Should I change my accent?

Question

Hi. I live in Australia but I wasn't born here. I lived in Canada since I was 1, so I basically had a natural Canadian Accent. I then moved to New Zealand and lived there for about 5 years. I then moved to Australia and I lived here for about another 5 years. Living in New Zealand/ Australia, I gradually wore out the Canadian accent, but it's still quite dominiant, maybe 70%. I think I will live in Australia permanently, and I don't know whether I should adopt. I like my canadian accent, because it's "me" but it seems I would find it easier to communicate (and be accepted) if I talk like an "Aussie". Would it be better if I don't try to change?

Answer 1

Don't try to change your accent.  Chances are you'll come off as phony if you do.  If you live in Australia long enough, you'll probably develop an accent.  Just speak naturally.

Answer 2

Noooo.... keep your accent as long as you can. It's what makes you unique, and it'll always be a conversation starter :-)

My husband is American and although he's picking up the local lingo, he still has his accent and I hope he never loses it. I love our own accent here in Australia, but I still love hearing the occasional exotic accent.

Answer 3

Don't change!!!!

Canadian accents are gorgeous! Keep it, keep it, keep it!

Who wants to blend in :) Be yourself!

Answer 4

I agree with the people above, there's no professional need to change your accent (North American accents sound more educated than most Australian accents anyway).

Since half of the television we watch is from the USA, nobody will have trouble understanding you.

You'll only be disappointed if you decide to go with the herd and 'fit in'.

Answer 5

Oh no don't. It won't work . The Canadian accent is  usually lovely and soft. I've heard other people try to copy an accent and usually it sounds rather stupid. You will communicate good and be accepted just the way you are. I have taught English and one of the problems is the people that are learning feel their accent is not accepted but believe me it is. We have a huge population of people that where not born here. Be yourself.

Answer 6

BE YOURSELF. Always be yourself. There is no one like you. I did that and it took years to get my original accent back. I had a new york accent and lost it so many people making fun of me. But I am from Rochester and that is the one I grew up with. Be yourself.

Answer 7

USUALLY when you are in a new place for a while you kinda catch-on to the new accent so... whatever comes to you / u feel comfortable with, go with it! That's all i can say except for if you try to change ur accent to sound like an Aussie and you are doin horrible you MAY end up offending the "real" Aussies, okay?