Marie asks:

“So I have a Korean friend in Australia. He learned American English, but since he’s been in AUS he’s developed a more Aussie accent rather than an American one.

So does your husband have a Aussie Accent when he speaks English?”

Hehe.. Good question.

He doesn’t, he has a Korean accent and I actually hope he always has it. He does sometimes attempt saying very Aussie things but I don’t like it.

Why don’t I like it? I just really prefer the Korean accent to the Aussie accent. Even though I’m Australian myself, I find some Aussie accents so grating. I’m sure many of you might be thinking “But Aussie accents are so hot! I love *insert popular Australian male actor here*!” Who is hot at the moment? Chris Hemsworth? Yes, but those types usually have a milder Australian accent. I’m from a rural area where the Australian accent can be really really strong, especially for men. It is a mumbling nasal sound with a tendency to go up at the end of every sentence, whether it’s a question or not. Just not my cup of tea. Although I’m originally from an area with very strong rural accents, my parents were originally from Sydney and I just never picked up the rural accent. I have a milder accent and only slip up on a few words that may betray where I’m from.

I just really love the Korean accent so I don’t want my husband to even have a slight Aussie accent. We know Korean guys that do though, or almost have an Australian accent. They usually practice copying the way Australians speak. Even though in Korea they are taught American English (which causes some problems when they come to Australia) some can adjust their accent quite quickly. If they know enough English before they come to Australia, within a year they may have an Australian accent.

My husband however…. he just lives in his own little world. He just doesn’t really pick up the accent. I think there are a few reasons for this. One being that my husband speaks quite slowly and softly. This doesn’t lend itself well to the faster Australian way of speaking. Another reason I think, is his English level. He got his English to a decent level and just kinda left it there. Other Korean guys we know are continually striving to perfect their English and mimic native speakers.

He does pick up things I say, and I pick up things he says (What a nice!) but I don’t think my accent is strong enough to make a big influence on him.

Who knows though. Maybe in 10 years he will be speaking like an Aussie bloke. Streuth!