Job Discussion Forums

[cangringo]

Yes there's that too. I've noticed that the people just want to be so helpful so they will tell you things even if they don't know...sigh...

Trying to make sure bills are correct seems to be a bit of a chore as well and we are still on dial up internet because ...well because everyone has a different story at the cable and phone company...

[Samantha]

Here is a well written article about neutral accents and the myth that there is such a thing.

http://linguistlist.org/ask-ling/accent.html

[cangringo]

Ok, Ok again I'm repeating what our experience is - meaning what the schools or other people have said to us...that's all...

[MamaOaxaca]

I tried to post this a couple of hours ago, but I'm having a lot of computer problems recently


Sam, I think that's a great article and I hope others took the time to read it.
I think alot of people use "neutral" to describe accents when they want to avoid having to use the word "prestigious". What sort of impression would you give if you went around telling people you have a prestigious accent? But I imagine that at this point in history in the city of Monterrey, "Standard American" happens to be the most prestigious accent.
I personally perfer more "unique" accents, probably because I find my own original accent boring. After 12 years of working in the business I've shifted to a more "ambigious" accent, and other Americans are often puzzeled by it and ask me where I'm from.
I like to think that I have a lot more to offer my students than an accent, but I supose that many people, students, teachers, school owners, have a hard time seeing what is below the surface.

[cangringo]

whoops just tried to post this and got cut off

anyway I did read the article btw, and I'm thinking of changing my accent now

I really wasn't trying to insult anyone's accents and I'm very sorry that I phrased it that way - was just phrasing the way it was said to us. Of course knowing how things are said here, they have probably said that to British teachers and Australian teachers. It be they just meant native speakers as opposed to Mexican teachers. I don't know...

[Guy Courchesne]

My thinking is that if accent is clear and not a serious barrier to learning/interacting with students, then you're alright...I'd be happy to call that 'neutral' enough.

Had some recent experience I've had with rural Minnesota accent which the person describe as being similar to Iowa. Nice and clean to my ear. Anyone know Baltimore Mushmouth? Now there's a contender for Accent of the Year.

Where are you from in Canada, cangringo(a?)

[cangringo]

Vancouver, so no I don't say aboot...haha kidding, only kidding...

(ducking just in case)