Understanding accents?

[MisterTinkles]

I have to make phone calls to client service centers alot.

Sometimes I get these people who I cannot understand at all. I will either hang up when they put me on hold and call back to see if I get a better english speaking person, or I ask them a question I know they cant answer, then thank them for their time and then call back to see if I get someone I can understand better.

A lot of people are not mean, they know they have an accent. If you ask super nicely, they will transfer you to someone who speaks better english. I mean, if you think about it, they dont want to sit there and have to repeat themselves 100 times. Just like you dont want to have to ask them to repeat it a 100 times. It saves time to just simply and politely ask for someone who speaks more fluently in the language you are wanting.

Ive never had a problem with doing that so far.

[Bowyn Aerrow]

I tell them to slow down and enunciate, also add that I am hard of hearing and shouting will only make it worse.

Most comply and actually when they slow down a bit and take their time you can understand what they are saying.

If that fails I tell them point blank 'Sorry, I can't understand you, is there someone else I can speak to?'

[partisan]

When i have trouble understanding a person, i slow my hearing down, that is, the words dont register instantly, but take just a momen and i listen intently filling in gaps, as i hate asking someone to repeat themselves, if i have to do that more than 2 times i,ll probably walk away, or put the phone down.

[Lilmy87]

I have a strong Geordie (Newcastle) accent. I love how I talk but it is hard for some people. I don't mind repeating though, I try to be helpful!

I wonder if Americans hear different British accents, or just one in different strengths? I think in the UK we tend to speak of one 'American accent', when there are actually many. I can hear some differences if I listen carefully. I love regional accents.

[aribc]

I wonder if Americans hear different British accents, or just one in different strengths? I think in the UK we tend to speak of one 'American accent', when there are actually many. I can hear some differences if I listen carefully. I love regional accents.

Theres an episode of Frasier were Daphne's bother come to visit. He's played by an Australian actor but the accent he uses is a cockney accent. As Daphne is meant to be from Manchester I guess the people who made the show can't tell the difference in accents.