Submitted Discussion: Non-native speakers

[zvi]

How do you feel about non-native speakers recording a podfic?

Like, I'm playing with the thought of doing this fic, but English is not my native tongue. I don't think my pronunciation sucks *that* much, but still...

The query was posted anonymously on the statement of purpose entry.

Comments

[amymccabe]

In theory, I think it is great.

Personally, I have a learning disability called auditory processing disorder, which sometimes causes me to have difficulty understanding people with a strong accent. But it really all depends on how strong the accent is and what the native language is. I have difficulty distinguishing the difference between certain phonemes and if the native language renders the speaker unable to pronounce those phonemes properly, it gets difficult for me. So, for example, I have a lot of trouble with a native Chinese speaker (which sadly my boss is) but much less trouble with someone from India. If I start listening to a podcast and find that it is difficult for me to understand the person, I'd stop. Otherwise I'm good with it.