Fluent English Speakers, do you understand (all/most of) me? Do I sound like a native speaker with an accent or like a non-native speaker? From Wher?

[Anonymous]

Updates

+1 y

And how is the video quality? Passable

[NetSapien]

I have little trouble understanding you and I would say that's due to the quality of the recording and/or the microphone and not your accent.

You do sound like a native English speaker to me, but not from the US. I'd probably guess you're originally from from one of the Caribbean islands. If so, I'm happy to have come across another fellow Caribbean. I can see where some inlanders, particularly American inlanders, 'may' have some difficulties understanding your accent.

I think you come across very well overall on video. You're very pretty, you have a beautiful voice, a gorgeous accent, and you speak very intelligently. I do get the feeling that this video wasn't rehearsed, and instead you were reading off a script or maybe even speaking off the cuff which may cause additional difficulties simply because of the timing of your words.

In any case, I wish you the best of luck in your teaching endeavors. Our world can only benefit from more teachers.

[Asker]

Aw, thank you. You're right about all your assumptions. I wrote out the answers I wanted to give to some questions I had been asked. I wanted to make all the points. I myself wouldn't say ecactly where I'm from originally, for privacy reasons but, if you don't mind, could you share a neighbouring country to your homeland so I have an idea which part of the Caribbean you are from?

[Asker]

I actually just learnt that I'm required to record the video with my favourite song playing in the background. I'm a bit worried about how the the clarity will be once I do that. I recorded that video at night and was conscious not to speak too loudly to disturb anyone (crazy because my voice is not loud in general anyway)... but hopefully I can do it over better in the day time. I don't know if I will be able to get feedback for my second video in a timely manner, but I wish I could.

[NetSapien]

Of course I understand and that's why I did elaborate more into my assumptions. Likewise, I won't say where I'm at.

I myself am from South Florida. My family's Cuban Taino sprinkled with some Spaniard here and there and forced to flee when our people were being hunted down to near extinction by Castro's regime for not being white.

Even still, I've lived much of my life in Caribbean waters from island to island enjoying the beautiful people and the cultures. Doesn't matter what island I come across, it's people always make me feel I'm at home.

If my island doesn't achieve it's freedom, I may decide to more permanently move to one of the islands in the Lower Antilles. Yes, hurricanes can be rough and the cost of things tend to be higher, but 'feeling' you're home is priceless. Living on a boat does have it's advantages though.

[NetSapien]

did not* elaborate

[NetSapien]

re: your second video

Practice makes perfect. With all the input you've received and the experience you've gained from making the first video, I've no doubt your second video will inevitably be better.

[Asker]

Hmm, that's terrible. So Castro thinks he is truly white. The positive thing is that they escaped and it's still possible to enjoy life. I know a right was taken away but as you say, home is about a feeling, the people and experience... if you had stayed at home but the place had become unsettled : what's a beautiful physical place with hateful people disturbing your state of mind?
I think you have a great idea. That sounds like an adventurous and exciting plan you have there to live on a boat. Off-the-grid lifestyle... a bit Nomadic, solar power maybe? 🙃

[NetSapien]

Sometimes in Windows "Sound Settings" and/or the driver software that drives your headset's mic, you will find a setting for "Noise Suppression" that may help with the background/ambient white noise you hear in the video.

Best of luck

[NetSapien]

"Hmm, that's terrible. So Castro thinks he is truly white."

Exactly. I don't get hung up on these things though. If history would've turned out differently, I'd have missed out on my experiences up to now.

Off-grid definitely solar power and all. I go out and do months at a time just sourcing my necessities from local markets where ever is closest. Though midway through the pandemic I was out at sea and even this was a bit of a challenge.

What happened in history, is what it is. I find it's difficult to live life going forward if you're stuck constantly looking back at the past. As it stands now, the whole Caribbean is my home, its people all my neighbors, and the waters are my backyard. And I don't have to even mow the lawn.

[Asker]

That's cool. And it makes sense. When I was a bit younger I had a plan and dream to build a solar powered home and go off the grid... not depending on energy supplied by the government. Though since my plans changed.. online Job and alll... but I still plan to get solar appliances... Since a boat is mobile, it's even more practical to live in.
Good chance to you.

