Is your accent a problem here?
Oct 30th 2009, 4:31 pm
#151
Just Joined
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 5
Re: Is your accent a problem here?
One of the most frustrating things is to try and get the automated voices that give instructions on the phones in America to understand my British accent.
I end up either talking VERY loudly down the phone or trying to speak with an American accent.
However, even Americans have trouble with these automated voices!
I end up either talking VERY loudly down the phone or trying to speak with an American accent.
However, even Americans have trouble with these automated voices!
Oct 30th 2009, 4:54 pm
#155
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 35,082
Re: Is your accent a problem here?
The people from other European countries did not do this; I guess it's just because of the shared language.
(apparently we all sound like John Wayne)
I have had those dim bastards, but I just looked them in the face and said 'do you realise how F...in stupid" you sound'
Oct 31st 2009, 12:13 am
#159
Sursum corda
Joined: Sep 2002
Location: Richmond Hill, GA USA
Posts: 38,860
Oct 31st 2009, 2:06 am
#160
Just Joined
Joined: Oct 2009
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 13
Re: Is your accent a problem here?
I'm inclined to think it's your accent. I applied for a computer tech job in Central Wisconsin and had a phone interview which I thought went very well only to be told that "Your strong Scottish accent may be a problem as a lot of Americans hate to speak to overseas call centers and they may think I've out sourced" I was amazed that he'd even tell me that and I was even more amazed when he called me back a week later to offer me the job as he had since heard of a thing called "Euro envy" and thought I might be good for his business!
Fortunately I managed to snag another job before his offer and was so happy that I could tell him where to go
Fortunately I managed to snag another job before his offer and was so happy that I could tell him where to go
Oct 31st 2009, 1:10 pm
#161
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2004
Location: 30°16'29" North 097°44'26" West
Posts: 22,151
Oct 31st 2009, 4:49 pm
#162
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 13,114
Re: Is your accent a problem here?
My husband is working in the mailroom for an International company. He found out through a co-worker that his boss recommended him for a higher position but his bosses boss thought his accent was too thick. He is very upset and I am furious! Now he feels like he will never get a better job .
90% of the time, having a British accent here in the US is a big plus, as most people have noted - Americans love the British accent in social situations. However, it can be a negative in the work environment. I can't see any fault in someone wanting a person to speak in a manner that is as clear as possible (as perceived by the target audience for the product/service), especially nowadays with the strong backlash against outsourced call centers in India/etc. A MILD British accent is probably a plus even in business, but a STRONG one - you are asking for trouble if you don't make an effort to adjust it. How many Brits liked it (back in the UK) when they called a business and reached an Indian / Pakistani with a strong accent?
Question for all the Brits.
I basically grew up bilingual. In school, and sometimes at home too, I was taught how to speak proper dutch, but at home (most of the time) and in the streets I only spoke the regional/local dialect. I do know that I speak dutch with a regional accent. There's no mistake possible to tell where in the Netherlands I'm from when I speak proper dutch. But there's not a single person in Holland who would have even the slightest trouble understanding me.
How is that in the UK? I figure you all spoke the local or regional dialect in the streets, and probably at home too. But what where YOU taught at school? Was there any emphasis at speaking proper english? Did the teachers in school make any effort to get you to lose your (broad) accent?
Just curious. That's all.
I basically grew up bilingual. In school, and sometimes at home too, I was taught how to speak proper dutch, but at home (most of the time) and in the streets I only spoke the regional/local dialect. I do know that I speak dutch with a regional accent. There's no mistake possible to tell where in the Netherlands I'm from when I speak proper dutch. But there's not a single person in Holland who would have even the slightest trouble understanding me.
How is that in the UK? I figure you all spoke the local or regional dialect in the streets, and probably at home too. But what where YOU taught at school? Was there any emphasis at speaking proper english? Did the teachers in school make any effort to get you to lose your (broad) accent?
Just curious. That's all.
I was the only person from my Comprehensive school in Lancashire to graduate from University; a small number started Uni, but I was the only one to stay the course. It was regarded as a waste of time ...
There was no effort made to teach RP in our school. However, one should bear in mind that, in England at that time, it could be problematic to consider dialect separately from class. So, for example, attempting to learn RP might be regarded as getting above oneself, even by teachers. As such, it would be discouraged.
Last edited by Steerpike; Oct 31st 2009 at 4:54 pm.
Oct 31st 2009, 4:53 pm
#164
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Location: Manhattan
Posts: 2,913
Re: Is your accent a problem here?
My husband is from Carnoustie and actually his accent is pretty mild.
Oct 31st 2009, 4:54 pm
#165
Arrogant ****
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Plano, TX
Posts: 4,323
Re: Is your accent a problem here?
Received Pronunciation, or "BBC English".
Makes you sound like a toff. It's how I speak, and got me into many fights during my childhood. Doesn't make me very welcome in places with strong regional accents either!
Makes you sound like a toff. It's how I speak, and got me into many fights during my childhood. Doesn't make me very welcome in places with strong regional accents either!