NationStates Jolt Archive

Whenever Americans talk on TV, or to English people in any situation, it seems they haven't bothered learning British-English (ie proper English :)) and expect everyone to know their language. They they get confused when people in Britain use their native language (eg. nappy instead of diaper).

This post isn't to slag off Americans, it's a genuinbe curiosity... I mean, if you go to Germany, you learn German right? It's a matter of respect, instead of expecting everyone to know your language. So why not learn British-English if you're going to England? It's not like there's no dictionaries available - there's even online ones (even if they are a bit innacurate). Plus it stops you annoying people (using "soccer" as a name for football (English football that is) is seriously annoying - it's like calling gymnastics "trampolining" or judo "karate").

So why do Americans seem to assume everyone knows their language and taht people won't mind if they ignorantly use the wrong names for sports?

because its the only language we know os its natural to see the world thru your native tung

Whenever Americans talk on TV, or to English people in any situation, it seems they haven't bothered learning British-English (ie proper English :)) and expect everyone to know their language. They they get confused when people in Britain use their native language (eg. nappy instead of diaper).

This post isn't to slag off Americans, it's a genuinbe curiosity... I mean, if you go to Germany, you learn German right? It's a matter of respect, instead of expecting everyone to know your language. So why not learn British-English if you're going to England? It's not like there's no dictionaries available - there's even online ones (even if they are a bit innacurate). Plus it stops you annoying people (using "soccer" as a name for football (English football that is) is seriously annoying - it's like calling gymnastics "trampolining" or judo "karate").

So why do Americans seem to assume everyone knows their language and taht people won't mind if they ignorantly use the wrong names for sports?


Same reason most of the british I meet think theirs is the one true english and expect everyone to know their langage

Same reason most of the british I meet think theirs is the one true english and expect everyone to know their langage


Nothing to do with the fact that we spawned the langague is it?

Obviously with outside influences from Germany etc

well, english is used as a lingua franca in many international business negotiations. . . .

oh, and we're a backwards, prowd people! :p

As an outside observer I think both the British and the Americans have that tendency.

Like it or not, America is very isolated and has been for a very long time. America hasn't had any major rival on the same continent since the Civil War, and none that spoke a different language since the French were kicked out in the 1700s. We're also the largest in population and wealthiest nation on our continent, so the majority of people in North America have to learn to speak out language rather than forcing us to learn theirs when they wish to do business with us. Europe has a bunch of different nations, most or all of which are within the same general area in their economy and population, so it makes sense to know more than one language since yours isn't the dominant one anywhere you're likely to go.

I'm not trying to be arrogant or anything (though I am from the US, so I suppose to some people here arrogance is my default state :p) but just stating the facts as I see them and trying to explain why most Americans don't know another language.

In any case, I do think that people who are planning to travel to a foreign country for any real length of time should learn another language, though I suppose it can be excused if it's only a few days in each linguistic zone (French, German, Russian, etc.) in a trip through most of Europe.

Nothing to do with the fact that we spawned the langague is it?

Obviously with outside influences from Germany etc
*pats you on the head*

Still is just as "rude" for ya to do that over here as it is for us to expect our language to be spoken over there

*pats you on the head*

Still is just as "rude" for ya to do that over here as it is for us to expect our language to be spoken over there


You know, thats not saying i wouldnt try to learn the language.

It's called an accent. If someone from Manchester went to Leeds he wouldn't put on a Leeds accent. It's like that with England and America, only much much much more so.

It's their over-weening sense of entitlement that's the root cause.

Are terms like "gob" and "loo" Proper English or just coloquialisms?

Can you imagine people with a strong southern accent saying "Freshen your tea, Governor?"

I'm going to guess it's because they're not bilingual, or multilingual, and their neighbours DO speak their language...
And since they're the center of North America, and thus the center of their world, they assume they're the center of the whole world! Just like how the world was the center of the universe. ;)

If British are not courteous enough to recognize the authenticity of American vernacular, why should the Americans bother? I'm from Canada and would much rather refer to things in American terms. Pardon me, but I find what you have expressed here to be painfully self-righteous.

You know, thats not saying i wouldnt try to learn the language.
As with me over there

So what is this thread about again?

Whenever Americans talk on TV, or to English people in any situation, it seems they haven't bothered learning British-English (ie proper English :)) and expect everyone to know their language. They they get confused when people in Britain use their native language (eg. nappy instead of diaper).For the same reason that you say the bolded part. We don't learn British English because we live in America. You don't learn American English, which I can just as rightly say is "proper English". When you use a word that I have never heard before, yes, I will be confused. I have no idea what a "nappy" is. I have never lived in a "flat" and I have never taken a "lift". I do, however, know what a daiper is, have lived in an apartment, and taken an elevator. If someones confused, take the whole 10 seconds to clarify what you said.

This post isn't to slag off Americans, it's a genuinbe curiosity... I mean, if you go to Germany, you learn German right? It's a matter of respect, instead of expecting everyone to know your language. So why not learn British-English if you're going to England? It's not like there's no dictionaries available - there's even online ones (even if they are a bit innacurate). Plus it stops you annoying people (using "soccer" as a name for football (English football that is) is seriously annoying - it's like calling gymnastics "trampolining" or judo "karate").Huge difference. German is a fully different language and you would find it hard to function without a working knowledge (outside of cities). I can function perfectly well in the UK, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, India, the US, Canada, and all other English nations, and only get lost when people use local slang. I could say the same for when I go to the south, tho.
If you get annoyed over people calling soccer football or football soccer, then get over it. It's the same thing, we all know it. Deal with it.
Oh, and Judo is different from Karate.

So why do the British seem to assume everyone knows their language and taht people won't mind if they ignorantly use the wrong names for sports?

So why do Americans seem to assume everyone knows their language and taht people won't mind if they ignorantly use the wrong names for sports?
Because, in my experience with British, Australians, New Zealanders and Canadians, they get really pissed off if you try to imitate their slang/accents. So, I either have to confuse a one group of speakers or deeply insult a different group, and I'm more worried about being deeply insulting.
As far as other languages, I'd rather use English and be thought an asshole then use Tourist-Russian and remove all doubt.

Fråga inte mig. Engelska från vilket område som helst är ett fult språk, även om den brittiska varianten är den som suger minst.

Because, in my experience with British, Australians, New Zealanders and Canadians, they get really pissed off if you try to imitate their slang/accents. So, I either have to confuse a one group of speakers or deeply insult a different group, and I'm more worried about being deeply insulting.
As far as other languages, I'd rather use English and be thought an asshole then use Tourist-Russian and remove all doubt.
I have noticed that as well

It's called an accent. If someone from Manchester went to Leeds he wouldn't put on a Leeds accent. It's like that with England and America, only much much much more so.

Like, sorry but like, DUH. An accent is a particular sound of a voice. A language is exactly that - a language, not an accent. Like yeh.

We don't use the wrong name... it's "football" for American football, and "futbol" for soccer. ;) Just because we don't watch things on a tele, listen to things on a wireless, and piss in a water closet, doesn't mean we don't accept the fact that there's more than one variation of English. But hey, we beat the pants off your ancestors to give us the right to have our own language, so get over it ya bloody Brit, and when you come to America, learn to call things the proper name on OUR continent.


And if I come to England... I'll keep right on going til I get to Italy, where my family comes from. lol.

Are terms like "gob" and "loo" Proper English or just coloquialisms?

Can you imagine people with a strong southern accent saying "Freshen your tea, Governor?"

