Wait, do I sound different? The ‘Deaf Accent’

Monique Les Home, Mental Health and Advocacy

For the hard of hearing kids and teenagers who communicate orally, this article might be of interest to you. Two weeks ago, I went to a retreat where I knew only a handful of people in attendance. Otherwise, everyone else was a stranger to me.

I was asked by at least two people that I ‘sounded’ different. Different. Yep. One of them even told me that I had an accent.

Ah.

The ‘Deaf’ Accent methinks.

And you know what else happened after? They went on to say: “oh but you speak so well!”

Thanks… I guess?

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Point is, in the moment I wasn’t sure if they were intentionally trying to point something out to me, or were they just being honest? Sure, the comment initially comes across as rude – as a teenager I would have been INCREDIBLY self conscious about such feedback. In fact, I messaged one of my high school classmates about this and she had to think long and hard about it (that tells you how long it’s been since I was a 13 year old!). Her answer: hmm. I don’t remember!!!

Mic Drop.

What feels like a situation where you’re completely vulnerable isn’t what stands out in other people’s minds for much longer than 30 seconds.

Mic Drop.

If you think you have a ‘Deaf’ accent, own it. If the French, the Italians, and the Japanese can have accents, so can we.

Mic Drop.

As a 33 year old who wished my younger self could hear these words of wisdom: do your best, and don’t fret over those who say that you sound different.

A few more online articles that I found really well written are listed below for extra support (and to let you know that there’s others who can commiserate with you!)

BOOM. Own that Deaf Accent my friend!