|
Your accent...
Would be interested to hear if anyone feels their English accent has helped/hindered their job/career prospects whilst in Canada.
During the interview, the company who offered me the job said I'd have instant credibility because of my accent. Thought it was a bit of a strange thing to say, seeing as I have a typical Mancunian accent, but would was wondering if anyone has had any similar experiences..... |
Re: Your accent...
I find when I'm talking to collegues in Canada/US that they go deadly quiet when I'm talking - I've not worked out yet if that's because they haven't got a scooby doo what I'm saying or they think I'm some kind of authority on matters!
|
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by jericho
(Post 6389099)
Would be interested to hear if anyone feels their English accent has helped/hindered their job/career prospects whilst in Canada.
During the interview, the company who offered me the job said I'd have instant credibility because of my accent. Thought it was a bit of a strange thing to say, seeing as I have a typical Mancunian accent, but would was wondering if anyone has had any similar experiences..... This is such an interesting topic! I was discussing a similar type of thing the other day on another thread.... Sadly I have only been to visit Canada so far but I found the Canadians were fascinated with my accent:lol: I'm from Yorkshire but my accent is fairly neutral. A lot of the people I met completely changed their attitude towards me and my hubby as soon as we started talking:eek: |
Re: Your accent...
I'm not sure whether my accent will help me or hinder me with living in Canada. I've got a Home Counties, upper-middle class accent, despite having been born and bred in deepest Lancashire. Whenever I hear myself talking I always think of 1930s Pathé News, frightfully proper, don't you know? I guess some people will be impressed by my accent, but some might just take umbrage, as in, "who does he think he is?"
A couple of people have commented on it, but no one's ever said anything good or bad about it or had a discernable positive or negative reaction to it. My Canadian wife loves my accent, so it's definitely in the plus column! |
Re: Your accent...
Hasn't made the slightest bit of difference as far as I can tell, but then it seems to be a pretty common accent here. It's been suggested that if I were single it'd probably help me get laid more easily.
|
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by bazzz
(Post 6389458)
Hasn't made the slightest bit of difference as far as I can tell, but then it seems to be a pretty common accent here. It's been suggested that if I were single it'd probably help me get laid more easily.
|
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by jericho
(Post 6389099)
Would be interested to hear if anyone feels their English accent has helped/hindered their job/career prospects whilst in Canada.
During the interview, the company who offered me the job said I'd have instant credibility because of my accent. Thought it was a bit of a strange thing to say, seeing as I have a typical Mancunian accent, but would was wondering if anyone has had any similar experiences..... Last year I worked with a boy with Autism, to build his social skills I would send him around the school with messages for other staff ....... they used to laugh coz he mimmicked me ....... especially 'sorry & hello' This year I'm doing ESL with a boy from Taiwan ........ we have trouble with 'mall, ball etc :o poor kid, not only is he learning English, he has one of the Wurzles to teach him. :eek::D The adults love it tho' .......... although I can't remember how many times I've been asked if I'm from UK or OZ!! |
Re: Your accent...
Kids all love my daughter's English accent and sooo want one. She, on the other hand is practising her 'jeez' and can't wait to rid herself of it.
Generally, it seems to be a thumbs up, and a friend's 18 year complains that he is swamped by women because of his accent......apparently he can't cope.........lol In terms of jobs, wouldn't like to say, although my OH's colleagues say it is a real bonus...... |
Re: Your accent...
I've had two interviews in the last few days and both have hinted my accent would be a bonus (??). It's for a relatively high management position and they think I would command authority :rofl:. If only they knew me!!
Also, one of them said I looked like a government agent in my suit & shades, being 6'4" and shaven headed. Must've scared the bejesus outta them, but I'm gentle really. :cool: |
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by bananahammock
(Post 6389553)
I work with special needs kids & sound like Vicky Pollard :p.