Colloquialisms. As it says in the Oxford English Dictionary :-p

But ice-lolly is listed in the same dictionary as a proper word. Popsicle isn't :-p

...and when you come to America, learn to call things the proper name on OUR continent.


My point exactly. If you want Englanders to use American names for stuff when they visit, then it's just plain rude not to use Englander names for stuff when you visit England.

And there's no such thing as soccer.

This thread is actually argueing over whether Brits and Yanks should have to learn each other's slang? This is one of the dumbest topics I've seen yet. should I learn Canuck and Aussie slang while I'm at it? It might be kind of fun to do it, but hardly necessary in the grand scheme of things.

Fråga inte mig. Engelska från vilket område som helst är ett fult språk, även om den brittiska varianten är den som suger minst.

Aah, dusch zoo komde gij dus aan uwe hoge aantal berichies ;)

For the same reason that you say the bolded part. We don't learn British English because we live in America. You don't learn American English, which I can just as rightly say is "proper English". When you use a word that I have never heard before, yes, I will be confused. I have no idea what a "nappy" is. I have never lived in a "flat" and I have never taken a "lift". I do, however, know what a daiper is, have lived in an apartment, and taken an elevator. If someones confused, take the whole 10 seconds to clarify what you said.

Huge difference. German is a fully different language and you would find it hard to function without a working knowledge (outside of cities). I can function perfectly well in the UK, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, India, the US, Canada, and all other English nations, and only get lost when people use local slang. I could say the same for when I go to the south, tho.
If you get annoyed over people calling soccer football or football soccer, then get over it. It's the same thing, we all know it. Deal with it.
Oh, and Judo is different from Karate.

So why do the British seem to assume everyone knows their language and taht people won't mind if they ignorantly use the wrong names for sports?

I mean speaking on English TV. And we don't. Except some people who go on holiday and don't bother learning the country's language. Like Americans going to England :) Ner ner ner ner ner :p

And you say you only get confused when it comes to English slang, yet you just said you don't know some names (official names, not slang) for certain things like nappy. Hmm.

I think the biggest reason for this is that Americans almost view the United States as the world. Most of us never leave the US, and a lot of us never go further than a couple of states away from our home state. Many Americans simply have no concept of foreign countries, other than in an abstract sense.

Whenever Americans talk on TV, or to English people in any situation, it seems they haven't bothered learning British-English (ie proper English :)) and expect everyone to know their language. They they get confused when people in Britain use their native language (eg. nappy instead of diaper).

This post isn't to slag off Americans, it's a genuinbe curiosity... I mean, if you go to Germany, you learn German right? It's a matter of respect, instead of expecting everyone to know your language. So why not learn British-English if you're going to England? It's not like there's no dictionaries available - there's even online ones (even if they are a bit innacurate). Plus it stops you annoying people (using "soccer" as a name for football (English football that is) is seriously annoying - it's like calling gymnastics "trampolining" or judo "karate").

So why do Americans seem to assume everyone knows their language and taht people won't mind if they ignorantly use the wrong names for sports?
Picky, picky. Tsk. Why doesn't that work in the opposite direction then? Many British people who visit the US are confused about some of the vernacular, especially when they visit the South. Why don't you learn American English? :p

Because, in my experience with British, Australians, New Zealanders and Canadians, they get really pissed off if you try to imitate their slang/accents. So, I either have to confuse a one group of speakers or deeply insult a different group, and I'm more worried about being deeply insulting.
As far as other languages, I'd rather use English and be thought an asshole then use Tourist-Russian and remove all doubt.

But I wasn't talking about slang. Nappy is not slang. Lift is not slang. Ice-lolly is not slang.

Actually, I think because both sides are intolerant twats.

Picky, picky. Tsk. Why doesn't that work in the opposite direction then? Many British people who visit the US are confused about some of the vernacular, especially when they visit the South. Why don't you learn American English? :p

Because Americans don't bother. So nyah. And I know quite a few American names for stuff. :P

Whenever Americans talk on TV, or to English people in any situation, it seems they haven't bothered learning British-English (ie proper English :)) and expect everyone to know their language. They they get confused when people in Britain use their native language (eg. nappy instead of diaper).

This post isn't to slag off Americans, it's a genuinbe curiosity... I mean, if you go to Germany, you learn German right? It's a matter of respect, instead of expecting everyone to know your language. So why not learn British-English if you're going to England? It's not like there's no dictionaries available - there's even online ones (even if they are a bit innacurate). Plus it stops you annoying people (using "soccer" as a name for football (English football that is) is seriously annoying - it's like calling gymnastics "trampolining" or judo "karate").

So why do Americans seem to assume everyone knows their language and taht people won't mind if they ignorantly use the wrong names for sports?Well it's quite simple...
The American language is just better. Really, would you want to put a "Nappy" on your baby and expect him/her to go in it? I think no.

If British are not courteous enough to recognize the authenticity of American vernacular, why should the Americans bother? I'm from Canada and would much rather refer to things in American terms. Pardon me, but I find what you have expressed here to be painfully self-righteous.

Me too. Nah, was just curious. Not saying you SHOULD learn British-English, just wondered why ya don't, especially if talking on National British TV about something. Not everyone understands American-English, and it just sometimes seems that most Americans think the opposite.

I think the biggest reason for this is that Americans almost view the United States as the world. Most of us never leave the US, and a lot of us never go further than a couple of states away from our home state. Many Americans simply have no concept of foreign countries, other than in an abstract sense.
Don't let anyone fool you. Most of the people of all other countries on the earth are exactly the same way. I'm not aware of any statistics which show average number of first-time visitors to various countries, so I have nothing to back this up other than my own experiences when visiting outside the US. ( Simply quoting annual travel stats would not suffice, since those would include multiple trips by those who travel as part of their business, or whatever ) I seriously doubt that the average Brit or German or Frenchie ever gets outside his or her own country either.

Me too. Nah, was just curious. Not saying you SHOULD learn British-English, just wondered why ya don't, especially if talking on National British TV about something. Not everyone understands American-English, and it just sometimes seems that most Americans think the opposite.
Again we get almost the same view of you guys over there ... so ... yeah

Well it's quite simple...
The American language is just better. Really, would you want to put a "Nappy" on your baby and expect him/her to go in it? I think no.

lol give me your drugs! now!

Nappy sounds way better. But cookie sounds cuter than biscuit. And dummy sounds way better than "pacifier", even if it is a name that's also used for a manikin

Answer: The same reason that they are widely disrespected when travelling the world. They never even attempt at basic bits of foreign languages, they just think it's the other person's job to learn their language.

I can understand people not wanting to speak other languages whenever they travel, I wouldn't either. But even simple phrases like "Hello" "Thank you" "Goodbye", they refuse to attempt to learn.

And that my friends, is why I wear my Canadian flag on my backpack when travelling. You get a lot less grief than Americans.

So why do Americans seem to assume everyone knows their language and taht people won't mind if they ignorantly use the wrong names for sports?

My guess is that familiarity breeds contempt~ When travelling to the UK people from English North America assume that things will be the same. They simply do not bother to look up the differences. Honestly, would you remember to substitute 'lift' with 'elevator' if you were conversing in Delaware?

Realistically, I do not think the problem is very serious. The worst that could happen is an American or Canadian named Laurie being told she is a truck. When people go to a place where a actual different language is spoken, and they assume they do not need to learn it, that is the main source of contention.

Fråga inte mig. Engelska från vilket område som helst är ett fult språk, även om den brittiska varianten är den som suger minst.

