English Accent of USA?

When I was studying in United States, there was one time I am chatting with other International students in the cafeteria during supper time. Some of the International students has concern over the issue of their home accent incompatible with the one in the USA, and other American may not able to understand what they said.

I, being the king of English with accent, give the following shocking answer to them: It doesn’t matter, as long as you can conduct your college life normally; because there is no such thing as America accent. The way people study differ from a State to another State, plus it change over time as the composition of population of United States changes. For instance, now there is great influx of Mexican into USA, so some banks and restaurants begin to hire people who are fluent with Hispanic or people can understand English with heavy Hispanic accent. After a few years when their socio-economical status improve to a level which is compatible to middle class of European American, or at least the level of so-called European African; then speak with strong Hispanic accent is actually an advantage for future employment. That is, given you know enough English to conduct your life in USA.

I think the reason which international student would have such a question is that they all come from national countries. And the majority of countries in the world is formed by a single ethic group, or at least the ethic groups that share a similar language. (So EU is base on Latin) It is actually odd that China as a national country could united with Hong Kong when they use a spoken different languages, and different written languages. However, United States is unique in the aspect which is united on a abstract basis such as a constitution instead of other inborn characteristics such as ethnic groups. Although the majority at the time United States is formed is coming from Britain, but there are other immigrants from other national countries like Germany, Israel, Italy and various part of Africa. So USA has the name of melting pot because there is no absolute majority or minority in USA, and the guiding principle of domestic policy is to give equal opportunity to everyone regardless of race, religion and origin.

It does so happen that I am popular among International Student, and made friend with many Americans without able to speak their language as fluently as they do. They and other International Students eventually adapt to my Cantonese-style English without any complain. It may not have much to do with my excellence in the subject I major than the sheer force of my intellect.

So my advise to all student that would like to study in any place other than their native countries is: Do you best in what you are doing, straighten up your priorities. People will have to adapt to you, which is a better policy. If one day I ever had the opportunity to speak in UN, I guess I would choose to speak my native tongue!