what language do Americans speak?

Question

as an Englishman who has just returned from the USA on a business trip i feel i must ask this.
Most Americans claim to speak "AMERICAN", but to me its just English with a few "whoops" and basic spelling errors.
I think we all know what the Americans are trying to do , but im sorry its "ENGLISH" and just by changing the word "COLOUR", doesnt make it anything else.Cheerio

Tammy-oh and by the way Tammy is a .........

Answer 1

I like Cheerios, too, especially the Apple Cinnamon kind.

But actually, I speak Suthrun. Don't make fun of it, or I'll have to kick yer as s.

Answer 2

During the war of 1812, when you guys burned D.C., you stole all of our "U" 's; therefore, words like "color" & "favorite" were made without the "U" 's.

(The above is completely not true, and should be taken as a joke).

When the two countries became separated, I'm sure the animosity between us caused many people to lobby for certain word changes. Then, of course, since they are two countries, there are two completely different ways of living. Languages, among other aspects of life, evolved their own way, making them what they are today. The Australians and Canadians have their own slang, too, and they're technically still part of the United Kingdom.

Same base language, just different sounds.

Answer 3

Its called American because its a very unique version of English, just like you have your way so its called Australian, and so forth the English speaking more proper English. Yes it is the same but at the same time it is different.

A lot of American spellings over the years are the way they are because they were slimmed in order to stream line the language, and I'm sure Australians have done the same.

Answer 4

The only people I ever heard say that we speak "American" were my Grandparents who came to this country from Belgium in 1912. They didn't like the English, because I think they were mistreated by the English in the "Old Country" I have nothing against the English people. We do not spell Color, "Colour", because we do not pronounce it that way.

P.S. We speak English with an American accent.

Answer 5

I am American and I speak English. In forty-nine years I have never said that I speak American.

I'm curious just what it is you think the Americans are trying to do. You never said and noone here has agreed to that statement or enlightened us on it.

Oh, and by the way, Cheerio is a breakfast cereal.


Now.. you have a nice day and stop trying to stir up trouble.

Answer 6

What you seem to be misunderstanding is that when someone says they are speaking 'American", it just means that they are speaking American-English. It's a dialect of English, but it is still it's own language.

On another note, I am American, and stupid as it may be, I've taken offense to your whoops and spelling errors comment.

For example, Cantonese and Mandarin are still Chinese languages that are somewhat similar such as American-English and British-English, but they ARE different.

Another harsher example is that English is composed of other languages. One that comes to mind immediately is Latin. By your reasoning, just because the spelling changed, why is it called English?

Answer 7

Anyone travelling to the extent that I do around the US begins and eventually masters very different versions of American English based on regional dialect.. Anyone who claims to speak "American" is extraordinarily under-educated. You should rethink your circle of associates.

Edit: I have failed in my attempt to comprehend a valid reason for inserting silent letters into the spelling of English words. I believe that we Americans have made improvements in this area and England should realistically admit to its outdated form and adopt American english as its' own.

Answer 8

Just about anyone we choose.
American English has quite a few differences from the UK - primarily the dialect. Words, mean different things in many instances. For example, the term "bum" in England means "butt," in American English. The word we use for "Louvre," is "bathroom" in American English.
And, btw; what is your point, really?
Our for-bearers broke away from England, but, they still spoke the same language.

Answer 9

What American have you ever spoken to that claims their language is 'American'? We all take English all through school. I have never heard an American claim to speak anything other than English. Unless of course they were bilingual.

Answer 10

Americans speak THE INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE. And they speak diferrent language too. The "whoops" and the "spelling errors" vary in ENGLISH when you move from diferrent places or coutry. the only thing is I say torch and some say plus-light. some say bulb and some say globes. some says **** and some says ***. which ever way you want it as long as you could be understood.