Accents

Discussion in 'Online & DL Teaching' started by mattbrent, Jun 6, 2012.

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  1. mattbrent

    mattbrent Well-Known Member

    Hiya folks!

    One of the students in my online class with UoP stated in her bio that she was a native Russian. After reading that I proceeded to read the rest of her bio to myself with a Russian accent. That got me wondering. Do any of you do that in your classes when a student states they are from a foreign country?

    -Matt
     
  2. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    I have a friend who is Japanese. When I think about our conversations I hear her accent in my head. That's the closest I can come to your story..

    BTW - DO NOT pahk the cah in Hahvahd yahd. It will be towed instantly
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 7, 2012
  3. Messdiener

    Messdiener Active Member

    As a language person, I certainly do this! Also, when I am talking to someone in person, I often pick up his/her accent. Later on in the day, people wonder why I am talking like a German, a Spaniard, etc. =P
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 7, 2012
  4. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    You should hear me after I've been in Dominica for a while.
     
  5. skidadl

    skidadl Member

    I think it's a human response to wanting to relate to someone. I think it is really funny and interesting.

    My wife is Mexican but she grew up in a house where her parents only spoke Spanish to each other. Her dad thought that he was helping her by not teaching her Spanish. When he was in school he would get punished by teachers or ridiculed by the locals (west Texas) for speaking Spanish or having an accent. He thought he would help her avoid having an accent by not teaching her Spanish.

    The funny thing is that she still mispronounces words and often speaks as though Spanish was her native language. She doesn't have an accent but she gets words out of order in her sentences as though she is Spanish speaking. I think that it is hilarious and often poke fun at her. She is known as a fraudulent Mexican who cannot speak Spanish or cook mexican food (or any other kind of food). What's even more interesting is that after 18 years I haveicked up some of her bad habits.
     

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