Are Pakistanis/Indian ashamed of their accent?

[KingKhanWC]

I was speaking to a new immigrant a couple of years ago and he wanted to find out how he could get rid of his Pakistani accent?

I told him it may never go even if you live here for 20 years.

Yesterday I spoke to another who was embarrassed by his accent. I told him yes it terrible and a pain to ones ears but nothing to be ashamed about, you cant help it.

Question is to those who live in India/Pakistan/Bangladesh who speak English and those who are immigrants to the western world.

Are you comfortable with your accent or would you prefer to sound like Brits/Yanks etc?

 

[BreadPakoda]

Why do you consider his accent terrible and a pain to one's ears?

 

[Ronaldo7]

People who’ve come to the UK in their late teens or early adulthood, freshies as we call them, usually get teased by their Asian friends because of their accent.
So maybe that is the reason.

People who were born in Britain or came to Britain when they were very young (3-4 YO) usually don’t have that Pakistani accent so maybe the “freshies” think they don’t fit in.

 

[Ronaldo7]

Why do you consider his accent terrible and a pain to one's ears?

Some accents are very thick and very annoying to listen to.
The indian accent being one of them.

Extremely annoying to listen to.

 

[Ronaldo7]

As for the accent, it really depends when they came to the UK. If they came to the UK in their early childhood then they’d probably speak in the British Asian accent. But if they came when they were in their 20s or later then i don't think it’ll change

 

[BreadPakoda]

Some accents are very thick and very annoying to listen to.
The indian accent being one of them.

Extremely annoying to listen to.

What makes it annoying to you? It could be a case of colonial hangover - loving what the whites do.

 

[BreadPakoda]

Thanks for sharing the context very well, OP and "Ronaldo".

As I understand the main question that needs to be addressed here is, why do Pakistani Brits (or Indian Brits if they have a similar inclination) love the accent of a white Brit person?

Is it a case of colonial hangover, or a strong need to feel "British" and get rid of the chip on the shoulder - aka desi looks and roots?

 

[Ronaldo7]

What makes it annoying to you? It could be a case of colonial hangover - loving what the whites do.

It’s just the way it sounds.
I’d actually rate the east asian accent over an Indian/Pakistani one. At least it sounds alright.

 

[Syed1]

Being proud of such a trivial thing as an accent reflects that the person doesn't have much else going on in their life.

 

[Knight_Rider]

As for the accent, it really depends when they came to the UK. If they came to the UK in their early childhood then they’d probably speak in the British Asian accent. But if they came when they were in their 20s or later then i don't think it’ll change

By British Asian accent, you mean that AliG one?

 

[KingKhanWC]

Being proud of such a trivial thing as an accent reflects that the person doesn't have much else going on in their life.

This is a great attitude, having no issues of having an Asian accent.

Its really bad but there are others too. Arabic, Turkish, Kurdish are bad but nothing comes close to the Indian twang.

 

[ManFan]

Certain accents in English are bearable but Chinese/Japanese and Indian are very difficult at times to understand.

 

[DeadBall]

I personally find British accents from Desi people quite hilarious (including a lot of my relatives), American accents I can stand but British ones just crack me up for some reason. Ditto Eastern Asian people with British/American accents.

 

[BreadPakoda]

Being proud of such a trivial thing as an accent reflects that the person doesn't have much else going on in their life.

Absolutely - and very well put. Tons of such threads pop up every now and then. All with the same agenda - level 1 - deride the desi accent, level 2 - nit pick Indian and Pakistani accent and declare mah accent is da better one.

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?149487-Accents-you-like-dislike&

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/s...ge-Accent-that-makes-you-go-weak-in-the-knees

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/s...e-between-Pakistani-and-Indian-English-accent

 

[Knight_Rider]

When i saw the thread, i thought the same thing. Poor Op, seems to be struggling with self esteem issues.

No one really cares about accents or other small things like these anymore. Its 2020 and not 1970s.

 

[KingKhanWC]

When i saw the thread, i thought the same thing. Poor Op, seems to be struggling with self esteem issues.

