Different ways people can develop an accent

[David_J]

It really does depend mostly on where you grew up, particularly between the ages of 5 and 12 (not earlier than that age). I myself moved from Indonesia to America (New York City, then) at the age of two, and I have fully lost my accent - I can't even speak my native language with a 'native' accent.

Some places also have multiple accents based on socioeconomic status - NYC is a good example of this.

Of course, some people try to consciously reduce their accent, which is a different story.

[eschaton]

Originally Posted by PA2UK

Having said that, I do know of a special needs child who is American - born and raised in the US, but her parents are Chinese and although she doesn't speak a word of actual Chinese, she has picked up her parent's Chinese accent. But like I say, she is special needs - I have NEVER seen that with "normal" kids... my parents grew up in Philly and so they pronounce "water" like "wood-der" but I grew up in central PA and say "wah-der".

Autistic children typically keep their parents' accent, rather than that of their classmates. It seems whatever part of the brain is involved with accent shifting is part of the "unconscious social module," and autistic people just lack it.

Generally speaking, you can only unconsciously learn an accent flawlessly if you are exposed to it before around 16. Later your can shift your accent somewhat, but never eliminate it entirely, and it requires a lot of work.

[PA2UK]

Originally Posted by eschaton

Autistic children typically keep their parents' accent, rather than that of their classmates. It seems whatever part of the brain is involved with accent shifting is part of the "unconscious social module," and autistic people just lack it.

That's interesting, thanks. She might be Autistic, my SIL is her teacher and talks about her a lot but I don't remember if she's mentioned what her condition is.

[new2colo]

I have noticed that some people for whom English is a second language acquire regional American accents. In New York, you can hear many people who are from other countries speak English with a regional New York accent. I ran across a Vietnamese store owner from Vietnam during a trip to Houston several years ago who kept referring to my family and I as "y'all."

For Americans who have already learned how to speak, I don't think picking up regional accents is that easy. Growing up in Las Vegas, one of my close friends' parents were from the South. Although they had lived in Vegas for close to 20 years, they still had very distinct Southern accents. I don't think you lose an accent for another unless you diligently train yourself to speak differently.