Come on now, some of it is nice... We have lovely poetry...

Whenever Americans talk on TV, or to English people in any situation, it seems they haven't bothered learning British-English (ie proper English :)) and expect everyone to know their language. They they get confused when people in Britain use their native language (eg. nappy instead of diaper).

This post isn't to slag off Americans, it's a genuinbe curiosity... I mean, if you go to Germany, you learn German right? It's a matter of respect, instead of expecting everyone to know your language. So why not learn British-English if you're going to England? It's not like there's no dictionaries available - there's even online ones (even if they are a bit innacurate). Plus it stops you annoying people (using "soccer" as a name for football (English football that is) is seriously annoying - it's like calling gymnastics "trampolining" or judo "karate").

So why do Americans seem to assume everyone knows their language and taht people won't mind if they ignorantly use the wrong names for sports?

American English and British English are not different languages they are different dialects. Use the right words and speak proper like what I do.

Don't let anyone fool you. Most of the people of all other countries on the earth are exactly the same way. I'm not aware of any statistics which show average number of first-time visitors to various countries, so I have nothing to back this up other than my own experiences when visiting outside the US. ( Simply quoting annual travel stats would not suffice, since those would include multiple trips by those who travel as part of their business, or whatever ) I seriously doubt that the average Brit or German or Frenchie ever gets outside his or her own country either.

Well I know loadsa Britons who have gone abroad. So I think you're wrong. Ner ner ner ner ner. (Politically Correct translation: nyah)

Because Americans don't bother. So nyah. And I know quite a few American names for stuff. :P
Ok. What's a "poke?"

one of the main problems is that, in general, the american dialect pisses british people off. i can assure you, there is nothing more annoying to a Briton than the word 'soccer' being used for football. actually, american speaking is more of a source of amusement to us.

The American language is just better

Comments like this don't help your cause either.

Nothing to do with the fact that we spawned the langague is it?

Obviously with outside influences from Germany etc

It can be said we spawned it as well or canada or australia..just because you own the land it developed on doesn't give you sole ownership.

This may sound a bit redneckish but to me americans speak american. Not english. English is the multi word for Englanders. The old word for the UK was Great Britain and its old name was England. To speak english and be an american would be an insult to are nation! As an american id take that to be personal. We won the war so we speak our own language. Get it? We actualy won twice...:D

Answer: The same reason that they are widely disrespected when travelling the world. They never even attempt at basic bits of foreign languages, they just think it's the other person's job to learn their language.

I can understand people not wanting to speak other languages whenever they travel, I wouldn't either. But even simple phrases like "Hello" "Thank you" "Goodbye", they refuse to attempt to learn.

And that my friends, is why I wear my Canadian flag on my backpack when travelling. You get a lot less grief than Americans.

Well, not all of us are like that, but yeah, a lot of Americans are lame in that respect.

I, however, am learning Japanese (I just finished learning Hiragana). So, when I do go to Japan, I won't be at a loss. I'd also like to learn some Romance languages, like Italian and French.

But I wasn't talking about slang. Nappy is not slang. Lift is not slang. Ice-lolly is not slang.

They're colloquialisms. Most Americans have never heard those words used the way you are thinking. In the United States "nappy" is an odd way of describing a short nap; "lift" is a verb and and an "ice-lolly" is...

Actually, I have clue what that word means.

American English and British English are not different languages they are different dialects. Use the right words and speak proper like what I do.

They are different languages. Just like Spanish and Mexican. Similar sounding, but different :P

one of the main problems is that, in general, the american dialect pisses british people off. i can assure you, there is nothing more annoying to a Briton than the word 'soccer' being used for football. actually, american speaking is more of a source of amusement to us.



Comments like this don't help your cause either.

Well, Australians use the term "Soccer", too. Or so I'm told.

But I wasn't talking about slang.
Yes, yes you are.
Nappy is not slang. Lift is not slang. Ice-lolly is not slang.
Nor do they qualify you for status as a seperate language. Soccer, lift, popsicle, ice-lolly, and nappy are all slang and matters of local diction in the English speaking world (which encompasses Cananda, Australia, UK, New Zealand, and the US).

Instant Arrogant American Reaction:
Because we're America, we broke away from you, kicked your ass twice, then saved your ass, so we can do what we want with the English language. Besides, for the people who started the language, you sure have an odd way of saying/spelling it. Theatre, what the hell??? The end sound is "ter" not "tre". Damn wacko Brits!

Now with that said.... a more polite and thoughful answer:

Even American English is broken up into different dialects, that even we have to deal with. And since there we all speak basic english, and can understand each other just fine, we don't need to waste time worrying about every form of English when there are a ton of other non-enlgish languages to contend with. No matter what kind of English we speak, we can still understand each other for the most part so don't worry about it. Lets worry about understanding the people who don't speak any form of English.

They're colloquialisms. Most Americans have never heard those words used the way you are thinking. In the United States "nappy" is an odd way of describing a short nap; "lift" is a verb and and an "ice-lolly" is...

Actually, I have clue what that word means.

This is what I meant about ignorance :P

They're not colloquialisms. They are listed in the Oxford English Dictionary, and NOT as slang. If they were colloquialisms, an alternative "proper" word would be listed. But it isn't. Because they're not.

Answer: The same reason that they are widely disrespected when travelling the world. They never even attempt at basic bits of foreign languages, they just think it's the other person's job to learn their language.

I can understand people not wanting to speak other languages whenever they travel, I wouldn't either. But even simple phrases like "Hello" "Thank you" "Goodbye", they refuse to attempt to learn.
They, they, they... Way to generalize.

Don't let anyone fool you. Most of the people of all other countries on the earth are exactly the same way. I'm not aware of any statistics which show average number of first-time visitors to various countries, so I have nothing to back this up other than my own experiences when visiting outside the US. ( Simply quoting annual travel stats would not suffice, since those would include multiple trips by those who travel as part of their business, or whatever ) I seriously doubt that the average Brit or German or Frenchie ever gets outside his or her own country either.
True, but thanks to TV Americans are famous for it. Where as the rest of the world rarely gets their TV shown in other countries(relative to how much American shows are shown the world over, Friends for example)

When people go to a place where a actual different language is spoken, and they assume they do not need to learn it, that is the main source of contention.
Get serious! You mean to tell me that if I plan a trip to Germany for one week, not knowing if I will ever get to go to Germany again, I should learn the language? As if! I know there are some people to whom learning an entire new language is not a challenge, but it is to most people, me included. :p

The british have such colorful phrases. I love em. Like "I'll be knackered".. Classic. :)

They are different languages. Just like Spanish and Mexican. Similar sounding, but different :P

Those are the same language too, just different dialects, do you even know the meaning of those two words (language and dialect).

one of the main problems is that, in general, the american dialect pisses british people off. i can assure you, there is nothing more annoying to a Briton than the word 'soccer' being used for football. actually, american speaking is more of a source of amusement to us.



.You know to Britons its spelled futball right?

Yes, yes you are.

Nor do they qualify you for status as a seperate language. Soccer, lift, popsicle, ice-lolly, and nappy are all slang and matters of local diction in the English speaking world (which encompasses Cananda, Australia, UK, New Zealand, and the US).

Ireland speaks English too. Yes, they have their own language as well, but they have english.

snip


Comments like this don't help your cause either.
Any more then the the stuck up comments about how british english is the only true english?
You honestly think they help over here?