No one really cares about accents or other small things like these anymore. Its 2020 and not 1970s.

You seem to care bothering to write a post.

Are you fresh to the UK?

No shame in having an accent but we have to accept it sounds like nails down a blackboard, not nice to ears. If you like it, good for you.

 

[BoredFromLifeXi]

Some people always needs something to feel them superior and deride others. Good for OP but you are not what you are showing.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Some people always needs something to feel them superior and deride others. Good for OP but you are not what you are showing.

I don't need a fabulous English accent to feel superior

Welcome, Im happy you have registered to this great forum to write your views.

What accent do you have? And why do you think someone who feels the Indian/Pakistani accent is horrible is suggesting he/she is superior? My point was not this but to find out if others feel this accent is just a as bad and those who have it outside of Asia are happy with it.

No need for people to get insecure

 

[ElRaja]

i had a really thick desi accent when i was young, i actually spent the summer after school forcing myself to sound more "normal", eventually it became my accent.

one tip i would give to people is sToP sTressing every harD ConsonanT. this is perhaps the most aurally off putting element of the desi accent, imo.

the real issue i have is bad and broken english, a lot of desis are completely unaware, and get a bit offended if u pull em up on pronunciations, grammar, etc.

 

[KingKhanWC]

i had a really thick desi accent when i was young, i actually spent the summer after school forcing myself to sound more "normal", eventually it became my accent.

one tip i would give to people is sToP sTressing every harD ConsonanT. this is perhaps the most aurally off putting element of the desi accent, imo.

the real issue i have is bad and broken english, a lot of desis are completely unaware, and get a bit offended if u pull em up on pronunciations, grammar, etc.

Is it possible to change your accent so you naturally speak differently? Or do you have purposely change your accent? I can do most accents so it's not really difficult or is it tough for desis?

If Kumar Sangakarra can do it, you all can. Don't give up!

 

[sindhiboy]

Believe me, Europeans outside the UK have very weird accents as well, it's just becuase they are in the west, and are therefore not scrutinized.
The Pakistani accent is not nearly as bad as it has been made to be.

 

[rahulrulezz]

I was speaking to a new immigrant a couple of years ago and he wanted to find out how he could get rid of his Pakistani accent?

I told him it may never go even if you live here for 20 years.

Yesterday I spoke to another who was embarrassed by his accent. I told him yes it terrible and a pain to ones ears but nothing to be ashamed about, you cant help it.

Question is to those who live in India/Pakistan/Bangladesh who speak English and those who are immigrants to the western world.

Are you comfortable with your accent or would you prefer to sound like Brits/Yanks etc?

I have been living in Canada for almost 20 years, work as a Engineering manager in government, but I rather hire or work with a educated Indian/Pakistanis straight off the boat with a heavy accent than most born and brought Canadian Indians/Pakistanis who can barely graduate from a low level college. Hint: The OP who thinks having British accent makes him cool over educated and well accomplished Indian/Pakistanis

 

[BreadPakoda]

The OP who thinks having British accent makes him cool over educated and well accomplished Indian/Pakistanis

Its a confused mindset - on one hand some people would want stringent Sharia laws in Pakistan, on the other hand they would salivate at the sound of a white man's accent.

 

[rahulrulezz]

Its a confused mindset - on one hand some people would want stringent Sharia laws in Pakistan, on the other hand they would salivate at the sound of a white man's accent.

OP is exactly that guy

 

[cric_man]

I was educated through my undergraduate in Pakistan. I did my MS in the US. Have been in the US for the past 20 years. I speak grammatically correct proper English as taught by Ms Doris in Karachi No hint of any "American" accent.

I work at a tech guerilla here in Seattle. Just delivered a presentation to the senior leadership. Fielded follow up questions and was able to satisfy all their concerns. This **** boy does not want to sound like those luton mirpuris that mumble half words in their mouths cockney shtyle.
Thanks much.

 

[andy0204]

It seems Op always try to degrade India in any ways or obsessed with India.

 

[Itachi]

Lived in Ukraine.

