Sounding like a Yank
#61
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Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Melbourne, Oz to Banbury, England to El Mirage, AZ & now back to England!
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Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by Elvira
Eh? I thought you're from Oz?
I moved to England when I was 4, so I lost my Aussie accent quite early on.
#62
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Posts: 23,181
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by Partystar
Hey now!!!
I moved to England when I was 4, so I lost my Aussie accent quite early on.
I moved to England when I was 4, so I lost my Aussie accent quite early on.
All right then. I'll grant you a free pardon
#63
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.
~ Jenney
#64
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by Partystar
An arranged marriage, ain't that right Jersey?!
#65
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by Jenney & Mark
Like Madonna?
~ Jenney
~ Jenney
#66
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by gruffbrown
I'm common
Oh don't get me wrong, I can be common when I want to be!
#67
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.
Same here, except for the odd occasion when I feel it's required
#68
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by suzimc
It's one of those difficult ones because you have to try to fit in in both environments and some things just become habit!
You have to stop and think sometimes which country you're in before you speak too, it can get very confusing sometimes! I'm sure that this is very difficult for anyone that travels in between the UK and the US on a regular basis.
#69
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Does anyone ever have any problems saying peoples names and being understood? My favourite is 'Barb'. Now I could just call them 'Barbara' and have done with it but if someone prefers their name to be shortened it's rather rude to lengthen it again just so that you can be understood! It's one of those names that if you don't say it with an American twang then you stand zero chance of anyone knowing what you are saying!
#70
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 22,220
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by Partystar
Hey now!!!
I moved to England when I was 4, so I lost my Aussie accent quite early on.
I moved to England when I was 4, so I lost my Aussie accent quite early on.
#71
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by blaze
Does anyone ever have any problems saying peoples names and being understood? My favourite is 'Barb'. Now I could just call them 'Barbara' and have done with it but if someone prefers their name to be shortened it's rather rude to lengthen it again just so that you can be understood! It's one of those names that if you don't say it with an American twang then you stand zero chance of anyone knowing what you are saying!
#72
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Posts: n/a
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.
How youuuall doin today arrrrrrrrghhhhhhhh
#73
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Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Melbourne, Oz to Banbury, England to El Mirage, AZ & now back to England!
Posts: 5,989
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by rushman
Closely follwed by your virginity
#74
Back where I belong!
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Melbourne, Oz to Banbury, England to El Mirage, AZ & now back to England!
Posts: 5,989
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by suzimc
My husband is called Paul and nobody ever understands him when he says his name! He has to call himself Paaaal
So then I just started going by Elizabeth & that went on for a few years & was understood when I said it to any Americans. Then when I was back in England, I decided to change it to Liz.
Now I go by Liz & 50% of the time people don't understand what I'm saying! It's very frustrating & I don't want to have to change it again! So now I just repeat myself 'Liz, as in Elizabeth'. What a friggin' nightmare!!!
#75
Re: Sounding like a Yank
Originally Posted by Yosser
My accent hasn't changed (thank gawd, after 6 years), but my hearing has, I no longer pick up an american accent, but if I hear a english accent it stands out a mile.
dunno how I sound, North Wales with a twist of American?
and I gave up my Brit words years ago...it's really not worth the aggravation cos I hate repeating myself......I said ..I HATE... ..oh nevermind