like they can't understand you.

Answer 8

Its not so much dislike as not being able to understand.I dont watch many American programmes as I cant understand most of what is said

Answer 9

We won't care and probably won't be able to tell where in yank land you're from, but please, try not to be loud, arrogant and annoying like some of your compatriots...