Perspectives From a Non-Native Speaker in Oz

Shuang Wu

Growing up, I watched a lot of American TV series and movies, so I became accustomed to the American accent. I even used to practice speaking with an American accent. On the other hand, I find the British accent very elegant, and I would take pride in having a local accent. However, after spending almost a year in Canberra, I realised that being able to speak authentically and accurately is more important than trying to imitate a particular accent. I now focus on using words precisely to convey my ideas and priorities effectively. Expressing myself in a more authentic way has been a challenge for me, especially when it comes to using idiomatic English. I believe that idiomatic English involves not only the words we choose, but also the intonation and pronunciation we use when speaking. To improve my ability to speak more authentically, I have been focusing on learning more common English expressions and practicing my pronunciation and intonation. By doing so, I hope to better convey my ideas and communicate more effectively with others.

Despite this, I have encountered some challenges with accents. When speaking with local elderly people, I sometimes have difficulty understanding their very distinct accents. When speaking with two locals who have strong accents, it can be challenging for me to keep up with the conversation. Not only do I need to concentrate on understanding what they’re saying, but I also need to think carefully about how to respond to them. With the back-and-forth nature of their conversation, it can be overwhelming for me to keep track of all the details while trying to formulate my thoughts. It’s a bit like trying to keep up with a fast-moving train of thought. Despite these challenges, I try my best to stay engaged in the conversation and ask for clarification when necessary. Through my experiences, I’ve learned that it’s important not to be shy about asking others for clarification.

As a non-native speaker, English can be challenging for me and takes me out of my comfort zone. I’ve noticed that there’s a difference between the English I learned for IELTS and real English communication. To practice English more effectively, I have been trying to participate more actively in various groups and create opportunities for communication through social activities. This has not been easy for me, as I’m not naturally outgoing, but my desire to learn English and better understand the culture has motivated me to become more communicative and engaged with people. Although my English skills may not be perfect, I strongly believe that it is the universal language that can help me bridge language and cultural barriers when communicating with others. Whenever I speak with someone in English, I feel empowered to connect with them in a way that transcends our linguistic and cultural differences. Fear can often stem from the unknown, particularly when it comes to religion. It can be difficult to get an objective assessment from the media, which can make the fear feel even more daunting. However, as I’ve engaged in conversations with people of different faiths in English, I’ve had the opportunity to learn more about their beliefs and customs. Through my interactions with individuals who practice Hinduism, Islam, and Catholicism, I’ve discovered that they are friendly and open to sharing their religious practices with me. This has helped me gain a better understanding of religion from a different perspective.

Art by Jasmin Small