American accent: Why are international students so attracted to it?

@kevchua (1004)
Malaysia
July 25, 2009 1:13am CST
A student once approached me and asked why I did not teach them the accent - the American accent. I told him it doesn't matter what accent we use. As long as the English we use is correct, it's fine. I'd like to know why some international students studying in Asian universities are so interested about learning the American accent? What is it that attracts them to the American accent? It's interesting to know. :)
6 responses
@coolcoder (2018)
• United States
26 Jul 09
I've heard of people being attracted to such accents as French, Spanish, or British, but this is the first I've heard of people being attracted to the American accent. I don't know...I didn't even know we had a particular unifying accent. In America,there are Southern accents, Midwest accents, and Northern accents (and each one of these has its own particular idiosyncracy), but as for one unifying accent? I hadn't noticed it.
@kevchua (1004)
• Malaysia
26 Jul 09
Hi coolcoder. Thanks for the response. In the US, people are attracted to foreign accents, but in Asia or Middle East, they're attracted the the American accent which I think they hear on TV - not a unifying one. I believe they're fascinated by the way Hollywood actors and actresses speak. That would be the Midwest accent :) Hey, thanks again :)
@jlamela (4897)
• Philippines
30 Jul 09
Maybe they find it very fascinating to learn the American accent. But I am not fascinated with it because I find myself "trying hard" which is highly ridiculous, I will better speak naturally than trying to pretend to speak with American accent. International students want to learn with that accent because they find it a good advantage to their part maybe or they feel they have an edge when applying for foreign employment.
@veejay19 (3589)
• India
25 Jul 09
Since the last ten years or so, that is before the global slowdown, the IT boom was going on all over the world and especially in Asian countries. Since the US is the premier country dealing with IY and outsourcing and call centres having sprung up and mushroomed everybody was flocking for jobs. Now it was neccessary to speak in the American accent since Us residents did not want to interact with Asians while going through the call centres. Therefore classes were specially held for Asians to learn the US accent in order to communicate and also understand the Amercans. Moreover many students have been opting to study in US universities so by learning the American accent and later on working there they would not feel alienated.
@jojorv (201)
• Philippines
25 Jul 09
maybe they want to become Hollywood actors someday... lol
@defcon505 (919)
• United States
25 Jul 09
It is better sounding than the British mate. Most Asians are going to America anyways.
• India
25 Jul 09
lol!! they are not interested in accent they want to learn it to impress the americans!!