CHANGING your ACCENT in CANADA as an IMMIGRANT 

Hi Marina, thank you for the educational content you're sharing-kudos to you! Regarding the accent issue, this has been my experience: When I first came to Canada, I found it challenging that, despite speaking clearly and being myself, people often didn’t understand me. I frequently heard 'pardon' or 'can you repeat that? When I realized it was becoming too frequent, I started listening closely to how they pronounce certain words and began mimicking their pronunciation. This has saved me from constantly hearing 'pardon' or being asked to repeat myself. So, I've adopted an approach of learning their pronunciation to save myself a lot of stress.

I am a Nigerian professional working at senior management level in health sector. My colleagues (all white) love my accent regardless of how it sound. The main koko is competence !

From my experience, it’s not about accent but they way we pronounce certain words. Learning to pronounce the words appropriately makes a big difference.

I don't think switching your accent makes you a fake person. It's just an accent, speak whichever way makes you comfortable or communicate with people effectively.

Absolutely spot on. Communicate clearly, they would hear you over time just as you have gotten to hear them without straining your ears. If you were not born here or immigrated as a child, your accent would stand out no matter how much you try.

I called SGI last month and heard a Jamaican- of course I asked- are you Jamaican? We greated each other and it felt so good. I also met a Jamaican HR employee on the phone. She recognised me through my accent. We are friends now. I've never thought to even try and adjust my accent- I love it❤.

100% Marina! Our people can make you doubt yourself, so real and sad. Genuinely retain your authentic self 🎉, thanks 😊!

Sist this subject is a big issue oooo. My kids are complaining their mates in class can't understand them. I simply told them to slow down when communicating to none Nigerians in school. I had such challenge when I resumed school as well but right now, am good to go. I had a presentation today and it was awesome. Thanks for this

I really love and admire you. Thank you for this video!

Keep keeping it 100, you are legit. This must have been your easiest content.

Makes sense. However, the realities of individuals could be very different. People who work in customer facing roles daily and whose communication with locals may affect their performance and job will need to do what is necessary in changing their accent which is one part learning to pronounce clearly and another part having the canadian accent.

Thank you so much for keeping 100, enjoyed hearing your thoughts on this 😊

You are right Marina!❤

I am with you here Marina,I am from delta state and I was raised in Benin and I can say I am a dota of the Edo soil, I don’t switch my accent in anyway I only just slow down. They too have an accent nd I try to understand them so they should try and understand me.

I was confused at first. It felt like I was not following the trend. Infact when I first landed in Canada this conversation came up and I said “no be for old age I wan come learn left hand”. Already, I speak really clear and some people say it’s an accent. It’s sha not Canadian accent. Nobody really knows the accent I have. Only God knows the accent sha because even me I don’t know it. I sha know I cannot have a Canadian accent. I work in a client service role and I have had clients say things like “you have a hard accent”. I had to learn how to speak slowly and a lot more clearly. I admire people from other nationals whose accent is stronger than mine. They do not budge. They speak it as it is and just ensure they are audible. I learnt from them and firmed up my resolve to not fall for the pressure of having a “Canadian” accent.

Sis, this is hilarious to me, but I get it. I honestly don't understand why some Nigerians are stuck on putting pressure on this accent thing, it doesn't make you less or better. As long as you speak clearly and you're being understood, you are good to go. However, I had to adjust a little bit. I had to slow down when talking especially at work here in America. No one complained but I noticed my colleagues would repeat what I said. They had to do that because I spoke so fast that they had to repeat it back to me to make sure they didn't miss anything. I just always remind myself to slow down especially when I'm excited or passionate about what I'm talking about. Shout out to my American friends that are used to me talking. They are the real MVPs that catch every word I say because once I start, it's 60 words per millisecond lol.

Lol; My opinion is that accent thing is identity crisis and low self esteem. Clarity in communication is the goal. Be you! Well done Marina.

Here in the USA people with a stong southern accent are consided a lower uneducated social class. For instance saying ain't instead of is not. Is looked down on and can stop you from getting a job. Especially a high paying job working with well educated co-workers. It with not accent but the words used.

The concern in real sis- emotional topic❤

Thank you oo

I am very used to Benin - I was born & bred in Benin...

Thank you Marina for addressing this issue. The matter tire me . When people try to change their accent it always sounds so funny and fake. My opinion is that it comes out of trying to be wannabe 😂😂Just ensure your pronunciations are understandable. I always say it l am proudly Nigerian!!!!!!

Marina, I'm at work...but let me put in my earphone 😊