Is Changing Your Accent Betraying Your Culture
When it comes to accents, emotions can run deep. For some, it's simply about clarity and communication. For others, their accent is an integral part of their identity—something deeply personal and cultural. As an accent coach, I’m often at the center of this question:
Is changing your accent a betrayal of your culture?
This comes up from time to time.
When I tell someone I help people with their accent people occasionally express discomfort:
“I don’t know how I feel about that” — A Canadian, native English speaker
“Why do you need to change how others speak?” — A non-native speaker of English
“But I am from _____, I am proud of how I speak since it’s my culture.” — Various people
Totally valid points of view! To be clear, I don’t tell people they need to change their accent; my clients come to me, and I help them in their goals. But I understand why people who don’t know about my work might feel offended.
Accent isn’t just about how you sound. It’s about where you’re from. Who raised you. What language you first heard as a baby. What community you belong to. So yeah—it can feel personal.
But does changing your non-native accent mean you’re betraying your culture?
I’d like to share a few stories that might give insight into why some people might think this way.
My Russian Language Partner’s Take
Back during the pandemic, I was doing a lot of language exchange stuff—mostly working on my Russian. I had this Russian partner I’d meet with regularly. One day I mentioned that I’m an accent coach and that many of my clients are Russian speakers trying to sound more American.
He was like, “Oh. Why would someone want to lose their Russian accent? That’s who I am.”
To him, sounding Russian wasn’t a flaw to fix—it was an identity to hold on to. And honestly? That’s completely valid.
I don’t think people should lose their accent. Ever. If someone wants to, I’ll help. If not, that’s cool too. I’m not here to sell shame. Just tools.
The British Ex (and That Fancy Accent)
I had a British ex. Lived in New York for years but never dropped her British accent. Honestly, it became part of her image. People loved it. It was charming.
She didn’t say “bo’le of wa’er” (you know the meme), but her accent was slightly posher, estuary-English.
And let’s be real: some accents get bonus points in society. British English definitely has that “cool” or “sophisticated” factor, especially in the U.S. So it makes sense some people want to hold on to that edge.
So, for her, keeping the accent helped her stand out, which is a building block of identity
Me? I Don’t Speak Cantonese Well
Now let me tell you something a bit embarrassing. I grew up in Hong Kong but… I don’t really speak Cantonese. Not fluently. And when I do, I speak with an accent. That stings a little.
In Hong Kong, Cantonese is the everyday language. So not speaking it well has always felt like a weird gap in my identity. I blame it mostly on how we weren’t allowed to speak it at the British-style international school I went to—maybe they assumed we all spoke Cantonese at home anyway, but I did not, I spoke English because my dad is American and within the three generations of family members at my house, we spoke four different languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Shanghainese, so I mostly spoke the most common one: English. I speak English natively—but because I sound American, people just assume I grew up in the States. (Spoiler: I didn’t.)
Over time, it’s honestly been easier to lean into my American identity. My dad’s American, my extended family too. But still—I’m a Hongkonger. I just happen to be one with a shifting accent and a complicated language relationship.
That Time I Got Told Off for Teaching
Back in college, I lived in a language-themed dorm. Lots of French, German, Russian events—language nerd heaven.
One night, at a French gathering, my friend’s girlfriend was struggling with the /y/ sound (you know, the one in tu and lune). She asked for help. I gave her a tip (use the /i/ sound but round your lips). She got it instantly and was so happy.
Cool, right?
Next day, another girl who’d been at the event sat down at my table and basically scolded me.
“We’re all learning. You shouldn’t be correcting someone’s accent.”
I was stunned. My friend asked for help. And was happy she finally got it.
But this other girl? She studied a ton of languages but had a strong American accent in all of them. I think maybe she felt... insecure. Like if accents could be improved, what did that say about her where she couldn’t improve hers?
But of course I’m speculating. I never asked her about why she felt so upset that I had helped a classmate who had asked for help. But perhaps I should’ve. Everyone has different stories and viewpoints, but we should at least try to understand it from their point of views.
Mindset: Fixed vs. Growth
Looking back at that moment however, I realized something. It might be that it’s not just about accent. It’s about mindset.
Some people think your accent is part of your identity—something you’re not allowed to change. Others see it as a skill—something you can work on, like any other part of language.
If you believe your identity is fixed, changing your accent can feel like erasing yourself. But if you see identity as flexible, changing your accent just feels like expanding your skills.
My Accent Shifts All the Time
My accent isn’t fixed either. It shifts depending on where I am and who I’m with. I’ve picked up American vowel patterns, like the cot–caught merger. But in Hong Kong, I still say rubbish bin instead of trash can. In the UK, I started saying can’t with a British /ɑː/. I didn’t even notice it at first.
So am I betraying anything? I don’t think so.
I’m just adapting.
Final Thought: Only You Decide
Here’s my take:
Changing your accent is not betraying your culture—unless you think it is.
If you want to keep your accent, do it proudly. If you want to change it, go for it. No shame either way.
Accent doesn’t define your authenticity.
You do.
Curious to share your story? Or want to work on your accent in a way that respects your identity? You’re always welcome to reach out. No pressure. Just support.
This blogpost is based on a podcast I uploaded last month. Check it out the podcast episode here!