How American have you become?
Mar 14th 2005, 2:48 am
#1
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How American have you become?
Has your accent changed any since you moved here? I was reading on another board last week that someone who has lived here 3 years has already picked up an accent. Yesterday I helped a customer at work and recognised instantly that she was english... she has been here 30 year but sounded like she moved here yesterday. As for me I have been here over 2 years and apart from having to slow down when I speak I do not think my accent has really altered any, all though I do 'have a nice day' alot more than I ever used too.
Ash
Ash
Mar 14th 2005, 2:57 am
#2
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Location: Where bad things rarely happen in movies
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Re: How American have you become?
Originally Posted by Ash UK/US
Has your accent changed any since you moved here? I was reading on another board last week that someone who has lived here 3 years has already picked up an accent. Yesterday I helped a customer at work and recognised instantly that she was english... she has been here 30 year but sounded like she moved here yesterday. As for me I have been here over 2 years and apart from having to slow down when I speak I do not think my accent has really altered any, all though I do 'have a nice day' alot more than I ever used too.
Ash
Ash
Mar 14th 2005, 2:58 am
#3
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Re: How American have you become?
My accent hasnt changed but I drive everywhere. Mainly to avoid being eaten by alligators, but its still very American. I also ate a McDonalds once.
Mar 14th 2005, 3:22 am
#4
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Re: How American have you become?
To my immortal shame I used the word "awesome" last week. My brain immediately realised the error but unfortunately not quick enough for my mouth to snap shut in time. I realised instantly that the word "awesome" sounds as ridiculous, false and as insincere in my accent as it does in a native one.
Just to add insult to injury I said it as I was video taping our eldest daughter doing her solo at a figureskating show, just after she had landed her first ever axel. So I can't ever erase it!!!
Talk about bittersweet.
Just to add insult to injury I said it as I was video taping our eldest daughter doing her solo at a figureskating show, just after she had landed her first ever axel. So I can't ever erase it!!!
Talk about bittersweet.
Mar 14th 2005, 3:24 am
#5
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Re: How American have you become?
Originally Posted by rushman
To my immortal shame I used the word "awesome" last week. My brain immediately realised the error but unfortunately not quick enough for my mouth to snap shut in time. I realised instantly that the word "awesome" sounds as ridiculous, false and as insincere in my accent as it does in a native one.
Just to add insult to injury I said it as I was video taping our eldest daughter doing her solo at a figureskating show, just after she had landed her first ever axel. So I can't ever erase it!!!
Talk about bittersweet.
Just to add insult to injury I said it as I was video taping our eldest daughter doing her solo at a figureskating show, just after she had landed her first ever axel. So I can't ever erase it!!!
Talk about bittersweet.
I hope you did a penance?
Mar 14th 2005, 3:30 am
#6
Septicity
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 23,762
Re: How American have you become?
Coming up 5 years in the US, accent hasn't changed, but basic noun vocabulary has. Don't think my accent ever will change as I lived many years outside English-speaking countries. So these days I put gas in the car, take out the trash, and do the back yard. It's too hard to fight it any more...
Mar 14th 2005, 3:34 am
#7
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Re: How American have you become?
Originally Posted by ImHere
I hope you did a penance?
Mar 14th 2005, 3:44 am
#8
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Re: How American have you become?
Originally Posted by fatbrit
Coming up 5 years in the US, accent hasn't changed, but basic noun vocabulary has. Don't think my accent ever will change as I lived many years outside English-speaking countries. So these days I put gas in the car, take out the trash, and do the back yard. It's too hard to fight it any more...
I must admit, saying things like petrol then having to explain to the blank looks gets old very quick (uh was that an Americanisn?) so I find it easier to use American words and phrases with Americans and Brit talk with my family (when I remember). Cant imagine my accent changing though. The kids probably will (and are)
Lol Rushman.
Mar 14th 2005, 3:44 am
#9
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Location: East Seaxe
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Re: How American have you become?
Originally Posted by fatbrit
Coming up 5 years in the US, accent hasn't changed, but basic noun vocabulary has. Don't think my accent ever will change as I lived many years outside English-speaking countries.
Mar 14th 2005, 3:47 am
#10
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Re: How American have you become?
Mind you ive always had an ear for accents and can put on most at will after hearing them just briefly, often locals cant tell im not local. I only tend to do this to take the piss or when im being humourous. But in general speech I have no particular British accent and even Brits who hear me have no idea whereabouts I come from. One of those things i guess. So I doubt mine will involuntaraly change.
Mar 14th 2005, 3:49 am
#11
Septicity
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 23,762
Re: How American have you become?
Originally Posted by Lion in Winter
The tricky part is that here they speak English too
Mar 14th 2005, 3:51 am
#12
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Location: East Seaxe
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Re: How American have you become?
Originally Posted by fatbrit
Well,sorta...
(Sorry, I pinched that from a friend.)
Mar 14th 2005, 3:54 am
#13
Septicity
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 23,762
Re: How American have you become?
Originally Posted by ImHere
I must admit, saying things like petrol then having to explain to the blank looks gets old very quick (uh was that an Americanisn?) so I find it easier to use American words and phrases with Americans and Brit talk with my family (when I remember). Cant imagine my accent changing though. The kids probably will (and are)
Lol Rushman.
Lol Rushman.
I use English English with my wife, whose native language ain't English anyway. She'll happily ask the waitress for extra tow-may-toes, then turn round to me and ask why I didn't also ask for extra toe-mar-toes.
Mar 14th 2005, 3:55 am
#14
Septicity
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 23,762
Re: How American have you become?
Originally Posted by Lion in Winter
If it weren't for the French, they would all be speaking English now.
(Sorry, I pinched that from a friend.)
(Sorry, I pinched that from a friend.)
Thought it was a UN conspiracy, myself.
Mar 14th 2005, 3:56 am
#15
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: East Seaxe
Posts: 72,492
Re: How American have you become?
Originally Posted by fatbrit
I use English English with my wife, whose native language ain't English anyway. She'll happily ask the waitress for extra tow-may-toes, then turn round to me and ask why I didn't also ask for extra toe-mar-toes.
