The American mythology is a fascinating study. As a kid born in 1980s Nigeria, the United States was the ultimate dream.
I wanted to go live there. I wanted to see if all I read about in the colorful magazines my Dad brought back home from work was real.
So heck, was I surprised to hear Romu Gaboriau say it was same for him in France. America is such a cultural force. Romu moved to the United States 15 years ago after spending a significant part of his childhood wondering if everything was bigger in the U.S.A.
He joined me on The Newcomers Podcast to chat about what it’s like to move from France to the United States. We also talked about:
The differences between France and America; food, making friends, and doing business
Struggling with the English Language
Raising kids with dual identities
Tips for settling into a new country if you don’t speak the native language.
This was a good one. Enjoy.
Here’s my takeaway for you: Forget about learning the accent. Learn to communicate first. As immigrants, we often trip ourselves up because we want to learn how to speak with the accent. Yes, it probably makes you blend in better.
But…
Learn how to pass your message as clearly as possible before worrying about an accent. It might come in the end. Or you might never have one. And that’s okay.
As long as everyone understands you, you’ll be FINE!
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