Does anyone else have difficulty understanding the accents that americans have, including their dialogue?

Question

I always have trouble when I go across the pond. I love America, and it is a beautiful place to visit, but their accents can drive me batty. I feel bad, because I have to keep asking them to repeat themselves. Sometimes I'll hear a group of them having a conversation, and I'll just laugh to myself, because I don't see how they can possibly understand what the other is saying. Anyone else have this trouble? If so, what do you try to do about it, I mean I don;t want to be rude, and flat out say " I don't understand a damn word your saying"

Answer 1

From your question I can only assume that you're not actually living in America. As an American, I can tell you that we do not have difficulty understanding one another because of the fact that we speak the same way. It's a very common occurence to have difficulty understanding someone who speaks with an accent different from yours, however- whether the accent is Spanish, British, Chinese, etc., etc. Don't be rude if you have trouble understanding someone with a different accent, but do feel free to tell them that you're having trouble understanding them. The person should be willing to speak a little more slowly or repeat what they are saying. Your job is then to try your best to focus on them and try to understand them.

Answer 2

I understand completely, and I am American. There are some American accents that I have trouble understanding as well. People have trouble understanding simply because they think in their native accent. I moved around a bit as a child, and for where I live, I seem to not carry an accent. But to you, I would sound quite odd, im sure! I seem to not have a hard time understanding proper English accents though, probably because I have so many British and Scottish friends! By the way, What parts of the US are you traveling to? The accents over here vary greatly dependent upon region, and even localities.

Answer 3

I don't know what country your from but the North American language and accents ( by the way near as we're concerned we don't have accents give or take a couple of states and provinces) couldn't be any clearer if we spelt it out for you. With the exceptions maybe you went to New Orleans or Detroit. Or the deep south ( country folk ) No offense but that's gotta be a universal first on us, accents, that's just unheard of. You want accents? Try Jamaica, Russia, UK, East India after ESL classes. But But no, not North America. That doesn't even warrant an answer. That's funny.

Answer 4

Just a bit of FYI...according to linguists the further west you go the english language is spoken with proper diction...I must say I have an ear for different accents and don't have much of a problem understanding. I do have to ask first where are you from? Are you from the UK? Ireland? where? I am from The Pacific NW (Washington state, Idaho, Oregon) We are taught to speak with an inflection as such that words are pronounced in the correct manner...ie the word sandwich...it is not samitch or snaditch as how it is pronouced back east and down south but in 2 syllables SAND-WICH you see. I feel it is not rude to ask someone to repeat themselves if done in a polite manner but if you need to get an American slang dictionary as I have found a Irish and English book of slang on the web. Then you will be able to understand OUR accents and dialog as you put it. don't be afraid to ask what they mean when someone says goober or pooser for example. My husband is from Ireland and has just come to the states and is getting on fairly well he just asks from time to time what things mean

Answer 5

It really depends on what class of people you associated with and what part of America, as it will vary from state to state, East Coast and West coast, and whether your in the North or South of America. (many different accents)
Just tell us you do not understand a "damn" word we are saying, because it may be the feeling is mutual.
So why would you not ask? Honestly, I would if I did not understand you and you were driving me "batty".
Smile, it will be ok.

Answer 6

I'm from America and I have a hard time understanding people sometimes. Its usually people from the East Coast.
After answer a few questions I didn't hear horribly wrong, I just decided to tell people 'I didn't understand a word you said'. Usually people are pretty understanding sometimes they do get a little put off, but if you don't understand what they are saying, you don't understand.
Just make sure you don't answer questions you don't hear, things could go horribly wrong.

Answer 7

i'm able to understand the prevalent British accessory specific... even however I heard a under the effect of alcohol guy from Manchester speaking and have been given slightly lost. XD as far as slang or idioms bypass, i could no longer have the means to maintain on with besides..

Answer 8

I'm from America and when I travel to an English speaking country, UK, Australia, etc. I have to repeat myself to be understood.

It's all fine but what I don't understand is this: why don't people understand American English when they watch so many hollywood movies and American television?

Answer 9

It would help if you would tell us what part you are visiting. The South-East has their own accent, that can be difficult to understand.

Just make people slow down, if you don't understand. It's really no big deal.

Answer 10

I happen to be a southerner and we have been told from time to time that our language is unique. But since being on answers I find some British people write stuff and I have to think, what in the world are they talking about? So we are not the ones with the accent my dear. You are.