My family is all from the north of my country and we live in the south and I’ve developed a thick accent when i speak my language that’s completely different to everyone else and a lot of people tend to kind of pick on it a bit. But its recently made me develop a sort of imposter syndrome feeling and i just don’t want to live here anymore. For University i want to move up north which helps and i have a year (ish) left down in the south and hopefully i either go up north or go to the middle of my country with other north people that will hopefully make me feel better? But i also know ill probably develop a even deeper imposter syndrome since i wont fit in entirely with the north people. I’m not really sure how to feel about it. And i cant switch back to my south accent anymore either which makes people think I’m faking but i just cant anymore
Dear @DavidDavido
Thank you for reaching out to share what you are going through. It is understandable that studying in the south while you originate from the north has presented unique challenges. One of them is the accent you developed.
From your post, I gather that people around you may be making some erroneous assumptions about you based on your accent. They may not realise that your accent is likely reflective of someone who grew up between two very different places.
I observe that usually accents do change naturally and it’s only human that we pick up distinct ways of speaking depending on who we are around. After years of speaking a certain way, it makes also sense that we cannot just simply switch back. For example several foreigners who had spent a few years in Singapore have shared how they use “lah” and speak with a Singaporean lilt even when they leave Singapore.
I can see that you have thought through on your university plans which include moving out of the south to other parts of the country for various reasons. I recommend you discuss this with your family and get their support and understanding on your choices.
Choosing universities which have a more diverse enrolment will probably help reduce the current discomfort felt. I foresee that at such universities, you are likely to meet fellow students who are also of mixed backgrounds, who speak in different accents. I foresee the diversity will be enriching and help you fit in.
Do know you are not an imposter, you are just trying to fit and feel a sense of belonging, connection and identity. Keep going by taking a tiny step at a time.