In the context of global English communication, accent variation is a significant
factor influencing intelligibility, especially in interactions between non-native English
speakers. This study aimed to explore how accent affected understanding during
conversations between non-native English speakers and to identify specific challenges
encountered when comprehending different non-native English accents. Using a
descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews
and non-participant observation in an online setting involving two participants from
Indonesia and India. The findings revealed that accent variation impacted mutual
intelligibility, particularly in pronunciation, word stress, speech rhythm, and intonation. The participant from the Expanding Circle (Indonesia) frequently requested clarification
due to difficulties understanding the participant from the Outer Circle (India), whose
speech showed phonological transfer from their first language. Communication
strategies such as clarification requests, sentence simplification, and repair strategies
were employed to overcome comprehension barriers and maintain conversational flow. The study underscored the importance of recognizing linguistic and sociolinguistic
factors in communication between non-native speakers and viewed accent variation as a
legitimate feature of Global English. Keyword: accent variation, non-native English speakers, intercultural
communication.