This may sound a bit redneckish but to me americans speak american. Not english. English is the multi word for Englanders. The old word for the UK was Great Britain and its old name was England. To speak english and be an american would be an insult to are nation! As an american id take that to be personal. We won the war so we speak our own language. Get it? We actualy won twice...

You absolute cretin.

England is not the same as Great Britain, it is a part of it, kind of like how Texas is a part of your country. However, I agree with the first part of your post, I will be pleased to distance myself from the American dialect.

Well I know loadsa Britons who have gone abroad. So I think you're wrong. Ner ner ner ner ner. (Politically Correct translation: nyah)
Define "abroad."

Yes, yes you are.



No, no I'm not. If you use the word "football" for what is, to the English, a watered-down version of rugby, does that mean you're using slang. I don't think so. So neither am I.

:D

amazed at how many replies what was pretty much a lighthearted piss-take got :)

Yep, that bit was slang :D

Any more then the the stuck up comments about how british english is the only true english?
You honestly think they help over here?

Exactly.

Instant Arrogant American Reaction:
Because we're America, we broke away from you, kicked your ass twice, then saved your ass, so we can do what we want with the English language. Besides, for the people who started the language, you sure have an odd way of saying/spelling it. Theatre, what the hell??? The end sound is "ter" not "tre". Damn wacko Brits!

I like that post so much i think ill put it on twice.
It's not arragance though, its the truth. We did kick there ass twice, we saved there ass twice, so we CAN do what we want with the english language.

True, but thanks to TV Americans are famous for it. Where as the rest of the world rarely gets their TV shown in other countries(relative to how much American shows are shown the world over, Friends for example)
Television again. Sigh. [ nukes all major American television networks! ] :D

Don't let anyone fool you. Most of the people of all other countries on the earth are exactly the same way. I'm not aware of any statistics which show average number of first-time visitors to various countries, so I have nothing to back this up other than my own experiences when visiting outside the US. ( Simply quoting annual travel stats would not suffice, since those would include multiple trips by those who travel as part of their business, or whatever ) I seriously doubt that the average Brit or German or Frenchie ever gets outside his or her own country either.

Well, the thing is that America is just so damned huge. When I lived in Germany I could be in a number of different countries within 5 hours. Here that'd get me a bit past Chicago. Foreign travel from the US is a lot more difficult, and arguably less necessary, since we're so damned huge.

We did kick there ass twice, we saved there ass twice, so we CAN do what we want with the english language.

Are you on a wind-up or are you actually being serious?

Instant Arrogant American Reaction:
Because we're America, we broke away from you, kicked your ass twice, then saved your ass, so we can do what we want with the English language. Besides, for the people who started the language, you sure have an odd way of saying/spelling it. Theatre, what the hell??? The end sound is "ter" not "tre". Damn wacko Brits!

I like that post so much i think ill put it on twice.
It's not arragance though, its the truth. We did kick there ass twice, we saved there ass twice, so we CAN do what we want with the english language.

lol, thanks. Yes, we won twice against them. But I didn't mean to be as "fuck off" as it sounds. It was more in truth/jest.

Get serious! You mean to tell me that if I plan a trip to Germany for one week, not knowing if I will ever get to go to Germany again, I should learn the language? As if! I know there are some people to whom learning an entire new language is not a challenge, but it is to most people, me included. :p

On a serious note, it's a matter of respect to learn at least basic phrases before going to another country (unless you don't have time - eg. you're feeling from somewhere), instead of expecting everyone to understand you. And yes, it does get annoying. I know many Britons who are annoyed at foreign people not bothering to learn English before coming here - yet they are usually the same people who don't bother learning another country's language before going there. Hypocrits.

Americans Don't Have Their Own Language, They Have A Few Dialects.

Are you on a wind-up or are you actually being serious?
I'm being serious. Very. We did save there ass and kick it twice. It's the american way.:p

Well, the thing is that America is just so damned huge. When I lived in Germany I could be in a number of different countries within 5 hours. Here that'd get me a bit past Chicago. Foreign travel from the US is a lot more difficult, and arguably less necessary, since we're so damned huge.
Which is a fact often escaping the notice of our Eurpoean friends. I get the distinct impression that some of them seem to believe that flying from New York to Atlanta should take about 15 mintues. :)

Get serious! You mean to tell me that if I plan a trip to Germany for one week, not knowing if I will ever get to go to Germany again, I should learn the language? As if! I know there are some people to whom learning an entire new language is not a challenge, but it is to most people, me included. :p
You should at least learn "guten Tag", "auf Wiedersprechen/sehen/hören", "entschuldigung", "Ich kann keine Deutsch sprechen" and how to count to twenty. Going much farther then that takes you into the territory of Tourist-German, and that does no one any favours (for instance, what good is it knowing how to ask directions in German if you won't know how to understand the directions that you'll get?)

This is what I meant about ignorance :P

They're not colloquialisms. They are listed in the Oxford English Dictionary, and NOT as slang. If they were colloquialisms, an alternative "proper" word would be listed. But it isn't. Because they're not.

It's not ignorance; those words are just not used in the U.S. Also, the English dialect is not "proper English." They way people speak in the United States has the same amount of credibility as English spoken in England, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, South Africa or any other place in the world. Stop being so ethnocentric will you?

Americans Don't Have Their Own Language, They Have A Few Dialects.

Quite right. I've never thought of myself as speaking American. Just American-English.

Even in single states here in America the dialect can change depending on where you are.

Ok. What's a "poke?"
#
Slang as far as I know. Shag maybe? Anyway slang doesn't count.

Whoever said the name for Great Britain used to be the UK, you just proved how cr*p our history teachers are.

Great Britain encompasses England, Scotland, and WAles ONLY. The UK is the United Kingdom of these countries AND Northern Ireland (as mentioned whenever the PM is introduced in a foreign country).

I mean speaking on English TV. And we don't. Except some people who go on holiday and don't bother learning the country's language. Like Americans going to England :) Ner ner ner ner ner :p

And you say you only get confused when it comes to English slang, yet you just said you don't know some names (official names, not slang) for certain things like nappy. Hmm.
It comes down to the local vernacular. American English does not recognise "nappy" as being the proper name. It is essentially slang, by the definition I am using, as it is not a word that is recognized in all English speaking nations. England and America share the same language. I have no need to learn your vernacular, no more than Brits in America have a need to learn the American vernacular. If I call you a "wicked pisser", you will more than likely have no clue what I just called you. But then, neither would someone from New York. I don't demand people refer to a long sandwich as a "sub" or "grinder" rather than a "hero" or "hoagie", nor "soda" over "pop" or "coke". They all mean the same exact thing.
When I go to the south, if I ordered cornbread, I would get something totally different than what cornbread is in the north. Same goes for lobster. Here, I get a Maine lobster. there, I get an overgrown shrimp or crawfish.

Additionally, there IS such a thing as soccer. It is the exact same sport as non-American football. It is just another word. I can make just as many claims that American English is the proper version, as we have more speakers than the UK. iirc, Australia and South Africa could make the same argument. And we all lose to India. Deal with the fact that there are vernacular differences.

You said the "Q" word...

You should at least learn "guten Tag", "auf Wiedersprechen/sehen/hören", "entschuldigung", "Ich kann keine Deutsch sprechen" and how to count to twenty. Going much farther then that takes you into the territory of Tourist-German, and that does no one any favours (for instance, what good is it knowing how to ask directions in German if you won't know how to understand the directions that you'll get?)
LOL! True. I already know some of those and would make the effort to learn more, if for no other reason than to make my way around. But I think trying to learn an entire language for nothing more than a short, one-time visit would be pointless.