Spoke Russian with Indian accent.

Spoke English with Indian accent.

As long as the Listener understands, all good. I don't have identity crisis and also not ashamed about where I come from (unlike some Brit Pakistanis).

 

[cric_man]

I was educated through my undergraduate in Pakistan. I did my MS in the US. Have been in the US for the past 20 years. I speak grammatically correct proper English as taught by Ms Doris in Karachi No hint of any "American" accent.

I work at a tech guerilla here in Seattle. Just delivered a presentation to the senior leadership. Fielded follow up questions and was able to satisfy all their concerns. This **** boy does not want to sound like those luton mirpuris that mumble half words in their mouths cockney shtyle.
Thanks much.

Haha as soon as I wrote my arrogant rant about how well spoken I am. I was cut down to size by my 12 year old son. He was laughing at me for mispronouncing "vote". Like many desis, I am tone deaf vis a vis "W" and "V". Allah punished me instantaneously for my arrogance. I am a FOB (but a proud one ).
My apologies to all Luton waley for my disparaging remarks.
Mea Culpa

 

[BreadPakoda]

Haha as soon as I wrote my arrogant rant about how well spoken I am. I was cut down to size by my 12 year old son. He was laughing at me for mispronouncing "vote". Like many desis, I am tone deaf vis a vis "W" and "V". Allah punished me instantaneously for my arrogance. I am a FOB (but a proud one �&#56843.
My apologies to all Luton waley for my disparaging remarks.
Mea Culpa

I have been subject to instant punishments too when I start becoming arrogant. God has his own ways.

 

[Itachi]

Haha as soon as I wrote my arrogant rant about how well spoken I am. I was cut down to size by my 12 year old son. He was laughing at me for mispronouncing "vote". Like many desis, I am tone deaf vis a vis "W" and "V". Allah punished me instantaneously for my arrogance. I am a FOB (but a proud one ).
My apologies to all Luton waley for my disparaging remarks.
Mea Culpa

It's hard to admit criticize self but hey, you have done it publicly. Cheers for being upfront.

 

[big_gamer007]

Another thread which proves the point I raised many months ago,

Ranking as per Height of obsessiveness:

1. British Pakistanis obsession with Indians.

Daylight

Daylight

More Daylight

Everything else
[MENTION=76058]cricketjoshila[/MENTION] [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] [MENTION=90888]Itachi[/MENTION] - Why do you think these guys are so obsessed with us? Jealousy? Insecurity? Inferiority complex? What else?

 

[Slog]

Lived in Ukraine.

Spoke Russian with Indian accent.

Spoke English with Indian accent.

As long as the Listener understands, all good. I don't have identity crisis and also not ashamed about where I come from (unlike some Brit Pakistanis).

How come you spoke Russian and not Ukrainian

 

[Mamoon]

If you speak fluently and pronounce words properly, your accent will not make a difference.

Besides, not all desi accents are the same. It varies a lot depending on what your first-language is.

If you speak Urdu (everyone does in Pakistan but I mean as your first language), Pashto, Punjabi etc. it will reflect in your English accent.

Pakistani Punjabis and North Indians usually sound the same. Similarly, there are a lot of variations in India itself.

Not all British accents are pleasing to the ears either. For instance, most desis sound better than Jamie Carragher.

If you were born in the UK or have been living there since your childhood, you will have a natural British accent. However, when adults try to change their accept to sound more natural, it gets cringeworthy.

A bad accent sounds better than a fake accent. So people who are ashamed of how they speak should focus on fluency, pronunciation and grammar.

Speaking of Asian cricketers, Sangakkara doesn’t have a typical subcontinent accent because of his schooling, but the likes of Kohli, Kumble and Dravid etc. have typical accents but they are still very pleasing to listen to because of their fluency and pronunciation.

Arsene Wenger never lost his French accent after living in London for 22 years, but anyone would deem his English excellent and no one had any issues with his accent.

 

[Rajdeep]

I have been to UK couple of times and Asians who are born and raised there dont have a typical British accent either. It is different from the accent a white man would speak and you can clearly figure out its a Brit Asian accent.

