Is it normal to deliberately change my accent when i move country?

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I'm moving to California soon. I currently live in London but I was born and raised in Bulgaria.

I've lived in the UK for a decade but from a very young age in Bulgaria I was taught English in the way Americans would speak it (I know the US has different accents but it was a 'standard' US accent I guess, wasn't anything specific).

When I moved to England I felt self conscious and even though it felt easier to carry on speaking in the way I was taught, I forced myself to develop a London accent.

I now have a London accent but sometimes words with my old accent come out, especially if I'm tired. I still find that if I want to my US accent can come back 100%.

So since I'm moving to the US I was wondering whether I should switch back to my US accent which I grew up with. It would be very easy since I find it easier and more natural to talk in as I was raised in it.

But wouldn't it be weird in the eyes of others? I lived in London for 12 years and talked like them, and suddenly I enter the U.S. and change my accent? Even though it would be natural for me and I wouldn't be forcing myself, like I forced myself to gain a London accent.

Idk, what do you think? Is it normal?

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75% Normal
Based on 8 votes (6 yes)
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Comments ( 2 )
  • CountessDouche
    9 years ago

    Do whatever makes you feel comfortable and whatever comes naturally, OP. Although it's worth noting that Americans (especially American women) tend to have a weird fascination with certain foreign accents. Australia/NZ, all of the uk, and Southern Ireland to mention a few. Your posh accent might get you laid.

    I wish I could say that I was Immune to such foolishness, but haaaaaaa n'aw.

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  • TrustMeImLying
    9 years ago

    Nah, not weird at all. An environment can be a mental trigger that makes people act a certain way, and accents are included in that. Just like meeting a very old friend can make you act just as goofy as you used to act years ago -- even if you presently had a solemn personality.

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