Wednesday, April 24, 2013

I Did It Again!





What is wrong with me?!










 Years ago, while speaking on the phone with a hotel desk clerk, I was enjoying listening to her fancy British accent. We were in New Mexico so her British accent was rather unexpected. The problem is, I am a chameleon when it comes to accents, picking up the accent of those around me. Usually I can keep it in my head but sometimes it slips out. That's what happened with her. The last sentence I said to her came out in a British accent.... likely not a very good one! I'm sure she thought I was making fun of her but it wasn't intentional. Apparently I can not help myself!


(Photo of Big Ben by Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee, .from 
    freedigitalphotos.net)


Recently I was waiting in line at Hobby Lobby. I was listening to the clerk speak with the customer in front of me. The clerk had a sweet southern accent that just wrapped itself around me. When it was my turn to check out she asked me if I'd found everyting. I responded with something like, "Yes, thank-you. I sure did." That seems appropriate, right? Well, the problem is, it came out in an accent from the deep south.  I am not from the deep south. The clerk didn't seem to notice anything because of course she did not know my normal accent. Well, then I had a real predicament. If I spoke normally, she might think I had been making fun of her. If I continued in a southern accent on purpose it would be deceptive and likely not good enough to fool her anyway. So, for the rest of the conversation I just tried to be as non-verbal as possible, answering with smiles and nods. I didn't know what else to do! 

Have any of you ever done something like this? I would sure feel better if you could tell me I'm not alone in this weirdness.

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