Last year I worked with a boy with Autism, to build his social skills I would send him around the school with messages for other staff ....... they used to laugh coz he mimmicked me ....... especially 'sorry & hello' This year I'm doing ESL with a boy from Taiwan ........ we have trouble with 'mall, ball etc :o poor kid, not only is he learning English, he has one of the Wurzles to teach him. :eek::D The adults love it tho' .......... although I can't remember how many times I've been asked if I'm from UK or OZ!! |
Re: Your accent...
hi, i feel my accent has really helped me to get to know canadians as they love my accent...i always end up talking to most of the customers i serve everyday and now cos ive been there a while they come in just to here my accent..i also find people ask me where im from...ie south africa, australia even germany or russia (cant figure out where the last 2 come into it). i also sometimes find i dont understand the canadians as some can talk really fast.
|
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by Matt UK
(Post 6389569)
I've had two interviews in the last few days and both have hinted my accent would be a bonus (??). It's for a relatively high management position and they think I would command authority :rofl:. If only they knew me!!
Also, one of them said I looked like a government agent in my suit & shades, being 6'4" and shaven headed. Must've scared the bejesus outta them, but I'm gentle really. :cool: |
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by bazzz
(Post 6389458)
It's been suggested that if I were single it'd probably help me get laid more easily.
|
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by G77
(Post 6389600)
Was that suggested via the phone? :sneaky:
|
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by Biiba
(Post 6389604)
:lol: What are you trying to say? Poor Bazz
|
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by G77
(Post 6389614)
:devil_smile:
|
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by G77
(Post 6389365)
I've not worked out yet if that's because they haven't got a scooby doo what I'm saying or they think I'm some kind of authority on matters!
|
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by Steve_P
(Post 6389798)
I would say the former. :p
|
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by G77
(Post 6389800)
Probably right there :p
Once for fun I issued a take off clearance with a thick scouse accent that I knew the instructor (from Blackpool) would understand. The poor student pilot didn't understand a word and thought I was speaking Korean. :confused::p:rofl::rofl: |
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by Steve_P
(Post 6389807)
I was an Air Traffic Controller for 30 years.
Once for fun I issued a take off clearance with a thick scouse accent that I knew the instructor (from Blackpool) would understand. The poor student pilot didn't understand a word and thought I was speaking Korean. :confused::p:rofl::rofl: |
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by Steve_P
(Post 6389807)
I was an Air Traffic Controller for 30 years.
Once for fun I issued a take off clearance with a thick scouse accent that I knew the instructor (from Blackpool) would understand. The poor student pilot didn't understand a word and thought I was speaking Korean. :confused::p:rofl::rofl: |
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by G77
(Post 6389855)
Did you then tell him to "calm down, calm down"? :lol:
|
Re: Your accent...
I think it depends where you are as well. I had a much more positive response to the English accent in smaller Canadian towns where as in the city (Toronto) there is such a wide array of accents due to multi culturalism that prety much everyone you speak to has a different accent and there is much less of a Canadian accent background to stand out against. Workwise I think the fact you are fluent in English and can communicate effectively stands out more than the accent as many othe rimmigrants are speaking English as a second language and so struggle when it comes to verbal communication.
I would not worry about where your accent originates, i.e. Cockney or Scouse or Brummie or posh or not etc. as no one in Canada has any preconceptions of class or status associated with accent. They just know a "British Accent" and struggle to distinguish variations and you are as likely to be asked if you are from Australia or New Zealand etc. I have a fairly nuetral northern coastal accent and I get British, English, Australian, Irish, and some odd variations too. People say they love the "British Accent" which is always amusing as I work with a guy from Glasgow (originally many years ago) and we wonder what a "British Accent" is exactly given we can tell the regional differences easily. My wife was always astounded that when we visited England I could tell what end of town someone was from by their accent. It is a documented North American phenomenon though that a "British" accent is seen in a positive light, more in the US where there are less recent ties to the UK like in Canada, and in business especially it is seen as positive due to a lingering respect (whether still valid or not) for the UK educational system and business history. Lots of Brits in charge of US corporations and on their boards and in senior executive positions. I am always surprised where they turn up in the compnay I work for which is out of Texas. I haven't had any overt accent praise like in the original post, but have had no issues either unless you count the few friends at work with persistant (friendly) mockery with lots of "Cup of tea guvnor" and you do get odd looks with certain coloquialisms and turns of phrase but that is more vocabulary and mode of speech than accent. I find that to be the most important part, not your accent, but how you use various words and phrases to both fit in but also in a more eloquent fashion to sound more authoratitive, especially when talking to folks from the US where a lot seem to be barely literate. |
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by wizzard
(Post 6389888)
I think it depends where you are as well. I had a much more positive response to the English accent in smaller Canadian towns where as in the city (Toronto) there is such a wide array of accents due to multi culturalism that prety much everyone you speak to has a different accent and there is much less of a Canadian accent background to stand out against. Workwise I think the fact you are fluent in English and can communicate effectively stands out more than the accent as many othe rimmigrants are speaking English as a second language and so struggle when it comes to verbal communication.
