I would not say referring to a 'strong' accent was derogatory, rather I think it would be a reference to the listener not expecting to hear it.unrevealed wrote:No, thanks for the scenario but it’s just not the case. I wouldn’t take it as a ridiculous effort to be perceived that way. Everyday conversations, as simple as that…in other words I would say it comes in a very natural way that you don’t really realise you’ve got quite an accent until you go out and meet up with native speakers. In this sense, what would you say about that ‘strong’?
Well I'm not sure you're probably right but perhaps ‘strong’ means unpleasant voice *so confusing*#%#^&. It’s kind of embarrasing when you speak normal but some people look at you as if you’re trying to sound posh or whatsoever although you don’t mind admitting that there are inumerous English words you don’t even know how to pronounce precisely. And everyone knows good English speakers don’t necessarily have to sound native!JR8 wrote:I would not say referring to a 'strong' accent was derogatory, rather I think it would be a reference to the listener not expecting to hear it.unrevealed wrote:No, thanks for the scenario but it’s just not the case. I wouldn’t take it as a ridiculous effort to be perceived that way. Everyday conversations, as simple as that…in other words I would say it comes in a very natural way that you don’t really realise you’ve got quite an accent until you go out and meet up with native speakers. In this sense, what would you say about that ‘strong’?
Example: My previous neighbour in London is a Singaporean Indian. Her accent is about as cut-glass and high-end as the Queen. It is strong, for a SGn.
A school friend of mine was a white guy from Trinidad who spoke just like a rasta (West Indian). To me that was a strong accent, for a white guy!
So to me it sounds like you are speaking better English than people expect you to!
unrevealed wrote:Well I'm not sure you're probably right but perhaps ‘strong’ means unpleasant voice *so confusing*#%#^&. It’s kind of embarrasing when you speak normal but some people look at you as if you’re trying to sound posh or whatsoever although you don’t mind admitting that there are inumerous English words you don’t even know how to pronounce precisely. And everyone knows good English speakers don’t necessarily have to sound native!JR8 wrote:I would not say referring to a 'strong' accent was derogatory, rather I think it would be a reference to the listener not expecting to hear it.unrevealed wrote:No, thanks for the scenario but it’s just not the case. I wouldn’t take it as a ridiculous effort to be perceived that way. Everyday conversations, as simple as that…in other words I would say it comes in a very natural way that you don’t really realise you’ve got quite an accent until you go out and meet up with native speakers. In this sense, what would you say about that ‘strong’?
Example: My previous neighbour in London is a Singaporean Indian. Her accent is about as cut-glass and high-end as the Queen. It is strong, for a SGn.
A school friend of mine was a white guy from Trinidad who spoke just like a rasta (West Indian). To me that was a strong accent, for a white guy!
So to me it sounds like you are speaking better English than people expect you to!
PS. Thanks for such good examples Nakatago and Billy but my voice is more girly yet stronger B-)
Ah that speaks something! Nah myself can't tell whether or not I have a UK accent to be perfectly honest! It's that people keep asking mentioning the adj 'strong'. Apart from some obvious regions say Midlands, I can hardly tell what accent you've got. Although some people I know from cities say Birmingham or Manchester asked if I lived in London but I am 100% sure my accent is nothing related to it. How can a person speak London accent whilst she has never stayed there for more than a week? Not to mention she never tries to imitate the accent, no way! That's why I found it confusing! Seriously, if you're from the UK, isn't it true that you can recognise any UK accents? Perhaps not? e.g. In my home country, we can distinguish between regions like the North or the South but can't really name the cities though.JR8 wrote:unrevealed wrote:Well I'm not sure you're probably right but perhaps ‘strong’ means unpleasant voice *so confusing*#%#^&. It’s kind of embarrasing when you speak normal but some people look at you as if you’re trying to sound posh or whatsoever although you don’t mind admitting that there are inumerous English words you don’t even know how to pronounce precisely. And everyone knows good English speakers don’t necessarily have to sound native!JR8 wrote: I would not say referring to a 'strong' accent was derogatory, rather I think it would be a reference to the listener not expecting to hear it.
Example: My previous neighbour in London is a Singaporean Indian. Her accent is about as cut-glass and high-end as the Queen. It is strong, for a SGn.
A school friend of mine was a white guy from Trinidad who spoke just like a rasta (West Indian). To me that was a strong accent, for a white guy!
So to me it sounds like you are speaking better English than people expect you to!
PS. Thanks for such good examples Nakatago and Billy but my voice is more girly yet stronger B-)
Hmmmm you might be over-thinking it!
If I am wrong, it means that people are associating your accent with a region or a social class. Do you believe you have a UK regional accent, or accent that suggests a class? Would the people that you are speaking to recognise the difference between an (say) Oxford and Essex accent?
Don't get hung up on it. Accents are good for banter and ice breaking, and at least people will remember you!! I get asked if I'm an Aussie (frequently), Londoner (like they all sound the same??!!), Mancunian (yes 10 points, I am), Scottish, Irish and also had Canadian!! Better than being accused of being a scouser (Liverpool) which happens back home at times!!unrevealed wrote:Ah that speaks something! Nah myself can't tell whether or not I have a UK accent to be perfectly honest! It's that people keep asking mentioning the adj 'strong'. Apart from some obvious regions say Midlands, I can hardly tell what accent you've got. Although some people I know from cities say Birmingham or Manchester asked if I lived in London but I am 100% sure my accent is nothing related to it. How can a person speak London accent whilst she has never stayed there for more than a week? Not to mention she never tries to imitate the accent, no way! That's why I found it confusing! Seriously, if you're from the UK, isn't it true that you can recognise any UK accents? Perhaps not? e.g. In my home country, we can distinguish between regions like the North or the South but can't really name the cities though.JR8 wrote:unrevealed wrote: Well I'm not sure you're probably right but perhaps ‘strong’ means unpleasant voice *so confusing*#%#^&. It’s kind of embarrasing when you speak normal but some people look at you as if you’re trying to sound posh or whatsoever although you don’t mind admitting that there are inumerous English words you don’t even know how to pronounce precisely. And everyone knows good English speakers don’t necessarily have to sound native!
PS. Thanks for such good examples Nakatago and Billy but my voice is more girly yet stronger B-)
Hmmmm you might be over-thinking it!
If I am wrong, it means that people are associating your accent with a region or a social class. Do you believe you have a UK regional accent, or accent that suggests a class? Would the people that you are speaking to recognise the difference between an (say) Oxford and Essex accent?
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