Something else to ponder before you pack up and move down under ... do you think you will start talking Strine? I don't mean using phrases like "G'day", more just the accent. I didn't think I would, but this week a colleague recently arrived from Cardiff took me for an Aussie. Not sure what to think of that!
For myself, I've noticed that people with what I would call 'neutral' English accents tend to pick up a noticeable Aussie inflexion, whereas people with from places like Scotland tend to retain their native accent.
What do you think?
I think it's a really infectious accent - I definitely picked it up when we were there for 11 months. I was told by work colleagues in Perth that I spoke like a snobby east-coaster! I still have moments now when it sneaks back in - I'm sure I'll be speaking Strine within days of our arrival. I do find the Aussie inflexion annoying, but just know it's unavoidable - somehow the Aussies get away with it, but it sounds ridiculous with an English accent.
I would say I do have a pretty neutral English accent - North Warwickshire born, South Warwickshire educated (where I had the northern bit of my accent extracted!) and people often comment they can't tell where I'm from. I think you're right about stronger accents sticking it out - Scottish friends in Perth still sound very Scottish to me, but perhaps their fellow Scots would disagree.
I can't wait to hear my kids develop Aussie accents!
Bye for now
Jo
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Jo, Quince, James (6) & Jacob (3) Arrived in Perth 03 Jan 08, now living in Port Kennedy.
I was thinking about that the other day and i think i would end up sounding like them.
I am from ease London so have a loverly accent as you can proberly imagine (Eastenders heat your heart out)
But when we were kids our cousins moved to Great Yarmouth and within weeks they sounded like they were born and bred there, So if me and my husbond dont pick it up i think my 3 sons will
my sister has been there a year and i'm starting to notice her getting a slight aussie acent. I keep telling her off on the phone because i dont like it because it doesnt sound like my little sister !
My little sister has been over there since 2001 - and she's got a very strong aussie twang which I constantly picked her up on!
But when I visited she kept slipping back into her Leeds accent the longer I was there influencing her so she sounded really false switching from the Yorkshire to Aussie accent every other sentence!! Her work collegues just laugh at her as she sounded more pomie as the days went by.
She soon switched back when I came home but is all part of a big brothers job to make fun of his little sister whenever possible!!
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Something else to ponder before you pack up and move down under ... do you think you will start talking Strine? I don't mean using phrases like "G'day", more just the accent. I didn't think I would, but this week a colleague recently arrived from Cardiff took me for an Aussie. Not sure what to think of that!
For myself, I've noticed that people with what I would call 'neutral' English accents tend to pick up a noticeable Aussie inflexion, whereas people with from places like Scotland tend to retain their native accent.
What do you think?
What are you talking about? are you asking wether when i talk? it all goes up in tone at the end of every sentence? so everything you say sounds like a question? have noticed a lot of people from the motherland pick that habit up? sounds bloody stupid? not me tho would never do it? ;0)
To combat this I suggest every month you watch Lock stock,Italian Job, Sexy Beast and Quadrophenia back to back...son sorts you out.
My grandfather who has been in Australia since 1952, still sounds like a cockney barrow boy. He just turned 90. My Mum, who was only 12 when she moved, still has a tinge of an English accent, but probably sounds more Australian than Londoner
Ello there me old china plates !!!!!!!!! I've been finking of starting up Cockney Lessons when we're out in Oz ........... I dont mind abiding by their rules, laws & way of life but I really dont wanna loose my accent, its my identity (even if it is common as muck ) lol !!!!!!! Sally-ann x
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I don't think i have an accent.... Queens English don't you know... lol... but all my mates say i have a northern accent (as this is where i am from originally)... but OH and the children definately sound a little midlandish...
my problem is i tend to pick up any old accent... without even trying so i am bound to start speaking with a tone like i finish each sentence with a question.......!!!!... but one will try not too!!!...
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