[NetSapien]

Thank you :)

Don't abandon those dreams. Postpone them maybe due to circumstances, but never abandon. I think the solar appliances idea is good too. I m ay look into that myself

at the very least, it's gained experience.

I like your dreams and I may borrow them, for a little while.

And best of luck to you

[Asker]

Thanks😊

[jaybee281]

I easily understood everything you said - The problem was in the quality as at some points I needed to go back just to be able to hear what you said - And yes there is an accent - kind of a very mild Caribbean accent I'd say - You sound good to me but try to speak like you're in a conversation instead of a well timed script that'll make it easier on you

[Asker]

Thank you for the tips. I'll try. I was answering a series of questions I had never thought about the answers to before so I wrote down everything I wanted to say.

[Asker]

I see you have a pirates of the Caribbean Picture. Lol. By chance, are you from the Caribbean originally?

[jaybee281]

Ohhh okay I understand now a script was definitely easier for you for clearly checking pronunciation and everything

And no I wish😂 - I have always really loved the Caribbean scenery and environment - it's like a combination of tranquility and unpredictability and danger and the unknown all combined in one place - I went to the bahamas and then barbados 2 years ago for a combined 3 months (I made many friends there had some arguments with some dudes and the women were really fun to be around, what's more to ask?) - That was when I decided that someday with a lot of money I'll go live there (that might be the only "emotional" decision I've made) - Probably on a boat, the ocean is a huge part of it the way I envision it - Alright I'm gonna stop I do get quickly excited about this still a long way to go - For now At least one thing's for sure though - I know a Caribbean lady when I see one and I'm secretly proud of myself for it - and is this video for like a project or a job interview or what?

[Anonymous]

I can understand you just fine! I do hear a slight accent but that doesn’t affect anything and you sound great! I do feel like the way you speak sounds a bit rehearsed or like you’re reading from a script which makes it sound less natural so I think being more confident and casual while speaking would help tremendously ✨

[Asker]

Thanks for the feedback. You're right. I organized what I was going to say because I was answering a series of questions I had never thought about the answers to before. It was a bit difficult to find answers to so I wanted to say specific things.

[purplepoppy]

You've got a noticeable accent but it wouldn't be out of place in England. It's more understandable than say a geordie or scouse English accent.

[Asker]

Ahh thank you for the feedback ☺

[MTC29]

You're easily understood, but clearly not a native speaker. You are clearly thinking of the correct word to use before you say it, resulting in you speaking too slowly for normal conversation.

[Asker]

Thank you for the feedback. Haha. I definitely have to redo the video because I don't sound like a native speaker but I actually am. I wrote down my answers to some questions I've been asked. Some of the questions were a bit difficult to find answers to so I wanted to say specific things. I need to sound more relaxed and less rehearsed. Organised but lacking smoothness.

[Asker]

I have no language to translate from beside English. It's my first. 😁

[Anonymous]

I'm sure you speak better and fluently than me. You are very good at English.

[Asker]

Thank you. Do you mind sharing where you are from? I'm from the Caribbean.

[Opinion Owner]

You are welcome. I am from Turkey. Pleased to meet you.

[Asker]

Cool. Actually very cool. I mean, my life is a bit centered around Turkey currently. And I ran I with a lot of males from Turkey online, but rarely females.

[Opinion Owner]

What a nice. I hope you find someone good to your heart's content.

[Asker]

Thanks you too. I like the Turkish language.

[Opinion Owner]

I'm really happy to hear that. I hope you learn Turkish as soon as possible. 😊

[Asker]

Started 2 years now. Hehe. Thanks.

[Opinion Owner]

This sounds very successful. You are very determined and stable.

So what is the reason for learning a difficult language like Turkish? Because it is not a very popular language as a foreign language.

[Asker]

True. I actually first stumbled upon it by chance in dizis. And I liked the films and TV series.
I also made friend from Turkey which was an integral part of my motivation. I also set a goal to visit Turkey.
I always liked learning languages. And I was always an anxious type so I will never purposely visit a country without knowing some of the language...

[Asker]

Friends* from

[Asker]

Hmm. Please Excuse me. It's time for me to sleep. I'll reply when I return.