I would not worry about where your accent originates, i.e. Cockney or Scouse or Brummie or posh or not etc. as no one in Canada has any preconceptions of class or status associated with accent. They just know a "British Accent" and struggle to distinguish variations and you are as likely to be asked if you are from Australia or New Zealand etc. I have a fairly nuetral northern coastal accent and I get British, English, Australian, Irish, and some odd variations too. People say they love the "British Accent" which is always amusing as I work with a guy from Glasgow (originally many years ago) and we wonder what a "British Accent" is exactly given we can tell the regional differences easily. My wife was always astounded that when we visited England I could tell what end of town someone was from by their accent. It is a documented North American phenomenon though that a "British" accent is seen in a positive light, more in the US where there are less recent ties to the UK like in Canada, and in business especially it is seen as positive due to a lingering respect (whether still valid or not) for the UK educational system and business history. Lots of Brits in charge of US corporations and on their boards and in senior executive positions. I am always surprised where they turn up in the compnay I work for which is out of Texas. I haven't had any overt accent praise like in the original post, but have had no issues either unless you count the few friends at work with persistant (friendly) mockery with lots of "Cup of tea guvnor" and you do get odd looks with certain coloquialisms and turns of phrase but that is more vocabulary and mode of speech than accent. I find that to be the most important part, not your accent, but how you use various words and phrases to both fit in but also in a more eloquent fashion to sound more authoratitive, especially when talking to folks from the US where a lot seem to be barely literate. I was a bit embarrassed at first but got used to it after a couple of days:lol: |
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by bazzz
(Post 6389458)
It's been suggested that if I were single it'd probably help me get laid more easily.
|
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by adele
(Post 6390051)
I'll hope the same is true of my accent then Bazzz! ;)
Congratulations on your Visa Adele! |
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by Biiba
(Post 6390061)
:lol::rofl:
Congratulations on your Visa Adele! |
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by adele
(Post 6390074)
Cheers! Where in Yorkshire are you Biiba? :)
|
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by Biiba
(Post 6390083)
I'm in Doncaster! But wish I was somewhere in Nova scotia!!!!!:D
|
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by adele
(Post 6390091)
Naturally! I guess you'll be hoping Donny Rovers kick Leeds' ass tomorrow?! ;)
|
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by Biiba
(Post 6390083)
I'm in Doncaster! But wish I was somewhere in Nova scotia!!!!!:D
|
Re: Your accent...
Was told my East Yorkshire accent was 'cute' which is not a word I'd use to describe it but there you go.
Hi Biiba, we are just outside Donny, shame on you for not knowing they were at Wembley tomorrow. We've just got back from there after watching our beloved Hull City make it to the Premier League. Mixed emotions now, the closing date for our new house in Barrie, Ontario is due at the same time City will be kicking of their first ever Premier League season. |
Re: Your accent...
We moved to Calgary two years ago and many people that hear my accent ask if i'm from Australia (I am from Devon!).
I found that my biggest problem of being understood was at a drive through (normally good old Tim Hortons) and speaking to the server via a speaker!! I am often asked to drive on to the window so that I can place my order face to face! I found that it is not just the accent, but also the difference in language. For instance, trainers (runners), trousers (pants), pullover (sweater), fringe (bangs), full stop (period), boot (trunk), bonnet (hood), etc etc. you do soon get used to this though. We absolutely love it here and have a fantastic quality of life and good luck to those that are thinking of making the move to this great country.:D |
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by wallace
(Post 6390318)
We moved to Calgary two years ago and many people that hear my accent ask if i'm from Australia (I am from Devon!).
