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To change may accent so my kids speak 'properly'

130 replies

madchocolatemum48 · 22/12/2013 12:44

My childhood accent isn't awful, just very colloquial really.
I have lived away from 'home' off and on for years so my accent has mellowed.
I have deliberately started 'speaking properly' so my children will have a nicer speaking voice.
If we move back 'home' how will my kids be perceived ??

OP posts:
Moln · 23/12/2013 08:54

What is properly?

I've a West Midlands accent, and my mum tries to speak 'properly', its obvious it's been correct, instesd of "b-ar-th" she says "b-arrr-th", the when she drinks slips back in to "b-ah-th"

Don't do it OP, be who you are.

NickyNackyNooNoo · 23/12/2013 10:39

My 9 year old 'corrects' my use of the word kids, according to him he is not a baby goat I blame my mother Grin

BlingBang · 23/12/2013 12:11

I change the way I speak sometimes because I actually want people to understand me. I've lived in different countries where I want to make new friends, at work I want the client or work collegue I'm phoning overseas to actually be able to hold a conversation with me. If I spoke the way I did growing up it would just be frustrating all round - sounding like an extra from Rab C Nesbitt isn't really something to aim for unless you never travel or mix with folk from outside your little bubble.

People that keep saying be proud, it doesn't matter - often it does. And I still have my accent, it's not the accent that's the problem.

Feminine · 23/12/2013 12:26

We lived for 6-ish years in the US.

All 3 children had an American accent, but sounded nothing like their friends at school. Confused

DH has a very soft American accent, mainly because he has a very quiet voice anyway.

I have RP . It would be impossible to work out where I originated.

We live in Dorset now, all 3 sound English and our youngest ones sound a bit Dorset now. I love that :)

madchocolatemum48 · 23/12/2013 13:54

Thanks for the input ladies. Though I haven't managed to read through everything, I will.
Hope you all have a wonderful time over the holidays.
Xmas Grin

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