Okay, well, I am originally from Michigan, and I had that Northern type of " accent " going on. Then, a few years ago, I moved to the South. When I talk, I try to stop the Southern accent from starting....So I can go a little while without it. But, when I get really into a conversation, I talk TOTALLY Southern. It's almost inevitable. It annoys me so much. Do yall think I should just let myself speak with the Southern accent, or keep trying to prevent it ?
2007-01-19 21:22:15 · 10 answers · asked by Baby Doll. 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Well, this is totally up to you. There are many many different dialects across the United States yet all are speaking American English... even Southerners !
However within the business world, no matter what dialect you speak and unfortunately, there most likely will be a judgement that takes place within co-workers, bosses, and whatever busines relations you will have.
It is not true that Southerners have the drawel and therefore a bit stupid. Not true that that NY accent creates tough rude people. Not true that people who speak Black American English (ebonic type) are uneducated or gang members. Now mind you, each population of different dialect speaking persons do have rude people, gang members, and stupid or uneducated peoples.... however these are the given stereotypes given by people of the other dialects. It is sort of a thing that takes place across all cultures. People in other countries tend to feel that Americans are slow and lazy... based upon our dialects and speech patterns. Unfortunately many people do judge others based upon the stereotype of their dialect. This is wrong. If people could only realize we all have regional dialects and therefore it's an OK thing to speak with dialect and be proud of it..
You go girl !
I say don't worry about the lil' bit o' Southern yer speakin. That southern accent is sweet and pretty for a girl... But if you are going to be employed in the business world, you may want to do your best to speak gramatically correct, well pronounced, business English. When you are away from the office, behind closed doors, so to speak... let your hair down and become the Michigan Southern Belle you now are !
2007-01-19 21:39:52 · answer #1 · answered by lindasue m 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If it's becoming natural for you, go with it. A southern accent on a girl is sometimes quite hot. Just make sure you occasionally still practice the old "accent" so you can switch over to it as a party trick or if you ever want to be an actor.
Bottom line here... don't fight it. Your mind is slowly shifting over and adapting to your new environment. It's just doing its job, so let it.
P.S. Northern Ohio and Southern Michigan have one of the only areas of neutral accent in the United States. It's the accent used in most newscasts and modern American films as well. People from other areas will tell you they can detect your accent, and they can, but it's considered neutral.
2007-01-19 21:34:00 · answer #2 · answered by thebobcatreturns 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A southern accent outside of the south sounds ignorant. Any heavy regional accent will distract peopel from taking you seriously. HOwever, if you live and work in the south, then I'd just go for it. It's a good thing that you pick up on accents. It shows you're a good listener and have good liguistic skills.
2007-01-19 22:02:13 · answer #3 · answered by IKB 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a Southerner, who lived for awhile in another country. I tried very hard and succeeded in keeping my accent. But if I had not had other compatriots to talk to, I would have failed. If the Southern accent bugs you, get unlimited long distance and call your Michigander relatives and friends almost every day. They will be glad to hear from you, and you will find that the Southern words will fade away from your vocabulary. Definitely stop saying y'all. Repeat after me: "You guys. You guys. You guys."
2007-01-20 03:14:18 · answer #4 · answered by Emmaean 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good lord, if i had a nickle for everytime my fiance begged me to speak with a more southerly accent. I'm from Oklahoma and I've tried all my life to speak very properly so no one could make fun of the way I talked. My fiance is from Denmark, and he absolutely loves it whenever my southern twang creeps in. I say if it doesn't bother anyone, then just leave your accent how it is.
2007-01-19 22:02:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't make it such a big deal it's a free country and speak with the accent you feel comfortable with.
I love accents and I have one as well and I am so proud of it; it makes me special.
2007-01-19 21:54:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think girls with a southern accent are so dang sexy.
2007-01-19 21:26:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Y`all shood enjoy talking like a sootherner! Y`hear!
2007-01-19 21:26:24 · answer #8 · answered by Jotun 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There ain't nothing more sexy then a southern woman with a twang,yee haw
2007-01-19 21:30:01 · answer #9 · answered by david c 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
try aussie accent less anoying than southern americian
2007-01-19 21:27:42 · answer #10 · answered by conan 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