Gaining an accent?

Question

I am planning on living in Australia one day, and I would really like to develope and Aussie accent, how long does it take someone who is not native to gain the accent?

By the way im American.

Answer 1

I'm originally from England and have lost my accent after 7 years of living in Australia.  I think it all depends on what kind of accent you have to begin with.  I didn't have a strong regional English accent at all so it was easier to lose, not that I tried to lose it, it just kind of happened!

On the other hand, I know English people that have been here for 20+ years and still haven't lost their accents.

Answer 2

you never will

well not good enough to fool a Aussie

you have to be born here to have a real one

Answer 3

If it happens, it happens.  If you try you will sound like Meryl Streep "A dingo's got my baiibeee..."  An ongoing joke in Australia.

Answer 4

I dont think you will ever pick up the accent 100% Its hard to do that.. since you already have your American accent.

I personally think that you have to be raised in Australia to pick up the accent.

I know people who have been living here for more than 5 years, but they still have their accent..

Answer 5

you could live here for the rest of your life and never get it right,an Australian accent is the hardest to copy   no one ever gets it

Answer 6

Don't bother with the accent, it'll just never be the same as a born and bred aussie's

Do move here though, we love you yanks

Answer 7

Americans are usually the last immigrants to lose their accent.  This is because it is difficult to escape american culture - even overseas you will be bombarded by american movies, television, music, news, etc - especially in Australia