Foreign nationals that can pass for locals in your country (dinner, population)

[Acajack]

Are there people who are born and raised in foreign countries who can pass for a born and raised local in your country?


In terms of look, accent, culture?


Either in casual conversations or actually fitting in if they sat down for a dinner with you and your compatriots?


The obvious one is Canada-U.S., with the assertion you often hear that a decent chunk of the population of either country can pass for the other. With some notable exceptions like Québécois, Newfoundlanders and people from the U.S. South.


But what about Austrians in Germany?


Swedish speakers from Finland, in Sweden?


Flemish people in the Netherlands?

Guatemalans in Mexico?


I have thoughts on these but would like to hear your views.

[EVANGELISTTI]

Here in Brazil for example I have a Romanian friend who speak decent Portuguese but because his weird accent and slavic look in Sao Paulo people think he is southern Brazilian but not foreigner. The same apply to other Latin Europeans or Latin Americans if they don't have strong accent, the way of being is pretty similar.

[deneb78]

What about Belarusians in Russia? Most already speak Russian.

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by deneb78

What about Belarusians in Russia? Most already speak Russian.

Yeah, that might be a good example.

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by EVANGELISTTI

Here in Brazil for example I have a Romanian friend who speak decent Portuguese but because his weird accent and slavic look in Sao Paulo people think he is southern Brazilian but not foreigner. The same apply to other Latin Europeans or Latin Americans if they don't have strong accent, the way of being is pretty similar.

What about people from Portugal? Can they easily pass for Brazilians? And vice-versa? (Especially Brazilians primarily of Portuguese origins?)

[Pueblofuerte]

Depends on the region but yes practically any and every Latin European or Latin American can pass for Colombian if they have a neutral Spanish accent. Same with some African or Afro-Caribbean folk also.

There are a few things that are pretty unique or enshrined in pan-Colombian identity though, such as:

[Mhc1985]

Originally Posted by Acajack

Are there people who are born and raised in foreign countries who can pass for a born and raised local in your country?


In terms of look, accent, culture?


Either in casual conversations or actually fitting in if they sat down for a dinner with you and your compatriots?

Uruguayans!

[Acajack]

I asked this question because over the years I've heard several first-hand stories of Americans who've had Canadians in their midst for years (as neighbours, work colleagues, "sports" parents, etc.) and never knew they weren't Americans until something triggered the "outing" of the Canadian, like talking about voting and the Canadian tells them they can't because...

[Turnerbro]

Most people from Scandinavia can easily pass off as American. Minimal accent generally.

[Milky Way Resident]

Indonesians and Malaysians. Both speak the same language with a few variations. Both also have a Chinese community in their country so they cover the same ground there.

While I was in Malaysia, some Indonesians told me that they are of a fairer skin complexion then the Malays, though I’m not sure whether that holds true across the board.

Serbs and Croats are another one. What usually gives one away is the accent.