Choosing a model for imitation

[Englishuser]

Hi,

I can recall reading a post on another website for ESL/EFL learners where the writer suggested you model your speech on a native speaker of your sex who is about your age. Do you think this is a good piece of advice?

Englishuser

[Englishuser]

Hi,

Come on, I'm not about to start a new debate on which accent you should imitate, am I?

Englishuser

[prezbucky]

definitely the northern wisconsin accent -- nice hard vowels, good Rs, etc.

Or... a cross between a NoWisc accent and an Ohio accent -- the ohio accent to temper the diphthongs of the NoWisc accent, but not so much that the vowels become rounded. (eh'oo maw'ee gawd)
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Billie Jean is not my lover. Hee.

[Englishuser]

Hi prezbucky,

Thanks for your input but did you read my original question?

[prezbucky]

hehe

yeah, I just overlooked it.

To answer the question:

That sounds like great advice, if you want to sound like a your-age person from that country. It should be kept in mind, however, that while you will likely pick up plenty of slang, you might not learn the standard form of the language... or at least the standard form for certain things.

For instance, your model might say "Wasssuuuuup?!" when greeting her friends.

If she is your only source, you will miss out on basic English greetings like, "Hello" and "How are you?" (or "Hello, how are you?" hehe).
_________________
Billie Jean is not my lover. Hee.

[Jamie (K)]

[prezbucky]

Absolutely. The Minnesota accent is a hair more severe than that of most Wisconsinites (elder Wisconsinites of Scandinavian descent -- generally living in pink or yellow houses -- perhaps notwithstanding).
_________________
Billie Jean is not my lover. Hee.