I am moving there in july, I feel foolish when I talk to friends on the phone. I can't keep up well. I would love to improve the way I talk so I fit in better. i am an american and a bit daft LOL. They say I remind them of Marge Simpson.
2007-01-05 02:08:01 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
First, pay no attention to rude answers, they are few. UK and Irish people are usually quite nice.
As others have touched upon, the main thing is to be yourself, and if your accent changes, then it will be natural. An effort to change will make you appear as foolish as Lady Astor (an American socialite who married Lord Astor).
A last little thought: Some Irish people have a very thick accent, I can hardly understand one of my brother's mates. Marge Simpson or not, you will at least be understood!
--That Cheeky Lad
2007-01-05 09:11:04 · answer #1 · answered by Charles-CeeJay_UK_ USA/CheekyLad 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am English and was in N Ireland last month visiting my brother and his Irish wife and family. They all know that they talk very quickly and find it quite amusing when I sit there looking befuddled when I can't understand any of what they are saying. I have never felt any resentment from them when I ask them to speak a little slower. don't try to imitate their accent as that will sound very silly, just be the individual that you are!
2007-01-05 10:41:31 · answer #2 · answered by Jolly Jo Jo 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why would you want to change the way that you speak? I've lived here for 11 years and try very hard to retain my own accent.
I hate the way that people speak here. All the stupid mannerisms (like ending every sentence with "so it is", calling everything "wee") really get on my nerves.
Just be yourself, don't be a sheep!
2007-01-06 04:32:37 · answer #3 · answered by Whoosher 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You're probably best keeping your own natural accent and voice rythym.
If I went to Australia or USA, I wouldn't ever try to impersonate their accents. It would be forced and unnnatural. You should be proud of how you talk now.. and when your in NI your own accent will make you interesting to talk to. Yes NI people speak fast and high pitch sometimes... but they can perfectly understand normal slower English. Good luck - enjoy your new life in NI.
2007-01-05 02:12:52 · answer #4 · answered by Narky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I listen to Mr Paisley I need an interpreter. The accent in NI is very strong, and difficult even for us Brits.
2007-01-05 02:17:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'll start you off.
When you greet someone say "What about ye?" That means "How are you?" And if someone greets you like that. then you should reply "Not too Craigavad" which translated means "Very well thank you" or "Not too bad"
And if anyone asks you "What foot do you kick with?" they are enquiring if you are Catholic or Protestant. You have to be either, whether you go to church or believe or not it does not matter - you are one or thother.
2007-01-05 02:26:15 · answer #6 · answered by The Shadow 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just be yourself and if you cant understand people just tell them to talk a bit slower, after a couple of months you'll wonder what all the fuss was about, because by then you'll be talking just as fast and keeping up with your friends..good luck
2007-01-05 02:26:03 · answer #7 · answered by angie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
stupid yank Belfast is in Ireland did you learn that in school the us was UK was it not at 1 time...stay in Yankee land as fools like you would be shot just like the 3000 brit soldiers were go Iraq instead.
2007-01-05 02:27:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