I can vouch for Anna here. I heard her practicing German in high school, and then again before she prepared to move to Germany. Same tone, same inflections, same gestures.

I think part of it is nuances, and that's what causes an apparent change in personality. When Val and her husband were down here in August, Steph was doing easy crossword puzzles. Basically, easy crossword clues are basic plays on words or alternate definitions. We all came to the conclusion that it's a great way to become more familiar with casual English by working on those.

Think about it (harkening to Val's current string): Think of a dinner party. If there isn't a deep discussion going on, it's telling little jokes, tounge twisters and anecdotes (especially things like 'I heard the funniest thing the other day'). But those casual conversations are intertwined with linguistical items that can't be taught out of a book (plays on words, misinterpretations, misspeaks, ect.).

So take Val at her party ... Val's a blast to listen to at a party or such because she's a great story-teller. But because she can't express herself the way she wants, her jovial, expressive style of telling a story doesn't come out, ergo, it changes her personality.

Come on Anna! When in Rome do, speak, live, and think as the Romans do.

For many American Expats, I suspect that “other persona” was obvious before the passed election.

Oh well, when in Rome…

Some really take that to heart.