I'm being serious. Very. We did save there ass and kick it twice. It's the american way.

Look mate, America entered WWI in 1917 and contributed pretty minimally really. The British, French, Belgians and ANZAC had done pretty much all the fighting, American prescence really was very small.

And as for WWII, you entered in 1941, 1 year after we held off the Luftwaffe single-handedly, and I don't think it can be denied by any non-American that what won the war for the Allies were the huge sacrifices of the Red Army on the Eastern Front, where 9 in 10 of the German dead were killed. Yes, America helped greatly, but to say 'we saved your ass' is the typical knee-jerk misguided patriotism that I'd expect from an American.

History teaching really needs a rethink over the pond...

Ireland speaks English too. Yes, they have their own language as well, but they have english.
I'll be a dead man before I acknowledge that those useless drunks are their own country.
*shakes fist in a fit of anachronistic colonialism*

It comes down to the local vernacular. American English does not recognise "nappy" as being the proper name. It is essentially slang, by the definition I am using, as it is not a word that is recognized in all English speaking nations. England and America share the same language. I have no need to learn your vernacular, no more than Brits in America have a need to learn the American vernacular. If I call you a "wicked pisser", you will more than likely have no clue what I just called you. But then, neither would someone from New York. I don't demand people refer to a long sandwich as a "sub" or "grinder" rather than a "hero" or "hoagie", nor "soda" over "pop" or "coke". They all mean the same exact thing.

Additionally, there IS such a thing as soccer. It is the exact same sport as non-American football. It is just another word. I can make just as many claims that American English is the proper version, as we have more speakers than the UK. iirc, Australia and South Africa could make the same argument. And we all lose to India. Deal with the fact that there are vernacular differences.

But I could say the same about diaper etc. being slang. Nappy IS recognised in England's main English Dictionary, and across ALL of Britain (not just England).

And there's no such thing as soccer. There used to be, which was just heading a ball to each other (now it's called something different). Football is football. Simple as.

Anyway who likes ducks?

I'm being serious. Very. We did save there ass and kick it twice. It's the american way.:p

The Allies beat the Axis nations. That doesn't mean they can make changes to the languages of those nations.

You can't expect everyone everywhere to learn every single dialect of a language. I'm learning Spanish at school, but it would be impossible to learn to speak it fluently worldwide when so many places have tiny dialect differences.

The same is true of English. English is spoken in several countries, and over time different dialects have emerged. There are several dialects of "british-english," too. There are just less differences in those dialects than in the dialect which is divided from your dialect by an ocean. :D

It comes down to the local vernacular. American English does not recognise "nappy" as being the proper name. It is essentially slang, by the definition I am using, as it is not a word that is recognized in all English speaking nations. England and America share the same language. I have no need to learn your vernacular, no more than Brits in America have a need to learn the American vernacular. If I call you a "wicked pisser", you will more than likely have no clue what I just called you. But then, neither would someone from New York. I don't demand people refer to a long sandwich as a "sub" or "grinder" rather than a "hero" or "hoagie", nor "soda" over "pop" or "coke". They all mean the same exact thing.
When I go to the south, if I ordered cornbread, I would get something totally different than what cornbread is in the north. Same goes for lobster. Here, I get a Maine lobster. there, I get an overgrown shrimp or crawfish.

Additionally, there IS such a thing as soccer. It is the exact same sport as non-American football. It is just another word. I can make just as many claims that American English is the proper version, as we have more speakers than the UK. iirc, Australia and South Africa could make the same argument. And we all lose to India. Deal with the fact that there are vernacular differences.

Amen to that!

We all speak some form of English, its not like we cant understand each other at all. Its not like we're speaking completely different languages and are trying to call each English.

We all speak basic English. There, just let it be.

Instant Arrogant American Reaction:
Because we're America, we broke away from you, kicked your ass twice, then saved your ass, so we can do what we want with the English language. Besides, for the people who started the language, you sure have an odd way of saying/spelling it. Theatre, what the hell??? The end sound is "ter" not "tre". Damn wacko Brits!

I like that post so much i think ill put it on twice.
It's not arragance though, its the truth. We did kick there ass twice, we saved there ass twice, so we CAN do what we want with the english language.


Can i be very annoying and english and point out that you would of lost if the french hadnt of helped you and that you stayed out of the war till you got bombed/decided who was going to win?

Without the American language, we never could of came up with, "The british are coming the british are coming!," for all you Brits out there thats Pual Revere, one of the guys who helped in the revolution. I bet you guys hate him.

#
Slang as far as I know. Shag maybe? Anyway slang doesn't count.
"To shag" is the defintion of a slang term mostly confined to parts of the US other than the South. In the Southern US, "poke" means a bag or sack. I personally know people who still use it as a matter of course, although it is passing from common usage.

What are chitterlings?

I'll be a dead man before I acknowledge that those useless drunks are their own country.
*shakes fist in a fit of anachronistic colonialism*
The IRA have been informed of your location and are preparing pipebombs as we speak.:)

Amen to that!

We all speak some form of English, its not like we cant understand each other at all. Its not like we're speaking completely different languages and are trying to call each English.

We all speak basic English. There, just let it be.

It's nice to see that at least some of us don't have our heads up our asses in this discussion.

*hands you a box of cookies*

Can i be very annoying and english and point out that you would of lost if the french hadnt of helped you and that you stayed out of the war till you got bombed/decided who was going to win?
Look... The french are unappreciatetive jerks. We would have won but it would of taken longer. But come to the of it you guys could of been invaded by france and spain. I mean they both hated you so why not?

I'll be a dead man before I acknowledge that those useless drunks are their own country.
*shakes fist in a fit of anachronistic colonialism*

lol

*shakes head*

In the Southern US, "poke" means a bag or sack.

Are you serious? :p

You can't expect everyone everywhere to learn every single dialect of a language. I'm learning Spanish at school, but it would be impossible to learn to speak it fluently worldwide when so many places have tiny dialect differences.

The same is true of English. English is spoken in several countries, and over time different dialects have emerged. There are several dialects of "british-english," too. There are just less differences in those dialects than in the dialect which is divided from your dialect by an ocean. :D

Ah f*ck it, you win. After all, America was once a British colony. So I guess it is a different dialect. But I still think people should learn the language (whatever that may be) when they go to a particular country, even if they don't learn the dialects

Anyway who likes ducks?
Uh ... I like roast duck, does that count? :)

Look... The french are unappreciatetive jerks.

Stop talking. Now.

Without the American language, we never could of came up with, "The british are coming the british are coming!," for all you Brits out there thats Pual Revere, one of the guys who helped in the revolution. I bet you guys hate him.
I doubt highly that many English people know who Paul Revere is, or know about his midnight ride(I hope I'm thinking of the same guy or I'm gonna look real stupid). I similarly doubt there are any English people who are all that bothered by the outcome of your revolution.

Hooligan: So I tell the swamp donkey to sock it before I give her a trunky in the tradesman's entrance and have her lick me yardballs!

Cooper: Wow. You guys are on a completely different level of swearing here.

Also, if your referencing Pearl Harbor...That was Japan you mullethead. They were kicking your ass in the pacific and you know its so we saved your asses there to.3 times...

So why do Americans seem to assume everyone knows their language and that people won't mind if they ignorantly use the wrong names for sports?
Wrong? By whose standards? Do I smell arrogance?

