I'm asking because I am planning to visit England and some other European countries for a few months. Should I be afraid to talk to people? My accent is Midwestern or no accent. I'm not from NY or the south, so my accent is neutral. Will I annoy people I talk to? I have heard English people say that American accents are lazy and nasally sounding. I really don't think my accent is nasally.
2007-05-24 08:21:01 · 15 answers · asked by cutegirl 3 in Travel ➔ United Kingdom ➔ Other - United Kingdom
I dont find American accents annoying at all , especially not on a girl ;)
Most people I know wouldnt find them annoying either , you might get a bit of banter from some people but nothing serious
anti- Americanism is not such a problem as in other countries, here it is mostly just well-intentioned jokes and stuff, you'll be fine
2007-05-24 08:29:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 1⤋
We get accents from all over here . . . Polish, Indian sub-continent, American, Middle Eastern, the list goes on. It gets to the point where I no longer really notice accents, unless I can't understand them.
I do find nasal American accents mildly irritating, but I wouldn't avoid talking to someone because of that.
2007-05-24 09:19:27 · answer #2 · answered by Helena 6 · 10⤊ 0⤋
I find it odd when you say 'My accent is Midwestern or no accent' as an English student this is realy interesting...Anyway, Americans are fine. Please be aware that we call a line a 'queue' (said like the letter 'q') because all the Americans I know and live with found this theeee most confusing thing. Do not get involved in our politics and stay neutral about our monarchy, I think this is when people get annoyed with American accents because they associate them with bad things. You will find no problems with your accents here, we hear tens of them every day because we are so diverse. Have fun!
2007-05-24 11:22:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 2⤋
My boyfriend is English. He likes my accent and everyone that I know who is from there likes it aswell. I'm from Southern California and never had a problem with people not liking it. I personally don't think I have one but they all said I do. I never really understood the whole "american accents are annoying" until I was last there. We went to a very nice resteraunt and had dinner and there was a group of American tourists. I think the most annoying thing wasn't there accent but their lack of respect for the people around them. They were SOOOOOO loud!! I think if anything you should just try not being loud and annoying that's the one complaint i've heard about americans when they travel.
have a good trip
2007-05-24 09:55:55 · answer #4 · answered by Ericka 2 · 7⤊ 2⤋
Don't worry, I've been in England for 9 months (I'm a Yank) and nobody ever says anything. I don't even see a fleeting look of surprise on people's faces; they seem to not even notice. It is the same language, after all. Occasionally people will ask where you're from (they know your from America or Canada) and then proceed to say how much they like America. But that's happened less than 10 times to me and, like I said, I've been here 9 months.
Don't be afraid to talk and don't try to adopt a more English accent. DO use British words like chips for french fries and crisps for potato chips so you don't confuse people.
And England (especially the Southeast) is very international. You'll hear accents from all over the world. That's why nobody will even notice yours.
2007-05-24 08:39:41 · answer #5 · answered by JC 4 · 16⤊ 1⤋
Most people don't find our accent annoying. Some find it "cute" or amusing. The only time it would be annoying is if the other person can't understand what you're saying or you can't understand what they are saying and it gets frustrating.
Some people have political / religious biases against Americans and they are annoyed at us in general and our accent only clues them in to our heritage but they are not really annoyed at our accent.
2007-05-24 08:31:13 · answer #6 · answered by special_k_live 4 · 7⤊ 1⤋
It really depends on the american accent. But generally I think people will find it interesting and will like talking to you.
2007-05-24 08:28:35 · answer #7 · answered by Claire// 3 · 9⤊ 0⤋
I find some are annoying some aren't, just as with UK regional accents. I find the southern drawl particularly annoying but would never be so impolite as to say so to someone I met.
I'm sure you'll find most people welcoming over here.
2007-05-24 12:25:40 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
i'm from NYC, and admittedly many of the accents I pay attention from the midwest/new england are quite displeasing to the ear. in spite of everything, all the Brits and Aussies i comprehend look to think of my accessory is tolerable. Woo me. in case you want me to i will purely change accents for you- my Australian isn't 0.5 undesirable in case you question me. additionally, close up you prejudiced doodyhead.
2016-11-05 06:35:41 · answer #9 · answered by gripp 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nobody says anything. Dont bother, just have fun.
2007-05-24 08:29:13 · answer #10 · answered by cali_boy 2 · 12⤊ 0⤋