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I have noticed that throughout the United States, many Asians that have lived in this country their whole lives, have perfect American accents. Many other groups still have a little something you can pick up on when they talk, but not Japenese, Koreans, Chinese, etc. The ones that have lived and grown up in the US have nice, just about perfect speaking voices when compared to other groups. Why?
That's because most East Asians are highly educated. DUH.
Location: The western periphery of Terra Australis
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I find American somewhat closer to the typical English accents you hear in Asia, so I wonder what an American accent with Asian inflection sounds like? Here in Australia it's easier to tell. Btw, it's not only those who are born in a country, but also many who came at a very young age. I came to Australia when I was a baby and I don't have any hint of so-called 'Asian' accent.
My family emigrated to the States when i was 12 yrs old. I don't have an Asian accent anymore. Of course, i've lived here for quite some time now. I think i lost my Asian accent a few years after learning English. At least that is what my parents have told me.
I think the majority of East Asians are probably at least 3rd/4th generation Americans. There is no reason for them to have an accent. Probably few of them even speak their families native language at home.
I find American somewhat closer to the typical English accents you hear in Asia, so I wonder what an American accent with Asian inflection sounds like? Here in Australia it's easier to tell. Btw, it's not only those who are born in a country, but also many who came at a very young age. I came to Australia when I was a baby and I don't have any hint of so-called 'Asian' accent.
Location: The western periphery of Terra Australis
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He doesn't sound 100% Aussie, actually, my accent is more like the typical Aussie accent you would hear (not as strong as some of the stereotypes) among most people here.
I'm surprised that this thread is still active! I'd like to add that most Chinese people value doing well academically, and they don't admire popular culture to the point of mimicking it. My mother was adamant that her children know how to speak proper English and speaking slang at the dinner table wasn't tolerated. My younger Chinese and Korean friends who were born in the US speak perfect English in work and other formal situations. But in some social situations, they will talk with a bit of ghetto lingo.
I do agree with my parents that if one wants to succeed at life, it's very important to know how to speak and communicate well with others. And having proper English skills has helped me get hired over those that speak poorly and with heavy ethnic accents or a lot of slang or ebonics thrown in. Companies do care very much about how their employees represent them to their customers and the general public.
My mother was adamant that her children know how to speak proper English and speaking slang at the dinner table wasn't tolerated. My younger Chinese and Korean friends who were born in the US speak perfect English in work and other formal situations.
This is very much the Asian-American immigrants' experience. Asia itself faces many of the same issues faced by native born (say third generation and onwards) Americans -- tons of slang, acting stupid or at least nonchalant is "cool," etc.
Also, far more highly educated Asians immigrated to the US the past generation than in the past, when many came as labourers, farmers, or workers in lower value chain service industries. Their offspring, often affluent, do speak with crystal clear accents and tones that reflect their higher education and upper class upbringing.
S.
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