Celina Jaitly recently shared a humorous take on how accents change — or don’t — after living abroad, in an Instagram post.
The No Entry actor, who has spent 14 years as an expat in Singapore, Dubai, and Europe, expressed her surprise at how quickly some people adopt new accents after just a short trip overseas. She wrote, “It’s hilarious how many fellow desis go on a four-day holiday and return with a full-blown accent — like they spent years at Oxford or chilling in New York.” Despite being immersed in multiple cultures and even speaking German as her first language in Austria, Celina noted, “Meanwhile, despite being an expat woman for the last 14 years in Singapore, Dubai, and Europe, my English accent still hasn’t changed! In fact, speaking German as my first language in Austria has only made my English worse. Now, coming back to Mumbai, I hear my friends sounding like English news broadcasters, and I can’t help but wonder — where did I go wrong?”
Her comments highlight an interesting phenomenon — why do some people naturally pick up accents while others don’t?
The way people adapt to new accents — or hold onto their original way of speaking — depends on a complex mix of psychology, social adaptation, and personal identity.
“At a fundamental level, language is both a tool for communication and a marker of belonging,” says existential psychotherapist Gurleen Baruah. The phrase “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” captures why some people instinctively mirror accents in new environments. This subconscious social strategy helps ease interactions, fosters acceptance, and signals to others that they belong.
However, not everyone adapts in the same way. “Accent retention can be tied to a strong sense of identity — some people feel deeply connected to where they come from, and their accent becomes an anchor to their roots,” Baruah explains. For some, resisting an accent change is a way of preserving their cultural heritage and sense of self. Others may unconsciously fear losing their identity in a foreign culture, making them less likely to modify their speech.
Is accent change unconscious, or do social and psychological factors play a role?
“For many, speech adapts subtly over time, especially when surrounded by a dominant accent. This happens because we instinctively adjust to be understood and to fit in,” Baruah explains. The brain picks up on speech patterns through repeated exposure, and for socially adaptable individuals, mirroring accents can feel natural and effortless.
However, some people retain their original accent without even trying. “An accent can be a deep part of one’s identity — keeping it can feel like holding onto a piece of home,” says Baruah. In some cases, individuals consciously resist change because their accent is tied to personal pride, cultural heritage, or even a sense of defiance against blending in too much.
Can speaking multiple languages affect fluency in one’s native language?
Yes, multilingualism can impact fluency in one’s native language, a phenomenon known as language interference or language attrition.
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“When a person frequently switches between languages, their brain navigates different grammar structures, vocabulary, and pronunciation,” explains Baruah. Over time, elements of one language can seep into another, causing occasional struggles with syntax, word retrieval, or grammar.