I have worked for UK call centres here in India but never changed my accent or name and always proud of it. Though sometimes when I get a british asian on phone, I use "Innit" is an abbreviation of "isn't it" and fake it as "Innit maate...innit"

 

[Arya]

Subcontinental English accent in general is one of the ugliest imo, so I understand where OP's inferiorioty complex comes from.

Thankfully my accent is closer to Sangakara's and I don't have to fake it. Yes I am proud of it. :

 

[Forward Defensive Push]

No. This is how I learnt the language and I'm not ashamed of it. I believe if you're able to express your opinions articulately you've done well.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Nobody should ever be ashamed of an accent. To be honest I do find it annoying when some journalists speak English in that harsh desi accent but why should anyone be ashamed of how they speak.

Infact due to the number of skilled workers from the SC being outsourced by many industries( mainly from India currently but a growing Pakistani number too) the slight desi accent has become associated with a level of technical education.

 

[imrankhannsu]

I think many Asians (and ENglish) who are born here tease others of their accents from back home. But despite that I dont see many people ashamed of their accents, but are more worried about what they are saying IMO.

No offence to our Indian friend, but I think in general the Pakistani accent is better

 

[amax]

If you speak fluently and pronounce words properly, your accent will not make a difference.

Besides, not all desi accents are the same. It varies a lot depending on what your first-language is.

If you speak Urdu (everyone does in Pakistan but I mean as your first language), Pashto, Punjabi etc. it will reflect in your English accent.

Pakistani Punjabis and North Indians usually sound the same. Similarly, there are a lot of variations in India itself.

Not all British accents are pleasing to the ears either. For instance, most desis sound better than Jamie Carragher.

If you were born in the UK or have been living there since your childhood, you will have a natural British accent. However, when adults try to change their accept to sound more natural, it gets cringeworthy.

A bad accent sounds better than a fake accent. So people who are ashamed of how they speak should focus on fluency, pronunciation and grammar.

Speaking of Asian cricketers, Sangakkara doesn’t have a typical subcontinent accent because of his schooling, but the likes of Kohli, Kumble and Dravid etc. have typical accents but they are still very pleasing to listen to because of their fluency and pronunciation.

Arsene Wenger never lost his French accent after living in London for 22 years, but anyone would deem his English excellent and no one had any issues with his accent.

Pakistani english accent from educated communities of Lahore/islo/peshawar/islamabad/Karachi isnt bad at all by feshie standards, most indian accents are terrible though and it became more and more terrible more south you go in India with an increase in head shakes as an add on.
But still south indians are reaching top positions and one of the few communities to break the bamboo ceiling , so i guess if you work hard you can make it workable.

 

[minamino]

As far as I know, White British/Americans don't really care about the accent of Pakistanis/Indians, It's the fellow Asian community which makes fun of them. White people are already surprised when they see people from non-English speaking countries speaking in English and they don't care about the grammar either.

 

[Dios]

Being proud of such a trivial thing as an accent reflects that the person doesn't have much else going on in their life.

When i saw the thread, i thought the same thing. Poor Op, seems to be struggling with self esteem issues.

No one really cares about accents or other small things like these anymore. Its 2020 and not 1970s.

+1

 

[minamino]

British Asians wouldn't miss a chance to make fun of people's accents from their own countries but would whine on social media about how their own parents were mocked by "white people" due to their lack of proficiency in English.

 

[Dios]

Your vocabulary and your ability to express yourself well is what is important. Only a loser will take pride in something so superficial as your accent. Besides, there are quite a few British accents which are displeasing to the ears - the roadman accent that most British Asians have is among them.

 

[Uzi]

Are Indian/Pakistani accents music to the ears - no far from it. However nobody should be ashamed of their accents as it is part of their identity.

 

[Uzi]

Besides, there are quite a few British accents which are displeasing to the ears - the roadman accent that most British Asians have is among them.

The Scouse and Brum accents come to mind. The worst two accents in the UK for me.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Thanks for sharing the context very well, OP and "Ronaldo".

