Search results for 'tag:Lazy English tag:British accent' matching tags 'Lazy English' and 'British accent'

Re: Is American English lazy English?

Brazilian clown — Sun, 11 May 2008 22:16:09 GMT

All I know is that British accent sounds better but surprisingly...however, I'd rather to speak the American one because words come out easier regarding the pronounciation..of course sometimes when I watch some American movies is unavoidable to dislike some colloquial expressions...some used by rappers, for instance..

Re: Is American English lazy English?

Marvin A. — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 03:58:09 GMT

Unless you get the accent down perfectly, it's unlikely that anyone will even be able to tell which dialect of English you learned. For example, Japanese speakers cannot make the vowel distinctions between General American and RP, nor can they pronounce their final r's, so they sound "British" (RP) no matter whether they tried to learn General American, or RP, or Scottish English, or any other variety of English. But...their Japanese accent is stronger than their "RP" accent, so they still just sound like they're speaking Japanese-English. I'm serious about this.

So, to those of you that think that you're going to end up sounding like you're speaking with a British accent, or a North American accent, you're not...without long dialect coaching and accent reduction.

An interesting thing that I've discovered: If you do manage to get a near native sounding accent, then you might as well learn the opposite accent of the country you plan on visiting. So, if you're going to visit the States, then learn RP. If your accent is fairly good, you *will* be mistaken for an Englishwoman.

Re: Is American English lazy English?

Mike in Japan — Thu, 11 Sep 2003 09:11:36 GMT

Perhaps the outcome will not be decided by the English speaking countries, but by the educational policies of the developing countries.
Learning English is now compulsory in China, the most populated and most rapidly developing country in the world. I'm not sure of its policy regarding the version of English taught, but China's choice would add great numbers to the users of the version chosen. I'll try to find out, just as a matter of interest. I have a student who is from China and speaks with a slightly British accent, I'll ask her when I next see her.
English, the American flavour, is also compulsory at Japanese (hardly a developing country) schools, but unfortunately few students reach a practical level of ability.
Right now I am trying to pin-down the Australian Department of Education on their exact policy, but as with many Govt. bodies, they don't always state things clearly.
What do you think of the English used by people in or from India, (the sixth most populous country)?

Re: Is American English lazy English?

Mike in Japan — Wed, 10 Sep 2003 06:26:24 GMT

Once again Pemmican, I thank you for your well thought out response.

Japanese love clearly defined rules, so, as per your recommendation, and so as to avoid confusion, I will continue teaching British English as the primary version at my school.

In general, I am greatly reassured by your comments. Thanks.

Oh, by the way, British English is taught in Australian schools, and I think it would be fair to say that Australians take great pride in the preservation of 'proper' (the Queen's) English. Of course there is some peculiarly Australian slang, and there is a 'common' Australian accent. There is also an 'educated' Australian accent which is very similar to the general British accent except that the 'ah' sound is more of an 'ay' sound.
I believe New Zealanders are also taught British English. Their accent is even closer to a general British accent. Is this true Woodward?