Comments on PJ's Thoughts

Allan reacts to a previous post from PJ:

"I agree. Correct grammar takes priority. Never mind accent. In my opinion, trying to speak with an American accent only tells American clients that they are talking to someone outside their country. It's obvious, it sounds fake and it is not needed.

I've been asked in the past to teach "American accent" to call center trainees. I refused unequivocally despite the "raket" rates. I said that it's impossible and unnecessary. For one, I am not an American; I could put on a cosmetic accent but it's going to be contrived and fake still. Learning correct grammar is hard enough at a late stage. And in order to learn a foreign accent, one must first pronounce properly, then "act" your desired accent. The only real way to learn an accent is maximum exposure, meaning you immerse yourself in the country of that language and accent you want to acquire.

I've spoken to many English speaking foreigners and most of them have said that they find the way we speak to be good because our English is devoid of accents. Some problems arise however when they encounter those with regional accents. But that should not matter. With all due respect to the Ilocanos for example, they have a unique accent when speaking English but mind you, they also have very good grammar. That opens the avenue for easier communication. Accent can be overcome the same way we learn to understand the British or the Australians when we speak to them for the first time. Bottom line still, GRAMMAR TAKES PRIORITY."