Ayorkor

I’m willing to die on this hill: If you can learn the accent, please do cos you really need it. It gives you a competitive advantage, especially if you find yourself in certain industries. In order to advance or get ahead in this country, you need to be understood. The “huhs” whenever you talk are frustrating. After a few “huhs” they pretend to understand what you are saying and play along. It’s brutal out there chale. Even very successful African Americans I know have mastered the art of code switching. Learning the accent has nothing to do with an inferiority complex or low self-esteem. it’s mainly about survival. Also, learning the accent does not conclusively mean you have abandoned your culture, values or aren’t proud of your heritage. What’s cringe is people speaking in the same accent when they talk to their own people here or back home.