British Expats - accents

Quote:

Originally Posted by darren1021 (Post 9601136)

thought that would be the best way to integrate into australian culture and would in fact demonstrate my commitment to the nation.

as far as i know, canadian immigration minister emphasizes the responsibility of citizenship is to integrate as much as you can........;):D

There is a difference between integrating and being a fake. I would call integrating making an effort to try new things, meet new people and adapt to the country. Adopting a fake accent in order to fit in is just silly in my opinion.

None of my aussie friends would have appreciated trying to fake their accent to blend in. If anything it would just tick them off that you were trying to be someone that you weren't.

To answer your question about accents though as the others said just speak normally. Over time you might start to use a few of their words just in an effort so that you are understood better. For example rather than asking where they keep the coolers for you beer you'd have to ask for an eskie. That sort of thing. I don't find that fake when it's done so that people will understand you.

As a Canadian I always found that people were curious about my accent. It was a pretty good ice breaker actually. People would usually try and politely inquire where you were from. Oddly enough most people seemed relieved when they found out I was Canadian rather than American. In general I'd have to say that the aussies like Canadians and we are some what of a novelty given that a lot of the immigrants are brits.

So, in short... just be yourself. You want people to like you for you, not for an image your're trying to portray.