Why South African Accents Sound Southern English

It's often remarked that a small percentage of us in South Africa do have a hint of a Southern English accent. Many English speakers from other countries might find it intriguing or even comical. However, there are several reasons behind this phenomenon, rooted in our history, family lineage, and educational backgrounds.

Family Influence

One significant factor contributing to the British-sounding accents in South Africa is family influence. Many individuals who sound "British" are likely second to fourth-generation South Africans. These people often grew up in households where grandparents were born in the United Kingdom. For example, my own family history includes an Indian-born grandmother with a 'proper' British accent, who spent a lot of time with me and corrected my English pronunciation, which influenced my current accent.

Private School Influence

Another group of South Africans under the age of forty from all race groups have distinct accents because of their education in private schools established during the British rule period (pre-1961). These private schools often emphasized the teaching of English in a British manner, blending it with the local linguistic influences.

For instance, actors like Trevor Noah, who was educated in private schools, have a unique accent that combines European and South African elements. Despite not sounding exactly like Trevor, many South African-born actors in younger generations have this 'British flavour' due to the same educational background.

Multilingual Culture and Accents

However, it's crucial to understand that South Africa is home to a wide range of languages. As a result, there isn't a singular 'South African accent.' Instead, there are about four to five distinct accents that can be recognized worldwide, depending on the local language.

English spoken in different regions of South Africa sounds vastly different. For example, in some areas, you might hear a more American-style English, while in others, a more British-influenced English. This diversification is a direct result of our multilingual environment, where English is mixed with other local tongues.

Proving the 'SA Accent' Existence

Even in movies and TV, you can easily identify South African-born actors. For instance, in the movie 'Chappie,' many of the extras and supporting cast are South African. Moreover, the voice of the robot, Chappie, has South African Afrikaans intonations, which are distinct and recognizable.

Most English speakers from other countries won't be able to convincingly imitate our South African accents, especially those from the two most common spoken languages: English and Afrikaans. This uniqueness further emphasizes the cultural diversity and linguistic richness of South Africa.

In conclusion, the Southern English-like accents in South Africa are a product of historical family ties, educational backgrounds, and the unique linguistic landscape of the country. Understanding these factors can help demystify the origin of these accents and appreciate the rich tapestry of South African culture.