Sounding like a Yank
#16
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by st326
Well, I've been in the US three days now. And I just got accused of having a trace of American in my accent, whilst on the phone to my other half back in the UK.
:scared: OK, I'm doomed. :scared:
Have other people found this? I can see it happening, actually -- I'll go up to someone in a shop, ask for something, get a blank look, then say the same thing again, slower, taking care to use a more American rhythm, and only then do they get it.
:scared: OK, I'm doomed. :scared:
Have other people found this? I can see it happening, actually -- I'll go up to someone in a shop, ask for something, get a blank look, then say the same thing again, slower, taking care to use a more American rhythm, and only then do they get it.
NC Penguin
#17
Account Closed
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,266
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by Sugarmooma
I've been in Texas for a long long time now, almost 20 years; and I still have my English accent and if I ever start to sound like that then I know it's time to leave
I know a GI bride who still has her accent after all these years!
#18
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by TouristTrap
I know a GI bride who still has her accent after all these years!
#19
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by Jerseygirl
Yes I know loads of people that have been here 20/30 yrs and still retain their original accent.
#20
Re: Sounding like a Yank
My Mum came over in April and noticed that when I speak to Americans my accent changes from a very broad northern accent to 'a posher english accent but with americanisms'. I honestly hadn't realised until she pointed it out.
As I have mentioned before I assess 4/5 year olds and I have found myself talking in a lovely Joisey accent when assessing them.
As I have mentioned before I assess 4/5 year olds and I have found myself talking in a lovely Joisey accent when assessing them.
#21
Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: Garden State
Posts: 280
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by gruffbrown
I bet we all talk with some kind of accent, we just don't notice it. My mates tore me a new one the last time I was back in the UK, for saying "Garaj" instead of "Garege"
#22
Homebody
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: HOME
Posts: 23,174
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by mandpete
...I have found myself talking in a lovely Joisey accent......
#23
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by Shahlax
I agree, it's the Americanisms that make us sound more American, if not the accent. I said 'its all good' to an English friend on the phone the other day and she said I sound like a yank!
#24
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Oz -> UK -> San Diego
Posts: 9,912
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by gruffbrown
I caught myself saying "We're in good shape" the other day.
#25
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by Philgr
If you're over here without other Brits to continually reinforce your accent it will slowly slip to some mid-Atlantic amalgam of English and American that is neither English nor American. Start preparing yourself to be viewed as a foreigner in both countries.
I think that's what has happened to me. I can sound very British when I think before I speak, but if I'm just chatting, I can hear American more and more. That actually bothers me a bit (although I know it shouldn't!). It just sounds like you're being lazy when that happens because to me, the way Americans pronounce a lot of words they are being lazy (dropping parts of the word e.t.c).
#26
Homebody
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: HOME
Posts: 23,174
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by blaze
I think that's what has happened to me. I can sound very British when I think before I speak, but if I'm just chatting, I can hear American more and more. That actually bothers me a bit (although I know it shouldn't!). It just sounds like you're being lazy when that happens because to me, the way Americans pronounce a lot of words they are being lazy (dropping parts of the word e.t.c).
I am curious to know what 'very British' sounds like!
#27
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by Elvira
I am curious to know what 'very British' sounds like!
To me it's pronouncing every word as if you had never lived outside of the country! . Even though I grew up in Wales, I have quite a strong English accent (possibly quite upper crust at times! ) because my parents are both English.
#28
Homebody
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: HOME
Posts: 23,174
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by blaze
To me it's pronouncing every word as if you had never lived outside of the country! . Even though I grew up in Wales, I have quite a strong English accent (possibly quite upper crust at times! ) because my parents are both English.
So you're posh like me then...
#29
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by Elvira
So you're posh like me then...
#30
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by Jerseygirl
....and me 'cos I come from Yorkshire so I must be posh.