Has anyone lived overseas for a few years and developed an accent. I'm think of moving to England for a couple of years soon and was wondering whether this would affect my accent?
Yes, accents change but it takes some time. I'm Greek and I've lived in the States for four years. My accent at first was horrible and finally after a couple of years I almost sound like a native speaker. Though, there will always be something that shows off your origin because some sounds are very hard to make. When we are born, we are able to make every sound in the world. As the months progress we eliminate those sounds and we only keep those that we are accustomed to. Therefore, if a sound is completely different in one language from your own it is very very difficult to pronounce it. It will take a lot of extra practice in order to make it happen.
In a few words it is possible, but there might be something that will show you're not from there.
When I was about 6 my family and I went to go visit my grandparents in England for two weeks. I came back to the states and talked with their accent for about a month.
I've lived in many different countries for many years. I've found that my accent changes if:
- I am struggling to fit in socially and make a great effort at parties to speak like others (practice).
- I start using local phases.
The most important factor in my opinion is the strength of speech patterns of ones mother. My mother has a strong English accent. I was born and grew up in Australia. I still speak like her.
I've noticed him practicing the way people from different countries say things quietly to himself when out of their earshot. I also notice that he makes a point of remembering gramatically incorrect phrases spoken.
You will get their accent if you live there for a while. But it really doesn't matter as long as you both speak english. You'd still understand each other.
Comments
Yes, accents change but it takes some time. I'm Greek and I've lived in the States for four years. My accent at first was horrible and finally after a couple of years I almost sound like a native speaker. Though, there will always be something that shows off your origin because some sounds are very hard to make. When we are born, we are able to make every sound in the world. As the months progress we eliminate those sounds and we only keep those that we are accustomed to. Therefore, if a sound is completely different in one language from your own it is very very difficult to pronounce it. It will take a lot of extra practice in order to make it happen.
In a few words it is possible, but there might be something that will show you're not from there.
Hope that helped
When I was about 6 my family and I went to go visit my grandparents in England for two weeks. I came back to the states and talked with their accent for about a month.
I've lived in many different countries for many years. I've found that my accent changes if:
- I am struggling to fit in socially and make a great effort at parties to speak like others (practice).
- I start using local phases.
The most important factor in my opinion is the strength of speech patterns of ones mother. My mother has a strong English accent. I was born and grew up in Australia. I still speak like her.
With practice, however, it is very possible to develop accents. My father makes a living out of speaking in different accents: http://www.philhinton.com.au/character-voices/
I've noticed him practicing the way people from different countries say things quietly to himself when out of their earshot. I also notice that he makes a point of remembering gramatically incorrect phrases spoken.
The quickest way to develop an accent is to move to a new country. Wammo... accent just like that.
You will get their accent if you live there for a while. But it really doesn't matter as long as you both speak english. You'd still understand each other.
Yes, if you stay in a place for a period of time you'll develop one.