American accent - unusual request

[sandiegon]

Hi there,

We are Americans with asian origin. For the last 4 years, we are living in Asia because of my job. We have two girls ages 9 and 6 (both were born in San Diego, California). I am simply worried about their asian accent (no pun intneded). In few years we will go back to our hometown (San Diego). Is there any American teacher out there who is willing to work on my daugther's accent so they don't feel left out when they return back to States.

Please contact me at 83756259.

Thanks
Morris

[desimom]

Unless their accent is so drastic that it's hard to understand them, I wouldn't worry too much about it; because, once they move here, they should adapt quickly, by watching television, talking with their friends, teachers, etc. Your girls are only 6 and 9.

I'm living in USA (planning to move to Singapore), so I really don't know much about teachers there.

However, here (in USA), I have heard of classes being offered in community colleges, local townships and libraries etc. that help people reduce or eliminate their accents. I'm pretty sure you will find them in San Diego. Search online for similar classes in the local community college or township websites.

Hope this helps.

[sandiegon]

Thanks for the tip. Well nine years old is the one I am worried about.

[sundaymorningstaple]

I think I'd be more worried about them picking up American accents and speech! ala MTV!

[Susan Lee]

children typically lose and gain accents quickly. im sure your kids will pick up the american accent after a short time in the states. if you are very concerned, you could consider contacting an american speech therapist to give you some tips, and maybe try spending more time with american friends who still have their accent so that they can hear it.

[vbelle]

as Desimom said...you should not be too worry...im sure the kids will adapt quickly...
from what people told me
i used to sound american(this is from the TV shows and movie..i bet)..then australian..perhaps now singaporean
and am not a kid!:)

[sundaymorningstaple]

children typically lose and gain accents quickly. im sure your kids will pick up the american accent after a short time in the states. if you are very concerned, you could consider contacting an american speech therapist to give you some tips, and maybe try spending more time with american friends who still have their accent so that they can hear it.

children?

Singaporeans can go on a 6 day 5 night tour to the UK and come back with received pronunciation!

Until they go to their local kopitiam, then they have to revert back cause the kopi-auntie won't understand them!

[berkshire_yorkie]

I think I'd be more worried about them picking up American accents and speech! ala MTV!

Already happening with most of my firend's kids. Agree with previous poster, enjoy the Asian accents and I'm sure they'll be fine when you leave

[guruvishwanath]

They are kids. And they will adapt in any environment. Do you know why I say that? Even adults learn to fake an accent to suit environmental condition! I am not kidding. Ever call GE during the day from US? The phone is picked up in Gurgaon in India, for someone calling from US and they are accent coached. So there is no need to get stressed so early. Kids are far more resilient than given credit for. Let them enjoy a twang in their lingo for a while.

[Ryan Sng]

They are kids. And they will adapt in any environment. Do you know why I say that? Even adults learn to fake an accent to suit environmental condition! I am not kidding. Ever call GE during the day from US? The phone is picked up in Gurgaon in India, for someone calling from US and they are accent coached. So there is no need to get stressed so early. Kids are far more resilient than given credit for. Let them enjoy a twang in their lingo for a while.

Very true mate. My kids whom are aussie bred have learnt some singapore slang from their class mates. But they can twist back to native aussie when converse with family members...