I'm from Norway and this is how I speak English: https://soundcloud.com/thors-music/the-north-wind-and-the-sun-dialect-sample
I have been told that I have a slight accent when I speak. I'm not sure if it's audible here, because I'm focusing on reading it properly. I think I have far more slip-ups in conversation.
@lostnbronx I think I would need a language coach for that. I've reached the point where I can't really tell that it's not quite right. My ears can't perceive the differences, so I would need to have every one of them pointed out to me, together with a practical demonstration of what they should actually sound like.
@thor Either that, or you could immerse yourself in the language. Do you live in North America now? If you've gotten this far on your own, being surrounded by native speakers all the time, for a year or so, might be all you need.
The actress Charlize Theron is from South Africa, and couldn't speak English until she was 19 years old. Her North American accent is FLAWLESS, and she claims to have learned it on her own. It can be done.
@lostnbronx At the moment, I'm going to have to adapt to something completely different: A visit to London next month. Over there, my American accent could be a bit of a problem. (Not all Europeans hold America in high regard.)
@thor Tell them all that you're Canadian. A lot of Americans do that for the same reason!
@lostnbronx Not being American at all, I could tell them where I'm actually from: Norway. However, I might just tone down my accent instead. I suspect it's better to sound vaguely European/Scandinavian to avoid confusion...
@thor Sounds like a plan!
@thor Pretty solid if you ask me. I hear your accent, but it is mild and pleasing.
@thor Your accent is quite slight -- really, it's excellent, and your English definitely sounds North American. Your Norwegian accent is still discernible, but it's not at all pronounced. With work, I'm sure you could drop it entirely; you're nearly there.