My Engrish not good
Few days ago, a job recruiter called me up for a chat. She was the person who helped me get my current job. So, the call was to ask how am I doing in this new job. Here’s part of our conversation.
………
Recruiter : Hey, so you’re traveling to Sydney this coming weekend?
Me : Yeap.
Recruiter : Whoa, good opportunity for you to work with people from other countries.
Me : Hmm, nothing special. I was based in UK for 7 months before this. So I’ve worked with people from various countries.
Recruiter : Oh…but…how come your English is like this?
Me : Erm, what do you mean by this?
Recruiter : You know…accent. Your English seems very Malaysian to me, and there’s no accent.
Me : Honestly, I don’t see a need to learn other people’s accents. As long as I can speak clearly, I don’t see any harm.
Recruiter : But it’s actually better to speak in their accent so that you can impress people during interview.
Me : Well, it also depends on who am I talking to, no?
………
Ok, the last line probably pissed her off a little.
The thing is, people should not assume that everyone thinks alike. To them, accent can be used to impress people but to us, it can mean nothing. What we want to do is just to use our English to deliver our messages CLEARLY and EFFECTIVELY. Simple right? Surprisingly, a lot of people failed to see this and end up using accent….which they really shouldn’t. You know…those people who talk in alien language that nobody can understand them at all? I bet some of them are trying to speak with accent.
I know this post does sound a bit like a ranting post, but really, my advice to everyone out there – stop assuming that people will do what you think they will do. Or, stop thinking that people will do whatever you think YOU would do. For this case, the recruiter thinks English should be used with accent in order to impress people, and she thinks other people should do the same too. But the truth is, most people prefer to use English without any accent, as long as the messages can be delivered properly.
So, stop assuming. 
p/s…. by the way, I wanted to ask her which accent does she think is appropriate. British? Scottish? Aussies? American? But I was quite pissed that I ended up answering 1 word reply to her – yes/no/okay
p/s…. and yes, I must admit I can’t really speak with accent and I don’t have any intention of learning it.
Accent..all the time. Msians speak Manglish mah..
Agree with you. Using accent wont make you more impressive. Speaks good English with right pronunciation and grammar is that’s required.
The Working Gal´s last blog ..10 Things Recruiters Won’t Tell You
@The Working Gal
i can’t see the difference. 
Hahah, actually Manglish and Singlish are the same
Yeap, the main purpose of communication is to deliver your messages across…not really to impress unless you’re in the sales line. But then again, it’s only as good as the first few minutes before people know whether you’re really good or you’re just full of craps.
“my advice to everyone out there – stop assuming that people will do what you think they will do.”
LOL . Like that if you play chinese chess with me , you sure lose wei !
Anyway , yeah ..I hate people who talk with an accent . The worst part is , Malaysian chicks think its sexy .
gapnap´s last blog ..The Kid , The DJ and The Fall .
@gapnap
wah, i very bad with chess 1 worrrr. but most of the time is me thinking all the possible moves they will make la. so as long as i cover as many moves as possible, i won’t have to worry.
Malaysian chicks think its sexy? er…wait till people speak with Indian accent or Chinese accent.
If you said the recruiter only thinks in his head without saying out, then it is okay but she tells you directly? Isn’t that not very professional?
ChampDog´s last blog ..Malaysia 2010 Budget – What should I do with it?
@ChampDog
Hmmm yea, she said that directly. hahaha. Maybe after i bombed her so much, she not very happy so wanna take revenge?
LOL… I like your last line.
Jayce´s last blog ..Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2009 Photo & Video
@Jayce
hahah, thank u thank u. i think i was quite pissed, tat’s why i used that line.
Hie Alvin,
I love all your motivational post especially the ones related to work.
I am working in a recruitment agency by the way.
I guess the reason the recruiter said that is because most Malaysians look highly up to the American/British and thats why she said you could use it to impressed others,anyway the way she convey the message was no doubt rude and unacceptable.so typical malaysian thinking…
I am on your side and I don’t believe speaking in a foreign accent just to impress others..at the its all about being yourself r.company is not gonna hire u cause u got some bombastic accent ……lol