About British English?

Question

Im a Japanese speaker.
Let me ask a stupid question. but im serious.

When I listen to British English, it sonds really strange.

I cant find the diference of pronounciation bet can't and cu*t in British.

Answer 1

watch out for that cu*t spelling. That one could get you in trouble

Answer 2

This is because you're Japanese...

Think of it this way, can't = カーンt, and cu*t = カンt.

The difference between the 'ca' sound and the 'cu' sound is pretty obvious to the British, but I can easily understand how similar they seem to you..!

How about the word 'cut'? When English people say that, it has a vowel sound the same as the 'u' in cu*t. You need to distinguish a whole new vowel sound I'm afraid. As well as a i u e & o, you have to learn to distinguish 'Å­' as well - 'Å­' is the sound in 'cut', but it's a lot easier to hear the difference between cat & cut!! Can't is like 'car' with 'nt' on the end..!

Answer 3

It took a second to realize what you ment by "c*nt." It is the same in some parts of the east coast in the U.S. of A. Much like Kennedy's "Cuber" for Cuba. Don't feel alone. Just look at the context.

Answer 4

Its either because you've grown used to hearing 'American' English ,as opposed to British English. Its a common problem worldwide as many nations teach American English, as opposed to English...things liek the word Center, which is American, as opposed to Centre, which is the English spelling

Answer 5

That must be quite amusing lol but seriously, keep listening to people, especially those you speak good English, it'll help you.

Answer 6

They are not the same. Simple advice is, for "can't", you open your mouth wider and use the whole chamber of your mouth to pronounce the "an".

Answer 7

spoken British english has aproblem to hereing. u r u practice thish

Answer 8

Yes but if u listen to scottish or gaelic language it sound very very strange...But i'm used to it...I can speak fluent scottish and french too.