Our daughter, now 32 years of age, has lived in Colchester since she was eight years old. You have nowt to worry about Chunk
I spent just under four years living in Colchester when I was in the army, Hyderabad Barracks on Mersea Road. Loved it there.
I was in Roman Barracks....2001-2002 before the Regt moved to Aldershot. Win for me as my home was in Farnborough. Never picked up the Essex accent though. I get what you mean. Living most of my life away from the NE, when I came home, some questioned my accent as 'posh'. I'm originally from Easington Colliery FFS
Always remember when I started at a well know hospitality company 35 years ago I was told by management to never lose my accent as the customers love a good north east accent
Don't think it's hindered me but I do have a work voice as I speak to people from all over the country. Daughter in law is Norwegian and learned American English. She's learned the local slang now. She'll be talking quite posh and throw in an "eeeh it got reet on me tits" or something which cracks me up Managed communicating with people all over the world on holiday. Only problem I can think of is trying to buy a Coke in South Mimms services. The lady couldn't understand what Coke was and then said "oh you mean Cowke"
It’s funny isn’t it. Our son who was born in Northampton and who lived in a house where there was never a NE accent, then moved to Australia when he was six, tries to put on a Sunderland accent, especially when talking to my dad. To hear him say “Are yer alreet George” is really quite hilarious. Then there’s Mrs K who thinks her “ha’way” sounds authentic even though she has an East Midlands twang to her accent. To be honest my accent isn’t any better though. The more I think about it I probably have a very bland and nondescript accent with the odd north east pronunciation thrown in there, like the flat ‘a’ sound in castle for example.
Been in Manchester since 1990 and my accent has completely softened. So much so that if I'm on phone to family or we go back to Washington for a visit my kids look at me like I'm from another planet.
I think my accent has benefited me During all interviews I’ve had I’ve been able to be completely relaxed and come over using my normal accent It’s worked for me and I think it shows you are not false The same apply when I’m the interviewer
I lived in Washington for around 50 years and imo it's the best accent in NE as it's a mix between Mackem and Geordie. I don't particularly like the broad accent of either.