As I understand the main question that needs to be addressed here is, why do Pakistani Brits (or Indian Brits if they have a similar inclination) love the accent of a white Brit person?

Is it a case of colonial hangover, or a strong need to feel "British" and get rid of the chip on the shoulder - aka desi looks and roots?

Even white Brits have different accents, not everyone sounds like Harry Potter. Some regional accents come across well, others are possibly worse than an Indian accent.

 

[Badsha]

Indian accents are the worst. Pakistani is usually okay unless it's that "high" class Pakistani accent where they dont pronounce r but the rest is desi.

Also, british Pakistanis have a really annoying British accent anyway

 

[Waleed93]

Pakistanis/Indians who live abroad and try their best to emulate the British/American accent while speaking in English sound not only incredibly hilarious and ridiculous, but they also come across as some kind of victims of inferiority complex who are ashamed of their origins and identity.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

As far as I know, White British/Americans don't really care about the accent of Pakistanis/Indians, It's the fellow Asian community which makes fun of them. White people are already surprised when they see people from non-English speaking countries speaking in English and they don't care about the grammar either.

Oh really?

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Now before some Indian cries to the mods to get that video deleted, let me point out that it is not made by British Pakistanis, so I am just making a point.

 

[CricketCartoons]

Now before some Indian cries to the mods to get that video deleted, let me point out that it is not made by British Pakistanis, so I am just making a point.

Unabashedly and without fear, you continue to humiliate and insult us. One day you will have to answer for this.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Unabashedly and without fear, you continue to humiliate and insult us. One day you will have to answer for this.

I am already anticipating having the door shut in my face when I apply for Indian citizenship in 2030 to take my share in the economic takeoff which will hit India in the next decade. Who will blame the Indians if I am left on the outside looking in?

 

[Knight_Rider]

Just out of interest, did the British asian accent open many doors for you in the UK itself?

I found it a bit strange that despite being in the UK for a few generations, our Brit Pakistani community lags behind in every area (of educational measures and professional jobs). Can it have something to do with the Brit asian accent? Or is that just a by product of the typical brit asian environment?

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Just out of interest, did the British asian accent open many doors for you in the UK itself?

I found it a bit strange that despite being in the UK for a few generations, our Brit Pakistani community lags behind in every area (of educational measures and professional jobs). Can it have something to do with the Brit asian accent? Or is that just a by product of the typical brit asian environment?

What even is a Brit Asian accent? Are you talking about Asians who were born in Asia, then came over here and picked up the local twang so it became a mish mash? That happens with all foreigners who come here. You should see some of the Nordic or South American footballers who are playing here, and their foreign accent is mixed up with the local one. They are often poked fun at, but all in good humour.

 

[Knight_Rider]

You obviously know what i mean.

Slating the arrogance of Indians with arrogance doesn’t come across as a good strategy.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

You obviously know what i mean.

Slating the arrogance of Indians with arrogance doesn’t come across as a good strategy.

I have no idea what you mean. I hasve seen a few people mention this point about British Asian accent and as I don't understand what it is, I am just trying to get some clarification.

Neither did I slate Indian arrogance as far as I am aware, all I have done is responded to some points raised by posters on this thread. Why are so many people getting triggered by this topic anyway? Why does anyone feel the need to defend their accent?

 

[topspin]

If you speak fluently and pronounce words properly, your accent will not make a difference.

Besides, not all desi accents are the same. It varies a lot depending on what your first-language is.

If you speak Urdu (everyone does in Pakistan but I mean as your first language), Pashto, Punjabi etc. it will reflect in your English accent.

Pakistani Punjabis and North Indians usually sound the same. Similarly, there are a lot of variations in India itself.

Not all British accents are pleasing to the ears either. For instance, most desis sound better than Jamie Carragher.

If you were born in the UK or have been living there since your childhood, you will have a natural British accent. However, when adults try to change their accept to sound more natural, it gets cringeworthy.

A bad accent sounds better than a fake accent. So people who are ashamed of how they speak should focus on fluency, pronunciation and grammar.

