I very easily pick up certain accents, and never pick up others. It depends on several factors, including the age I first was regularly exposed to that language and/or people speaking in that accent. I also sometimes end up changing accents in other contexts (for example, when I am studying Hebrew, and then speak English, I have a noticeable accent in English for a while, even though I haven't been speaking Hebrew with others, just reading).
I almost never have difficulty understanding someone's accent in English, so it is a memorable experience when I do. This is almost always because the other person's native language is one I am unfamiliar with (which is rare because I've studied so many languages). I may have difficulty understanding someone because of idioms or for other reasons, however!
Also, though I have certainly observed others picking up my expressions, or mannerisms of talking or laughing, or little sounds I make (which I've often picked up from other people), I have never observed someone picking up my accent.
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Date: 2014-12-20 06:01 am (UTC)I almost never have difficulty understanding someone's accent in English, so it is a memorable experience when I do. This is almost always because the other person's native language is one I am unfamiliar with (which is rare because I've studied so many languages). I may have difficulty understanding someone because of idioms or for other reasons, however!
Also, though I have certainly observed others picking up my expressions, or mannerisms of talking or laughing, or little sounds I make (which I've often picked up from other people), I have never observed someone picking up my accent.