Ah f*ck it, you win. After all, America was once a British colony. So I guess it is a different dialect. But I still think people should learn the language (whatever that may be) when they go to a particular country, even if they don't learn the dialects

It's a miracle! A forum thread actually changed a person's mind!

It's nice to see that at least some of us don't have our heads up our asses in this discussion.

*hands you a box of cookies*

Thank you. *happily eats cookies*

Well, I just don't see what the point is in making this such a big deal. We all seem to be able to understand each other well enough to bicker about it like children, so apparently our dialect differences aren't much of a real problem now, are they?

Aah, dusch zoo komde gij dus aan uwe hoge aantal berichies ;)

Förlorat på dem i vilket fall som helst.

I visit the UK every few years. For me to brush up on all the Brit-slang and then try to incorporate it into my speech - would be as ridiculous as me going into the "hood" and calling everyone "my nigga" and then trying to add the proper "izzle" suffix to the correct ebonics declension.

We all speak some form of English, its not like we cant understand each other at all. Its not like we're speaking completely different languages and are trying to call each English.

We all speak basic English. There, just let it be.
Sir Winston Churchill said "The British and Americans are two peoples separated by a common language."

Oy, Himleret, if the USA are so militarily superior could you please explain to me why your total military might was defeated by Vietnamese peasants with imported AK47s?

I doubt highly that many English people know who Paul Revere is, or know about his midnight ride(I hope I'm thinking of the same guy or I'm gonna look real stupid). I similarly doubt there are any English people who are all that bothered by the outcome of your revolution.
Yep, that guys the right guy. And yes i know that Washington was a brit also so dont bring that up. The thing is that we flat out kicked your cans. So, go out put on your knickerbockers and get your cans kicked in africa...again.4 times...
by the way this not addressed towards you but that other guy who says that we would of lost.

Also, if your referencing Pearl Harbor...That was Japan you mullethead. They were kicking your ass in the pacific and you know its so we saved your asses there to.3 times...
"Mullethead!" ROFL! :D

Thank you. *happily eats cookies*

Well, I just don't see what the point is in making this such a big deal. We all seem to be able to understand each other well enough to bicker about it like children, so apparently our dialect differences aren't much of a real problem now, are they?

Not at all. In fact, it makes things more interesting.

Think about it: What would the world be like if everyone spoke in the same dialect? I think it'd be really boring, and travelling wouldn't be much fun.

Sir Winston Churchill said "The British and Americans are two peoples separated by a common language."

Yeah, i love that quote. Everyone remember, Churchill's mother was... DUN DUN DUUNN!!!! American!

It's a miracle! A forum thread actually changed a person's mind!

Well I'm not stuck in a viewpoint of thinking I'm right all the time. If someone proves me wrong, I'll accept defeat. Simple as.

But as for wrong names for sports being by who's standards: by the standards of the people who invented those sports. Thr British invented football. Therefore to call it anything else is daft.

And as for the American Revolution (if you're referring to the Independence Day thingamajig), considering the reasons for it, I'm glad of it.

Yep, that guys the right guy. And yes i know that Washington was a brit also so dont bring that up. The thing is that we flat out kicked your cans. So, go out put on your knickerbockers and get your cans kicked in africa...again.4 times...

...Washington was born in Virginia...

Look mate, America entered WWI in 1917 and contributed pretty minimally really. The British, French, Belgians and ANZAC had done pretty much all the fighting, American prescence really was very small.
Yeah. Wasn't it amazing how you brits managed to single handedly produce the resources required to defend your isles from German aggression?
Oh, yeah, you didn't.
And American entry into WWI was the straw that broke the camels back in Germany. Remember, they weren't conquered, they surrendered after internal revolution. It could have just as easily been the French or British to fracture under the strain.
And as for WWII, you entered in 1941, 1 year after we held off the Luftwaffe single-handedly, and I don't think it can be denied by any non-American that what won the war for the Allies were the huge sacrifices of the Red Army on the Eastern Front, where 9 in 10 of the German dead were killed. Yes, America helped greatly, but to say 'we saved your ass' is the typical knee-jerk misguided patriotism that I'd expect from an American.
Once again, American supplies and military resources were flowing across the Atlantic for the whole of the war, and the actual major military action was the tipping point of the war.
But that is all a discussion for another time.

Oy, Himleret, if the USA are so militarily superior could you please explain to me why your total military might was defeated by Vietnamese peasants with imported AK47s?
It wasn't. It was defeated by a combination of political supidity and internal contention. :p

Not at all. In fact, it makes things more interesting.

Think about it: What would the world be like if everyone spoke in the same dialect? I think it'd be really boring, and travelling wouldn't be much fun.

Exactly. It just keeps some flavor to life. Keeps us similar, while staying unique.

It's a miracle! A forum thread actually changed a person's mind!
This forum must forever be enshrined in the Annals of Teh Interwebs as the greatest ever. We will all surely recieve medals and a lifetime supply of cookies for contributing to it.
*waits patiently for cookies*

Look... The french are unappreciatetive jerks. We would have won but it would of taken longer. But come to the of it you guys could of been invaded by france and spain. I mean they both hated you so why not?

hehe i was just being pretentious and pedantic hehe. i don't know that much bout the history to be honest. I don't know if you would have won and the french did it just to spite us

Yeah, i love that quote. Everyone remember, Churchill's mother was... DUN DUN DUUNN!!!! American!
Just another instance of how "The Mother Country" turned out to have different equipment! :D

...Washington was born in Virginia...
By brit i mean he was a general i think in the brit army...Scuse me The BRA.

It was defeated by a combination of political supidity and internal contention.

No, it was defeated as it is unable to fight wars in which they cannot use carpet-bombing, and have to actually fight.

Well I'm not stuck in a viewpoint of thinking I'm right all the time. If someone proves me wrong, I'll accept defeat. Simple as.

But as for wrong names for sports being by who's standards: by the standards of the people who invented those sports. Thr British invented football. Therefore to call it anything else is daft.

And as for the American Revolution (if you're referring to the Independence Day thingamajig), considering the reasons for it, I'm glad of it.
The British invented football? Now -that- is being daft.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football

This forum must forever be enshrined in the Annals of Teh Interwebs as the greatest ever. We will all surely recieve medals and a lifetime supply of cookies for contributing to it.
*waits patiently for cookies*
[ Backs his dumptruck up to your porch and dumps an entire load of cookies on your doorstep. ] There! Happy now? :D

And when I say soccer, you know exactly what I am refering to. You call it football. Americans and Australians call it soccer. Get off the cultural imperalistic high horse. British English is no more proper than any other English vernacular.

But it's still bloody annoying when you give a sport a wrong name, considering what it's name was when it was invented. I try to remember to call lifts elevators because when they were invented they were called that. Football has always been called football. NEVER soccer, excpet by the ignorant.

By brit i mean he was a general i think in the brit army...Scuse me The BRA.

No, not a general in the british army. He was in the army earlier on, but I don;t belive he made it that high in the british ranks. And even then, you can't call him British just for being in the military. He was a British subject, but then, all of America was. We just declared ourselves independent. But had ALWAYS been Americans. Even to native Brits, when we were a colony, we were Americans.

The British invented football? Now -that- is being daft.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football

Oh yeah, cus the AMERICAN-BASED, non-hierarcy-using wikipedia is SO accurate. Our uni tutors tell us not to use it. In ANY assignment.

The British invented football? Now -that- is being daft.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football

And another case of "We English invented everything!" is thoroughly kicked in the nads.

