After having lived in Sydney for over a year I can say that I have settled in and found a new home. While I don't often intentionally try to speak with an Australian accent in normal conversation, I have adapted to using the local lingo. That in of itself seems to delay most people's perception that I'm not a native Sydneysider. Somewhere around the 2 to 5 minute conversation mark, I'll say something that suddenly and clearly reveals my non-native status. This then leads to them guessing and inquiring where I am originally from. So where am I from?
Apparently the answer is I'm from the UK. So says half of the Aussies I have met who have tried their best to guess where I am from. Ireland consistently seems to be the number one pick. I'm blaming it on my fair skin and red highlights. This is followed by Scotland, Wales, England Their next best guess is Cananda. At this point most of them are stumped and slightly shocked when I say I am from the States, especially once I specify the southeast. The general reply I get is something alon the lines of "You don't sound like an American." or "You don't have a southern accent." Perhaps this is due to the large amount of American television Aussies watch that is based in New York, California, or Texas. I think they are expecting my accent to reflect the deep south. Friends find it hilarious when I mimic a scene from Hart of Dixie with my best Southern Belle accent, offering a glass of homemade lemonade or iced tea.
Apparently the answer is I'm from the UK. So says half of the Aussies I have met who have tried their best to guess where I am from. Ireland consistently seems to be the number one pick. I'm blaming it on my fair skin and red highlights. This is followed by Scotland, Wales, England Their next best guess is Cananda. At this point most of them are stumped and slightly shocked when I say I am from the States, especially once I specify the southeast. The general reply I get is something alon the lines of "You don't sound like an American." or "You don't have a southern accent." Perhaps this is due to the large amount of American television Aussies watch that is based in New York, California, or Texas. I think they are expecting my accent to reflect the deep south. Friends find it hilarious when I mimic a scene from Hart of Dixie with my best Southern Belle accent, offering a glass of homemade lemonade or iced tea.
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