Greetings, ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho.
I'm much intrigued by this topic, as I speak 2 different languages, with at least a couple variations of each. I speak American English, and (Asian) Indian English. I speak Bengali (my native tongue), as well Beng-lish.
The latter is something I speak strictly at home with my family - I doubt anyone besides my family (or other Bengali-Americans) would really get it.
I speak American English here in the US of course; depending on who I'm conversing with, it can be standard English or a deep southern drawl.
When I'm in India, or even conversing on the phone with a relative in India, my accent and patterns of speach take on a more British -> Indian English slant.
I feel blessed that my parents insisted that I learn my native language, and that I pick up easily on the nuances of spoken language - it has certainly made it easier to communicate with a variety of people.
It is important to me to be able to communicate effectively with people, so to me, it's not wrong to attune one's speech to the situation/audience. This includes, of course, making a formal presentation at work - standard American English predominates there. For social situations, though, the prevailing social group dictates my speech.
Thanks for introducing such an interesting topic, MIDWESTDIVA!
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equeen
A Lioness has her Pride!
@>--;--
Always
Seek
Knowledge
Alpha Sigma Kappa - Women in Technical Studies