Is it normal to start speaking in a different accent than yours?

So I watch a lot of british Youtubers/Twitch streamers. I'm very much American but I've sort of started to speak more and more like them recently. Is it bad or abnormal or something?

Is It Normal?
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 26 ) Sort: best | oldest
  • I tend to almost instantly mimic the accent of who I'm speaking with. I can barely control it.

    There are also two kinds of accents: Regional accents and accents when speaking another language that are the result of having another first language.

    So sometimes when I'm speaking with Mexicans I'll start speaking in that "Mexican accent" of a native Mexican speaking English. I have to be careful because as I'm a Caucasian and native English speaker there's no reason I should have that accent and I can come across as mocking them.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • People tend to gain accents from those they're around. It's usually a very gradual process, but it can be faster.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • Picked up a british accent when I was young because I watched a lot of British let's players.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • Hang on- you’re not British? Am I the only Brit left on this site?

        Comment Hidden ( show )
          -
        • Idk I get you guys confused with the australians.

          Nope. American, born and raised. Curious about why you thought I was british? Is it because Lloyd is Welsh? I just like the name of lloyd.

          Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Only if you are married to Alec Baldwin

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • When you subconsciously pick up someone else’s accent it’s called convergence, it’s a normal phenomenon. I have a friend for instance who had a similar accent to me as a teenager but after 4 years in the north of England has lost the strong RP vowel pronunciation.

    My own accent is thicker than an elephant’s hide and I’ve definitely noticed people picking it up, especially when I can compare how they speak to other people.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • What's your accent?

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • Queen’s english, like the royal family but dial down the poshness 2 notches or so. People either pick up my vowels, mock or occasionally (and my personal favourite) both.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
  • I can pull off an American accent. I've fooled people, including Americans that I'm American XD

    I'm more than happy I don't have the stereotypical Eastern European accent.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Yes. It's normal human nature to immitate something new or fascinating.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • C O L O N I S E D

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Ive experienced that before

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • I do that sometimes when talking to my friends who've got accents.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • jolly good guvnah

    Comment Hidden ( show )