Almost ever person I meet for the first time, will ask me "Where are you from? Then, they tell me I have an accent. If I answer," I am from here. LA and a California native", they ask "I mean originally". Then I repeat what I just said. They still don't believe me. Other times, I have fibbed and answered either , "England, Canada, Boston or New York" Then, they believe me. I have a hearing loss. Does that have something to do with it? What should I say next time? It is getting to the point that I don't like meeting new people anymore. Please help.
2007-05-22 19:25:21 · 10 answers · asked by LAgirl 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Just for the record, it is definitely rude of these people to contradict you. But rudeness is everywhere, so you can't let it get to you.
My suggestion is that you tell them about your hearing loss, and if you don't care to talk further about that (which is perfectly understandable), have a question ready to ask them about a completely different topic.
2007-05-22 23:33:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tell them that you get asked that question all the time and you don't know where the accent comes from, but you were born and raised in California. Things like that happen sometimes. I was born and raised in Nebraska, always lived here, but sometimes I will break out with a southern accent (like Georgia southern) mid sentence without knowing it. I work with a guy that talks with a definite Bronx accent, but he was born and raised in Phoenix and has never set foot in New York City. If someone just doesn't want to believe you, then let them believe what they want. You tried to tell them, so you have done everything you can do to set them straight.
2007-05-23 02:42:10 · answer #2 · answered by flatlander70 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You could say I am from LA and a California Native.
They will say you have an Accent.
Tell them, it is probably from my hearing loss.
Then go on with your conversation.
People are Not trying to be rude.
They are just curious. You probably have a very cute voice.
I am sure having a hearing loss, does make a difference in your (Accent). But like I said, I am sure you have a cute voice.
Or people wouldn't say anything. Take it as a compliment.
2007-05-23 02:34:30 · answer #3 · answered by faith♥missouri 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
It is just natural for people to ask such questions. There is no need to be embarrassed or to feel the need to fib. People might benefit from the discussion if you bring up the fact that you have a hearing loss.
2007-05-23 08:34:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, to avoid the question, tell them before they ask. Soon after you introduce yourself, say: "by the way, what do you think about my Scottish accent?". They will say: nice, I like it. Then you take it from there, telling them how cold Scotland is and all that. That way you have a topic to talk about and answer a question that was never asked.
2007-05-23 03:04:17 · answer #5 · answered by dot connector 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think people are trying to be rude. Accents just make people curious. I do a lot of speaking in my job and have had people ask me if I am from the South. I am not.
2007-05-23 06:01:54 · answer #6 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When my daughter was young, she sounded like she had a Boston accent. She never needed speech therapy or anything. It eventually disappeared. We thought it was cute. It's up to you whether or not you want to mention your hearing loss.
2007-05-23 03:25:18 · answer #7 · answered by Lake Lover 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you're being a bit sensitive (as far as not wanting to meet people). Just answer the question and if they persist say "well, I can't help that it's the truth" and go on.
2007-05-23 03:51:27 · answer #8 · answered by barbara 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well yes, it's because you have some hearing loss and that affects the way you hear your own voice, or lackthereof, when speaking...i would just tell people the truth in a sincere and patient manner if i were you...if they continue to disbelieve or ridicule you, then their ignorance is not worth your time...
2007-05-23 03:00:27 · answer #9 · answered by EskiMO 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell them: "how can i speak like you?" then smile. They will insist. Tell them that you are from the Cocos Islands. They will say: where is that?. Tell them to look it up at Google Earth.
I always do it and it works. But it is true that I am from the Cocos Islands.
2007-05-23 02:46:35 · answer #10 · answered by mm 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