British vs. Americans?

Question

I was born in Spain and learned Spanish the "correct" way with the "proper" pronunciation, and every time I hear Latin Americans speak 'my" language I cringe.
I would like to know if the same happens to British people when they hear Americans slaughtering 'their" language. Also, how do Brits feel when they realize that American English is a more prevalent language in the world than British English?

A few comments to some of you.

1. lady_wolf_sushi: you have no reason to be insulted. I have lived in New Jersey for 35 years and have a distinctive Jersey accent myself. You know that's not what I meant.
2. Jackburtonrules:

jackburtonrules: I have nothing to "get over". The reason why I used quotation marks is because I was speaking facetiously.
JJ88: George Bush does not speak English, he speaks Stupid.
The Evil Troll: This is NOT a racist question. I am reporting you for being a Moron.

Gee, I seem to have touched a nerve with some of you. Well, sorry but this a forum for opinions, and I was airing mine. I'm sure you all have your opinions, and mine is that as a Spaniard, I believe we speak Spanish better than Latin Americans, and as a Naturalized American I believe that the British speak better English than we do.

Answer 1

Which part of Britain are you referring to? There are many dialects of English within the UK, though sadly that is decreasing with the infection of television. Same in the U.S., regional differences are being blended into TV-speak.

The accent that used to be most common in Georgia, U.S., is Elizabethan English, little changed since colonial times, whilst the language used in the London area has changed a lot.


But then, boy-howdy, it don't matter, 'cause they is all fleas offen the same dog.

Answer 2

It is really annoying as a Brit to discover that every time you use a computer or a mobile (not cell!) phone it tries to change your spelling to the American way. Whilst I don't really care that they have simplified their spelling or pronounce them differently or even use entirely different words, it is annoying when such differences are imposed on me.

That said, I think that the difference between the English speaking nations is a good thing, it helps separate our identities (especially as British and American culture are becoming increasingly blurred). The different usage of certain words - e.g. 'fanny' and 'bum' (sorry to be crude!) have wildly different meanings in the English speaking world and to me at least, creates a source of much mirth.

What annoys me though, is when you have the option to read instructions or website etc, in different languages. In these cases there is often a little flag denoting which language. So when English is denoted by the American Stars and Stripes instead of the union flag or the cross of St. George I get really annoyed.

However here in the UK we have much to be thankful for. Prior to the American Declaration of Independence there was a vote decided by a number of prominant American figures at that time, to decide the official language of the United States. It was a close call between the English and German languages. In fact, English only prevailed due to bribary and some rather underhand tactics. So had it not been for some rather unsavoury characters English would not as dominant a language as it is today. (But the British Empire also helped a fair bit).

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

I don't think the Americans speak English, they speak American. I find the different spelling a little annoying for example paying by Cheque in the UK and check in the USA. Also I asked for tomato sauce once and the lady flapped about until I pointed to the bottle behind her. I don't agree with American English is more prevalent. Most European and Asian countries are taught the Queens English not George Bush's!

Answer 4

I am English and have no problem with anyone else speaking it in a different way or having different spellings, wherever they come from. Even our own spellings of words have evolved over time, the language as we speak it today is completely different to how it was spoken (and written) a couple of hundred years ago e.g. 'thou art' instead of 'you are' etc., so it's hardly surprising that the way it is written and spoken has evolved in other English speaking countries, we usually - with a few exceptions ;-) still all understand each other, so what's the problem!

Answer 5

I think it depends on your point of view! In Ireland, the English we speak is a dialect all of its own (which people sometimes forget, adn just reckon its an accent). Its known as Hiberno-English, and has many phrases and grammatical differences that have derived from our own language, Irish (Gaelilge) which is from a completey different family of languages!

In my experience (studying in the UK) British people just love the way the Irish speak and think we sound great, like the things we say, and how we say them differently.

If everyone sounded the same, half the fun of travelling would be gone!!

Answer 6

Latin Americans speak "properly". Are you so ignorant as to believe Spaniards speak better Spanish than Latin Americans?? Both forms of Spanish are acceptable. In fact, each country and each region within each country has its distinctive way of speaking Spanish. This also goes for Spain. All variations and dialects are acceptable for any language. Your intolerance and ignorance is NOT.

Answer 7

Personally I have no problem with it.

Some American phrases confuse me, and some accents annoy me, but each to their own.

One thing I can't abide is Americans criticising the way the English speak (or spell!) English - I think sometimes they forget just what language they speak and where it comes from in the first place!

Answer 8

Language has never and will never be a static thing. The "correct" way you learned would make your forefathers cringe.

Languages change both spelling and meaning over time. Most languages are a conglomeration of other languages. They allow us to understand each other but shouldn't be used as some sort of barometer to decide who is better than whom.

So either get over yourself or continue to harbor anger over something silly like how someone pronounces words. Either way the rest of us will continue to communicate the best we can.

Answer 9

From the American perspective, when we hear the British speak, it sounds a lot better than the language we learned.

Answer 10

I've no problem with the way both Yanks and Brits use the English language infact its a variety and thats the spice of life