http://ppd-speak.blogspot.com/2008/03/on-accents.html

Came across the post via Desipundit. The author, apparently an immigrant to the US of A is refuting the need to put on an accent. Having been in the US for more than a year, a year in Germany, and also having a chance to interact with a lot of Indians and Americans over the years, both who have an accent and who don’t, here’s my take on the situation.

To blend in, I have no qualms whatsoever with the Indians picking up an American accent. People maintain that Americans find it hard to follow the Indian accent. However, even Indians find it hard to follow the American accent. I perceive, In Rome, do as Romans do, so what the heck, In America, let’s speak like Americans. However, why do these _Indians_ maintain the accent with their family, friends and relatives once they are in India. In fact, I also have noticed that people who have picked up an American accent use it even more when they are having a conversation with fellow Indians?

Btw, it also begs a question as to why Americans don’t pick up an Indian accent when they spend a year or two in India? And trust me, there are quite a few I know here!!

Oh, and one more thing, it’s apparently very easy to lose the accent you have had for 20-30 years, growing up with about 1+ years in the US – apparently!!