I spoke to a provider on the phone the other day. She called me after I spoke to her the day before. Somehow she knew my ethnicity (other than caucasian). I NEVER told her what it was since I don't bring it up unless I'm asked. I know she didn't ask.

So how'd she know. Do providers share a database or ratings board on clients? they keep scores on us?

-- Modified on 1/20/2004 2:14:05 AM

- they just simply can.
I sometimes have a really good ear for accents, and often can pinpoint the state and city they're from.
Certain ethnicities give themselves away in their speaking, and an acute ear picks it up.

no accent here....I've spoken english since I was 2. no ghetto accent either

Yes they do, only it's on another website, which is equally as popular as TER. Almost all hobbyist are discussed on that board.

Do you have a cute ear, Sedona? EOM

Sometimes its the timber ofa voice, or sometimes the chosen words, but often it is possible to pick out the background of a caller.  

People can tell I'm Jewish by the panache with which I toss around the yiddish phrases!

I realize that you may not think so, but others can still tell the difference. This is no slant, I'm just trying to answer your question, and know this to be true.
Sometimes it's certain wording that is most often used by others.

I've often said to someone: "Oh, you're from Michigan?" and they've proudly replied, "Nope, born and raised right here in SD, California!" and then I've persisted and said, "Well, you talk just as Michigan as if you were raised there.." Nope, born here. "Really, well, then, are your parents from Michigan?" "Yes, my whole family is from Michigan, but I was born here". Well, duh, it makes sense that what you hear is what you will learn, and so, often they are surprised that they even have an accent, or that someone else can detect it. So, that's one example and I've seen that many times.

Otherwise, I don't know - ask HER! LOL!