Speaking of Asian cricketers, Sangakkara doesn’t have a typical subcontinent accent because of his schooling, but the likes of Kohli, Kumble and Dravid etc. have typical accents but they are still very pleasing to listen to because of their fluency and pronunciation.

Arsene Wenger never lost his French accent after living in London for 22 years, but anyone would deem his English excellent and no one had any issues with his accent.

What do you think of Imran Khan's accent?

Also, how would you describe your accent?

 

[Mamoon]

What do you think of Imran Khan's accent?

Also, how would you describe your accent?

It’s a polished accent that most educated Urdu speaking people have.

 

[imrankhannsu]

Imran Khan's English accent is quite unique and difficult to pin point IMO. Although I dont think he bagged many English girls with that accent though

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Imran Khan's English accent is quite unique and difficult to pin point IMO. Although I dont think he bagged many English girls with that accent though

I think he probably did to be honest.

 

[Green Patriot]

Self shame is a classic result of low self esteem.
I do not sound like a Brit/native English speaker and i am perfectly happy with that.
Zabardasti kay wannabe accents are the worst and so cringeworthy.

 

[ElRaja]

Is it possible to change your accent so you naturally speak differently? Or do you have purposely change your accent? I can do most accents so it's not really difficult or is it tough for desis?

If Kumar Sangakarra can do it, you all can. Don't give up!

deffo, nothing like having the mick taken out of the way you sound 24/7, well not 7, only on schooldays, by a bunch of 12 year olds to encourage a change

 

[CricVet]

Having the experience of working in the US call center, I can vouch that no accent is worse than African accent - you just wanna bang your headset after the call.

I have lived in USA long enough to have no accent. The key is to be VERY SLOW. Many times people will ignore your accent if you think and speak - be patient and give your thought process some time to deliver your message. Problems with many - especially South Indians and Africans is that when they talk, they blabber. There is nothing more annoying than listening to someone with horrible accent AND the person trying to speak so fast as if the life would get sucked out before the sentence is completed. People just need to speak SLOW and clear.

 

[troodon]

Accent should be the least of Indian/Pakistanis concern.

 

[Technics 1210]

Imagine two asians from the SC in the UK. One is born and bred in the UK, the other is off a banana boat.

Whose English accent, in the UK, will be far more effective?

Accent is very important and influencial.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I have been living in Canada for almost 20 years, work as a Engineering manager in government, but I rather hire or work with a educated Indian/Pakistanis straight off the boat with a heavy accent than most born and brought Canadian Indians/Pakistanis who can barely graduate from a low level college. Hint: The OP who thinks having British accent makes him cool over educated and well accomplished Indian/Pakistanis

I am cool, I would be cool even if I had a dodgy Indian accent.....Or perhaps not.

It seems this topic has hit a nerve with immigrants. My advice is to not be ashamed of your accent, just as one shouldn't be ashamed of his/her looks, it's not something you can help.

 

[rahulrulezz]

I am cool, I would be cool even if I had a dodgy Indian accent.....Or perhaps not.

It seems this topic has hit a nerve with immigrants. My advice is to not be ashamed of your accent, just as one shouldn't be ashamed of his/her looks, it's not something you can help.

My accent is as Canadian as it gets however I don’t think it makes me any better than any educated fob. Your dodgy accent wouldn’t bother you if you got educated from a prestigious school with a valuable degree. Having a british accent probably makes you feel better if you were working in Kabab takeaway or driving a cab.

 

[PakLFC]

No. It is natural to them.

 

[imrankhannsu]

I think he probably did to be honest.

That was probably from his looks and cricketing credentials NOT his accent .

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

That was probably from his looks and cricketing credentials NOT his accent .

I think if he was speaking Hindi in a high pitched squawk, it would have put off the girls. I don't think it's the accent, just being a high society Pakistani his delivery was more polished.

 

[imrankhannsu]

I think if he was speaking Hindi in a high pitched squawk, it would have put off the girls. I don't think it's the accent, just being a high society Pakistani his delivery was more polished.

True. thats why I said not his accent