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Old 02-Mar-2006, 19:59
jawaher jawaher is offline
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Country: Bahrain
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Default Re: How to learn an accent?

Quote:
Originally Posted by rewboss
I had the opposite problem when I first came to Germany. I couldn't speak much German, but the little German I could speak I managed to speak in a near-perfect German accent. As a result, if I asked somebody -- in perfect German -- how to get the post office, they automatically thought I could speak like a native, and therefore understand like a native. So I got a lengthy description delivered in a very fast, indistinct mutter, usually in some weird dialect, and I still wouldn't be able to find the post office.
Not having heard your accent, it's hard to comment. It's interesting that you say you've "got rid of your Chinese accent" -- if you don't have a Chinese accent, what accent do you have?
Also, when is this happening? Does it happen with friends or strangers, or both? If you stop a stranger in the street to ask the way, do you do the "Excuse me, can you help me?" routine, or do you just ask your question right away? Where in the UK do you live? What about the people you live with? Have you moved to a different area since learning English?
__________________________________________________ ______________
I speak Arabic.
My father bought a flat in London when I was 1 year & we are going there once or twice a year , we stay there for 60 days. I speak English with my family,friends,in the university & at work. in addition I studies in a british university & pure British system.
Of course I will excuse him e.g: "excuse me would you please show me the way to get the post office"
I live in the central of London.
I'm speaking English with most of the people around me because it's very important to speak,read & write English in my country.

Last edited by jawaher; 02-Mar-2006 at 20:01.
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