Maria was a guest on my second talk show. She posted our video on her Instagram and got a comment … about my accent. It turns out that after 8 years of living in America, I should not have a Russian accent. Really?
I told my husband, and he laughed out loud. The accent is a familiar phenomenon in his life. His mother spoke with a French one.
This was not my first show and not the first comment about my accent, and most likely not the last. For some reason, my accent irritates only Russian speakers. If you find out why, tell me.
I usually hear from Americans, “I like your accent”. I usually answer, “I don’t but thank you”. My dentist told me once, “I would listen and listen to this woman”.
To be honest, from time to time I have the idea to hire a tutor. But there is always something … or it’s too expensive (an American tutor costs $40), or my schedule is busy with work, or there is a time difference (if a tutor is Russian), or I want to learn Portuguese.
I know, Where there’s a will, there’s a way, when there’s no will – there are excuses.
And I also know that if I really need to learn something, I will do it.
And how much do I need to speak without an accent?
Who came up with these standards?
Three years ago, I gave a presentation at the library. I talked about Russia for 50 minutes, but first I apologized for the accent. After the presentation, a woman came up to me and said, “never apologize for your accent”.
And really, why should I apologize for something that is part of me?
My accent is my highlight. This is what sets me apart from the others.
I’m without an accent, like Barbra Streisand without her nose.
And the only thing I have to do is be happy.
P.S. An elderly patron brought me flowers and a postcard today, congratulating me on getting a “full-time” job in the library.
