Immigration: Is accent change equivalent to being fake?

 

Accent change following immigration is not equivalent to being fake. This was the categorical response of Chat GPT when I typed the controversial question into the artificial intelligence (AI) supported chatbot. Accents often change naturally when someone is immersed in a new linguistic environment. This change can be influenced by various factors, such as the desire to be understood, to fit in socially, or simply through frequent exposure to different speech patterns. Do well to watch the very expository topic related video below and do not hesitate to post your raw thoughts in the comments section below. I spoke to a Nigerian-British UK born Doctor on the subject. See what she had to say.

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The aim of this article is not to encourage immigrants to necessarily strive for accent change or lose their identity, as some have argued. If any individual however decided to fully immerse themselves in the local accent of the community they find themselves, then whatever their reason may be, the point of the above video and the rest of this article, is to prove that they are not being fake. Here are some key points for those who are still on the fence:

1. Adaptation and Communication: People may subconsciously adjust their accents to be better understood by those around them. This is a natural part of language adaptation and communication.

2. Social Integration: Adopting elements of a new accent can help immigrants integrate into their new community. It might make it easier to form social connections and feel a sense of belonging.

3. Psychological Factors: Over time, accents can change without deliberate effort as a result of prolonged exposure to a new linguistic environment. This is a natural cognitive process rather than a conscious decision to "fake" an accent.

4. Identity and Authenticity: While some might worry that changing their accent is inauthentic, language and identity are fluid. A person can have multiple ways of speaking, and shifting accents doesn't necessarily mean they're abandoning their original identity.

In essence, an accent change following immigration can be a natural, adaptive process rather than an act of being fake. It's part of how humans navigate new social and linguistic environments. In my personal opinion it is by no means a compulsory adaptation but if people pay loads of money to learn a new language or to improve their spoken English in several parts of the world, what's the big deal with genuine accent change towards better flow of the local diction? I am genuinely interested to know what your thoughts are. 

Article, Video production and direction by: Dr Oghenekevwe Daniel Ogidigben