*hands you a cookie*

No, it was defeated as it is unable to fight wars in which they cannot use carpet-bombing, and have to actually fight.
Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal, Bastonge, Belliu Wood, Hue, Firebase Alpha ... shall I continue?

Well I'm not stuck in a viewpoint of thinking I'm right all the time. If someone proves me wrong, I'll accept defeat. Simple as.


I'm not just refering to you. An occurance like this is very rare in any thread.

I just hope people don't start flaming each other about the Revolutionary war and WWII.

Yep, that guys the right guy. And yes i know that Washington was a brit also so dont bring that up. The thing is that we flat out kicked your cans. So, go out put on your knickerbockers and get your cans kicked in africa...again.4 times...
by the way this not addressed towards you but that other guy who says that we would of lost.
My point is that you are sorely mistaken if you think American military victories over anyone at any stage in history make you any better as a nation.
I get that it's not addressed ot me. America never kicked my 'can'.
Oh, and since Aerica was a British colony when you revolted, all the revolutionaries were Brits.

Oh yeah, cus the AMERICAN-BASED, non-hierarcy-using wikipedia is SO accurate. Our uni tutors tell us not to use it. In ANY assignment.

That's because your professors are titwashers.

This forum must forever be enshrined in the Annals of Teh Interwebs as the greatest ever. We will all surely recieve medals and a lifetime supply of cookies for contributing to it.
*waits patiently for cookies*

aww cute. I;'d wire you some if gifts could be wired :D seriously

The point was actually correct; according to most historical assessments without French intervention, the rebels would have lost.
Totally irrelevant now, of course. And ironic, considering who had their own revolution a few years down the line.

Look, I can have trouble understanding someone from the other side of the same city, and I'm pretty good with accents and dialects, so the fact that we can understand each other at all is a minor miracle.

But it's still bloody annoying when you give a sport a wrong name, considering what it's name was when it was invented. I try to remember to call lifts elevators because when they were invented they were called that. Football has always been called football. NEVER soccer, excpet by the ignorant.
haha...I actually just deleted that post because you gave in a minute before I posted.

But Americans are not ignorant because they call it soccer (There are much better reasons to call us ignorant)

It annoys me when people call it a hero, but no reason to make them change it. Its a dialectical difference.

Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal, Bastonge, Belliu Wood, Hue, Firebase Alpha ... shall I continue?

Damn right.

Vietnam was lost because of really bad planning, among other things.

Oh yeah, cus the AMERICAN-BASED, non-hierarcy-using wikipedia is SO accurate. Our uni tutors tell us not to use it. In ANY assignment.
Yes, seeing how -everyone across the entire globe- is allowed to contribute to the Wikipedia, I can see why you assume it's so very American-based. Your Uni tutors are taking away a great source of information. I pity you narrow-minded folks.

And another case of "We English invented everything!" is thoroughly kicked in the nads.

*hands you a cookie*

No it isn't. See post above yours.

Yeah, i love that quote. Everyone remember, Churchill's mother was... DUN DUN DUUNN!!!! American!
So he clearly knew what he was talking about.

Oy, Himleret, if the USA are so militarily superior could you please explain to me why your total military might was defeated by Vietnamese peasants with imported AK47s?
Becuase the Lyndon Johnson didn't want to win the war. Instead, he invented this "hearts and minds" crap that never works and only creates extended and bloody conflicts. Regretfully, everyone seems to have forgotten that when you've got them by the balls, the hearts and minds will follow.

Whenever Americans talk on TV, or to English people in any situation, it seems they haven't bothered learning British-English (ie proper English :)) and expect everyone to know their language. They they get confused when people in Britain use their native language (eg. nappy instead of diaper).
See British English annoys me, but its fun to imitate it. Also, it's hard when all you really speak is English.

You know whats the real killer?
We could do it all over again...
5 times...

That's because your professors are titwashers.

hehe@professors

We never have to call them that. We use first names :D

And no, it's because they want us to do proper research instead of pulling something off a website which is, essentially, a place where ANYONE can post ANYTHING

So he clearly knew what he was talking about.

Indeed.

No it isn't. See post above yours.

No, Wikipedia is maintained by people the world over. Its information is usually quite accurate.

Football games have been played since ancient times. The English didn't "invent" it. Fuck, even the Aztecs and Mayans played football games!

FRICKING FOOTBALL GAMES OF DEATH!!!

Damn right.

Vietnam was lost because of really bad planning, among other things.
Well, I wouldn't use the term "bad planning" so much as "inappropriate doctrine." The US military ( like most militaries the world over ) had a bad habit of preparing for the last war, not the next one.

hehe@professors

We never have to call them that. We use first names :D

And no, it's because they want us to do proper research instead of pulling something off a website which is, essentially, a place where ANYONE can post ANYTHING
Yes. It's a pity you can post here, isn't it?

In every language their is a high and a low. Like english their is a high and low

Americans speak low english and brittain speaks high

Germany-High German,,Austria,Lux,Licht low german

Mexico-Low spanish Spain High:D

Simple!

It's fair enough saying not to quote wiki as a source, but I would recommend it for background reading.

First of all. We had hippys tieing up the war effort. Second of all, we would of won if we stayed and fought but LBJ decided to do the Hearts and Minds crap like you said.

hehe@professors

We never have to call them that. We use first names :D

And no, it's because they want us to do proper research instead of pulling something off a website which is, essentially, a place where ANYONE can post ANYTHING

Like I said, they're titwashers for that reason.

Just because anyone can post anything doesn't mean it'll be taken down by others. This is just another case of establishment not liking free, accurate information.

The British invented football? Now -that- is being daft.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football

the british did invent footbal actualy it started in the middle ages as a violent thing where ppkicked stuff from one side of the street to another whilst killing one another

[ Backs his dumptruck up to your porch and dumps an entire load of cookies on your doorstep. ] There! Happy now? :D
YAY!!! Eut wins this thread! :D :fluffle:

Yes, seeing how -everyone across the entire globe- is allowed to contribute to the Wikipedia, I can see why you assume it's so very American-based. Your Uni tutors are taking away a great source of information. I pity you narrow-minded folks.

Well it was invented by Americans wasn't it? I meant the server :P

Anyway, that article clearly looks like it was written by an American, through its constant use of the word "soccer".

And as you said, EVERYONE across the entire globe can contribute. There's no proper checks. So it's not exactly reliable.

Like I said, they're titwashers for that reason.

Just because anyone can post anything doesn't mean it'll be taken down by others. This is just another case of establishment not liking free, accurate information.
Wikipedia is part of "The Establishment?" :eek:

hehe@professors

We never have to call them that. We use first names :D

And no, it's because they want us to do proper research instead of pulling something off a website which is, essentially, a place where ANYONE can post ANYTHING

Find a free encylopedia that you can link to. Then we'll talk

Just because anyone can post anything doesn't mean it'll be taken down by others. This is just another case of establishment not liking free, accurate information.
Yeah, but just because something false will eventually be taken down, doesn't mean that, at the particular instant you open the page and grab the quote you're going to use for your paper, false information isn't present.

To a large degree it's accurate. I've only knowingly come across one mistake; that was someone having changed Persian in a discussion of Salamis to Iranian. And I get pretty picky abotu facts.

Yeah. Wasn't it amazing how you brits managed to single handedly produce the resources required to defend your isles from German aggression?
Oh, yeah, you didn't.
And American entry into WWI was the straw that broke the camels back in Germany. Remember, they weren't conquered, they surrendered after internal revolution. It could have just as easily been the French or British to fracture under the strain.

