British Woman Endures 15-Year Foreign Accent Syndrome Post-Stroke, Among 100 Global Cases

A British woman, Sarah Colwill, has faced a 15-year ordeal after a stroke left her with Foreign Accent Syndrome (FAS), causing her native Devon accent to be replaced by what is perceived as a Chinese accent. Her case highlights the rare neurological condition, which has profoundly impacted her life and is one of only approximately 100 known instances worldwide. Colwill, now 50, has never visited Asia but has been speaking with this altered accent since 2010.

Foreign Accent Syndrome is a rare neurological disorder where speech patterns change, leading to a perceived foreign accent without the individual having acquired it in the perceived accent's place of origin. It typically results from brain damage, most commonly a stroke, but can also stem from head trauma or severe migraines. The condition alters the rhythm, intonation, and pronunciation of speech, rather than teaching a new language.

Colwill's experience has been marked by significant social challenges and emotional distress. She revealed facing harassment and rejection, with some individuals accusing her of being a "faker" or "possessed by the devil." "I can't describe how it feels when your society, your country turns against you and doesn't recognise you as a resident anymore," she stated, reflecting on the profound impact of the condition.

Despite the perception, experts like Professor Nick Miller of Newcastle University emphasize that the "foreign" aspect is often "in the ear of the listener, rather than the mouth of the speaker." The changes are mechanical, affecting speech articulation and coordination, which listeners then interpret as a familiar accent. Colwill herself noted that her Asian friends did not perceive her accent as genuinely Chinese.

Medical professionals have explored various treatments, but Colwill has largely come to terms with her permanent speech alteration. Her journey underscores the complex and often misunderstood nature of neurological conditions that affect speech, and the enduring personal and social challenges faced by those living with such rare disorders.