Sounding like a Yank
Jun 24th 2006, 2:49 pm
#46
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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.
I have found it almost rolling off the toungue to ask for the check in a restaurant and saying excuse me at every given opportunity to trip up a passer by though....it sounds arrogant when you say it in England though - oops!
Jun 24th 2006, 2:49 pm
#47
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Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by Elvira
You got married at minus 5 then? 
I was a child Thai bride.
Jun 24th 2006, 2:51 pm
#48
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Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by suzimc
I'm back in the Uk for the first time after 6 months, and aparently I don't sound even one bit American I have found it almost rolling off the toungue to ask for the check in a restaurant and saying excuse me at every given opportunity to trip up a passer by though....it sounds arrogant when you say it in England though - oops!
I have found it almost rolling off the toungue to ask for the check in a restaurant and saying excuse me at every given opportunity to trip up a passer by though....it sounds arrogant when you say it in England though - oops!Yes I feel the same when I go back. I try to say lift instead of elevator, rubbish instead of trash ect. I don't want friends and relatives to think I am trying to sound as though I am some sort of phoney American.
Jun 24th 2006, 3:02 pm
#49
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Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by Jerseygirl
Yes I feel the same when I go back. I try to say lift instead of elevator, rubbish instead of trash ect. I don't want friends and relatives to think I am trying to sound as though I am some sort of phoney American.
Jun 24th 2006, 3:04 pm
#50
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Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by gruffbrown
Does anyone find themselves saying words like 'ToMato' and 'Aluminum' without thinking or do you say them like that to be understood more easily?
Jun 24th 2006, 3:09 pm
#51
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Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by suzimc
TomAAAAAto seems to be the big one - if you don't say it the american way you often don't get what you ordeed in the first place, but most other stuff seems to be okay for me so far
Jun 24th 2006, 3:13 pm
#52
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Re: Sounding like a Yank
I had trouble with 'Marlboro' the other day, I had to say it 3 times "Malburra", she then showed me the pack and asked "Cigarettes?" I don't think she was the sharpest crayon in the box.
Jun 24th 2006, 3:24 pm
#53
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Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by gruffbrown
I don't think she was the sharpest crayon in the box.
Jun 24th 2006, 3:25 pm
#54
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Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by Elvira
Neither are you if you need them coffin nails...
Jun 24th 2006, 3:26 pm
#55
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Re: Sounding like a Yank
With my Brummie vowels I initially had problems with the words paint, eight and water. Now English people I meet here on vacation think I'm Australian after 20 years in the US
Jun 24th 2006, 3:31 pm
#56
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Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by gruffbrown
Nice to see you standing in for Sallyanne during her absence
Pet peeve of mine. I don't like people I care about to come to any harm...
Jun 24th 2006, 3:31 pm
#57
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Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by Elvira
So you're posh like me then... 
Jun 24th 2006, 3:32 pm
#58
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Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by Jerseygirl
I just pronounce words here the same as I do when I am in the UK...sod it.
Jun 24th 2006, 3:33 pm
#59
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Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by Partystar
People always say I sound posh!
Eh?
I thought you're from Oz?
Jun 24th 2006, 3:33 pm
#60
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Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by Elvira
You got married at minus 5 then?