Accents while you speak languages?

Question

I've had a few complications with accents while I speak languages.

I speak Chinese, English, and Japanese.

I realize that I have an accent in all three, so I have to ask... is it better to know all three languages but speak with an accent? Or is it better to just stick with one language, be perfect in that and forget the others?

I get self conscious when my American friends point out my grammatical/pronunciation errors or when my Chinese friends tell me not to speak because of my accent. Because of the above incidents, I've been trying to get rid of my accent in Japanese also.

What are your opinions?

Answer 1

Dont listen to them. It is a good quality being able to speak 3 languages. They could also be jealous and trying to put you down because you're so knowledgable. But if ur too conscious about it then try practicing. No other way around it. Mind you, it will take a while. Dont give up though and best of luck.

Answer 2

I think speaking 3 languages gives you a better chance of learning in general and gives you an opportunity to make more friends. Most people are flattered when someone tries to speak their language.

If you are able to practice the various accents, I think that it would make you more understandable in each one. You would know better than I, but I understand that tone variation is more important in oriental languages than in English.

I know that there are some language computer programs that allow a person to speak into the microphone to let them hear how they sound. Do you have a chance to watch Chinese films? That might train your ear to pick out subtle differences.

I think that your friends could be more considerate. I would guess that their speech can get a little sloppy in their own languages. If you are a teenager or in your 20's, some friends can be a little too critical.

Answer 3

First,you should not be worry about what others think of you or the way you speak,on the other hand you shouldn't try to learn more than one language at the same time before you get comfortable with the first language and to help with the accent ,watch a lot of movies for the language that you're learning with sub-title in your native language,also you should listen to the radio for the same purpose.
Good luck.

Answer 4

honey good for you that you speak 3 languages. I do speak 3 languages, I have an accent only in English. All the American that I've met till now they love my accent, they do correct me time to time, and I appreciate that, but between us I enjoy it when I start to talk to a stranger and he or she just start to smile, I understand that was because of my accent. but don't worry people like when you speak their language and you try learn it, and guess what you are a winner
Now for your Chinese friends, they shouldn't ask you to stop talking. but don't stop speak the language that you like and be proud
I wish I spoke Chinese or Japanese, see I envy you

Answer 5

Sometimes accents can lead to mistakes in communication so for that reason alone you should try to make your speech clear. HOWEVER, if your friends are just teasing you about the way you sound rather than saying that they can't understand you, you shouldn't feel so obligated to fix your accent.
I think it's much better to be able to clearly communicate in three languages rather than perfectly communicate in only one.
Have some self-confidence and change only if you think your accent should be changed to help people understand.
=D

Answer 6

Don't give up speaking the language. It's rude to say to you not to speak the language. An accent is only another language inteference, but if it doesn't interfere with understanding, it's fine. Tell your friend you'll speak like you like and not to critize you. You don't critize them. They're probably jealeous that you speak 3 languages.

Answer 7

hunayy, why u don lie, ashian is very sekksi...i hap so many op da gullfwend!!! day lie ashian boy very mutt!!! lol jk

i use to talk with an asian accent...but now, i can turn it on and off, i am able to control it and use it whenever!! xD

just practice...start with vowels and move on to more complex oral exercises..with certain letters, shape your mouth to latitude, keeping the upper and bottom lips close together.
or shape your mouth to longitude, stretching your jaw out, making your upper and lower lips go further apart. it all depends on the letter or sound you are saying...dont worry, youll get it!!! =]

Answer 8

my mother tongue is Türkçe and i speak a little bit english.I can enjoy when im speaking english with others but it is really boring having a chat with accented Türkçe talkers

Answer 9

whenever your friends point out any errors, thanks them and don't worry about it. remember you can communicate in 3 different languages and they probably can't... just that is a fantastic advantage and never stop using it.

"it is for you to know and for them to find out"