I am slightly concerned that over time I will lose my accent. Even after being here only 6 weeks I already notice myself altering my speech slightly, mainly in order to be understood - Despite the fact I am speaking English, people in ND are so sheltered that they have never been exposed to speech variations and therefore don't seem to be able to understand what I am saying (which surprises me becuase surely they have heard foreigners on TV?). Hopefully the need to alter my speech will cease to be a problem when I get to Los Angeles.