I found that my biggest problem of being understood was at a drive through (normally good old Tim Hortons) and speaking to the server via a speaker!! I am often asked to drive on to the window so that I can place my order face to face! I found that it is not just the accent, but also the difference in language. For instance, trainers (runners), trousers (pants), pullover (sweater), fringe (bangs), full stop (period), boot (trunk), bonnet (hood), etc etc. you do soon get used to this though. We absolutely love it here and have a fantastic quality of life and good luck to those that are thinking of making the move to this great country.:D Wallace don't forget Tim Hortons has a language all by itself took me age's to figure out what an EXTRA LARGE DOUBLE DOUBLE was! Dont forget the words for gas (petrol) toonie and loonie LOL Most people here in Toronto love my English accent - they seem to think I know what Im talking about! If only they knew! I will make sure I never lose my Reading, Berkshire Accent! |
Re: Your accent...
I'm originally from West Lothian, Scotland and have a broad Edinburgh/ east coast accent ( think Sean Connery!) although my family and friends have said my accent has softened being away from home. Here in Holland most people, Dutch and English, think I'm Irish!
It will be interesting to see what the Canadians make of it. |
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by Steve_P
(Post 6390155)
Hey my wife's aunt lives in Old Cantley. :thumbup:
|
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by chriskatie
(Post 6390160)
Was told my East Yorkshire accent was 'cute' which is not a word I'd use to describe it but there you go.
Hi Biiba, we are just outside Donny, shame on you for not knowing they were at Wembley tomorrow. We've just got back from there after watching our beloved Hull City make it to the Premier League. Mixed emotions now, the closing date for our new house in Barrie, Ontario is due at the same time City will be kicking of their first ever Premier League season. I have friends in Wiseton and Walkeringham - not too far away from you! Congratulations on getting into the Premier League!!! Fantastic news on the house too.... |
Re: Your accent...
My Received Pronounciation goes down a storm although it can be frustrating to realise that at times people are listening to how I'm saying something rather than what I'm saying. My colleagues also get a kick out of my entirely natural lapse into Newfoundland vernacular at times but in an English accent.
And yes, like Bazzz, I'm sure that if I wasn't happily married, my accent would definately help in getting some action.;) |
No, I'm not Australian.....
Originally Posted by bananahammock
(Post 6389553)
This year I'm doing ESL with a boy from Taiwan ........ we have trouble with 'mall, ball etc :o poor kid, not only is he learning English, he has one of the Wurzles to teach him. :eek::D
The adults love it tho' .......... although I can't remember how many times I've been asked if I'm from UK or OZ!! As I live in a town that is heavily populated with immigrants from Britain, Holland, Germany, Italy, eastern Europe etc, everyone has an accent. Most of them started arriving in the fifties onwards. None of them seem to have lost their respective accents, so it surprises me when Canadian-born individuals state "oh you'll soon lose that accent". Why?!? I arrived here age 30. I'm a bit long in the tooth to suddenly change. Also, if you live with someone from the same culture (Swindon!) then you'll probably talk the same always. I have one client from England who left in 1926. She regales me with stories of playing tennis with the bishop when he came for tea (very Brideshead Revisited). She was born in 1910 (still driving and works 2 days a week in a charity shop). She could cut glass with her English accent. It's the most proper form of BBC received pronunciation, before there was even a BBC! So, it seems that most Canadians delight in telling you that you'll change. I respond by excessively using over-English phrases such as: "He's just popped out for a fag" "Blow that for a game of soldiers" "I'll give you a tinkle" "You're a bit mutt and jeff" Sarah |
Re: Your accent...
Originally Posted by G77
(Post 6389365)
I find when I'm talking to collegues in Canada/US that they go deadly quiet when I'm talking - I've not worked out yet if that's because they haven't got a scooby doo what I'm saying or they think I'm some kind of authority on matters!
|
| All times are GMT -12. The time now is 6:59 pm. |
Powered by vBulletin: ©2000 - 2026, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.