Once again, American supplies and military resources were flowing across the Atlantic for the whole of the war, and the actual major military action was the tipping point of the war.
But that is all a discussion for another time.
Yes, we should endlessly thank the Americans for selling/leasing us resources and boosting their economy through it. Not a trace of self interest there. The Allies were already pushing Germany back by the time the first American Soldiers reached the front lines. America entering the war could be said to have speeded up the process by causing the Germans to attack, but at most it was "the final straw" that tipped the balance. Hardly "saving our ass"

Ugh, the british assume the same shit.

No, Wikipedia is maintained by people the world over. Its information is usually quite accurate.

Football games have been played since ancient times. The English didn't "invent" it. Fuck, even the Aztecs and Mayans played football games!

FRICKING FOOTBALL GAMES OF DEATH!!!

Maintained by ORDINARY people the world over. Many people the world over think their are excuses for murder. The information they give isn't exactly properly checked.

And wikipedia may be useful to gain some basic insight into something, info taht is then PROPERLY checked. But our uni tutors tell us not to use it because of how innacurate it can be - as ANYONE can post ANYTHING with no checks taking place.

The only way a person would notice a mistake is IF they are looking for a particular topic and IF they are well-researched on that particular topic. Anyway computer is messing up. If I don't posts again, tis why. Or I've gone home.

Wikipedia is part of "The Establishment?" :eek:

No no no, I was talking about university professors not liking Wikipedia.

And, even through over a year of looking all over Wikipedia, I've only come across one page with any mistakes on it. It was about a band, too, so it really didn't matter that much.

Edit: Hah! The page in question's been fixed.

Well it was invented by Americans wasn't it? I meant the server :P

Anyway, that article clearly looks like it was written by an American, through its constant use of the word "soccer".

And as you said, EVERYONE across the entire globe can contribute. There's no proper checks. So it's not exactly reliable.
Well over here in Holland we also use soccer for the more popular European version, and football for the American 'Rugby' version. So I guess we agree with the Americans. That's two versus one, you're out English boy.

How fair is it, really, to compare the relative roles of allies in a vast coalition war, when each self-evidently had a vital role to play in the eventual victory?

You know whats the real killer?
We could do it all over again...
5 times...
Not really. I doubt America could survive attacking one of it's allies. If suck a retarded thing did happen the president would be impeached and whatever lucky person was left incharge of the country after the huge scandal would get down on his knees and beg for forgiveness.

Anyway I said you lot won on the original post. Now give up trying to look smarter :P

And...all due respect, but Holland is weird :p
Plus I believe that the world governing body for the sport in question has the word football in it's title, not soccer. So if there is a 'correct' name for the beautiful game, it's football.

EDIT: If you want to go further, then Association Football.

Well over here in Holland we also use soccer for the more popular European version, and football for the American 'Rugby' version. So I guess we agree with the Americans. That's two versus one, you're out English boy.
Welcome to the real world, where the majority thinking something doesn't make it right. We hope you enjoy your stay
-Real World Tourism Board

Well over here in Holland we also use soccer for the more popular European version, and football for the American 'Rugby' version. So I guess we agree with the Americans. That's two versus one, you're out English boy.
I don't. Still 1-1.

Argh! Dutch civil war! Possibly the first war fought over football, and it's not even about a match result!?!

Someone please tell me what the Canuck/Canadian vernacular is? How do we talk? (I am Canadian, I don't get it)

Not really. I doubt America could survive attacking one of it's allies. If suck a retarded thing did happen the president would be impeached and whatever lucky person was left incharge of the country after the huge scandal would get down on his knees and beg for forgiveness.
Nah uh uh I beg to differ if we would "Attack" South Korea, who relies on us to defend the DMZ (that s Dem-militarizied Zone for those of you who aren't in the know.), by pulling out and saying to North Korea, "Go Postal." that would be considered by the world as a indirect attack on an ally.

Yes, we should endlessly thank the Americans for selling/leasing us resources and boosting their economy through it. Not a trace of self interest there.
Well, since we were holding your heads above the water at the risk of our own people (and at our own economic loss), yeah, I think we deserve a bit of gratitude.
The Allies were already pushing Germany back by the time the first American Soldiers reached the front lines. America entering the war could be said to have speeded up the process by causing the Germans to attack, but at most it was "the final straw" that tipped the balance. Hardly "saving our ass"
You wouldn't have reached that point without American economic aid, though. The World Wars were both near things, and if any major player in the Allies (Russia, the US, UK, and France) had chosen to stay out, the Germans would probably have dominated Europe.

By Forsakia: They were pushing Germany BAck...

Are you on crack? With out us you would of been a province and been speaking GErman.

one of the main problems is that, in general, the american dialect pisses british people off. i can assure you, there is nothing more annoying to a Briton than the word 'soccer' being used for football. actually, american speaking is more of a source of amusement to us.



Comments like this don't help your cause either.

Comments like this don't help your cause Harriyatazemlyi. As much as you guys seem to hate the American dialect, you have to deal with it. That's the way we speak here. There are some things that just need to be let go and forgotten about. Seriously, what is wrong with us saying "soccer"? That's what we were raised to call it. You call it football, we call it soccer. Pure and simple. There should be no reason for any arguement here.

If we wanted to, we could make fun of your speech as well.... of course, that would mean that we'd have to stoop to a childish level of behavior.

For crying out loud, topics like this only prove that people are shallow and immature. Why the heck do we argue over such trivial and idiotic topics? All dialects/languages/accents (whatever you want to call them), are unique and should be treated as such. Seriously, why waste your time trying to change something that will never change?

This post is not just pointed at one side of the arguement; it's pointed at all sides.

Britons should not expect Americans to speak like them. Americans should not expect Britons to speak like them. Everybody should just accept things how they are.

Though I'm trying to stay out of the whole World War argument, would you please explain exactly what risk the American people faced in lending/giving resources, apart from the risk of economic loss?

Nah uh uh I beg to differ if we would "Attack" South Korea, who relies on us to defend the DMZ (that s Dem-militarizied Zone for those of you who aren't in the know.), by pulling out and saying to North Korea, "Go Postal." that would be considered by the world as a indirect attack on an ally.
Evidently you aren't in the know as it is De-Militarized Zone, not 'Dem-militarizied Zone'. I do hope that gunshot wound in your foot heals up quickly.
What makes you think the North Koreans would 'Go postal' at your word. Also, what makes you think you'd survive that indirect attack. It could be taken as a sign of weakness, opening the door to attacks on America from who knows how many different terrorist groups, and maybe even a few anti-America countries.

Yeah, I agree Shadow Fells; I much prefer threads about what accents are sexy :D
So

What accent do you find sexy and why?

Don't think there's been one of those in a while :D

Oh yeah, I like a soft Ulster brogue. And that's an accent not a shoe.

Comments like this don't help your cause Harriyatazemlyi. As much as you guys seem to hate the American dialect, you have to deal with it. That's the way we speak here. There are some things that just need to be let go and forgotten about. Seriously, what is wrong with us saying "soccer"? That's what we were raised to call it. You call it football, we call it soccer. Pure and simple. There should be no reason for any arguement here.

If we wanted to, we could make fun of your speech as well.... of course, that would mean that we'd have to stoop to a childish level of behavior.

For crying out loud, topics like this only prove that people are shallow and immature. Why the heck do we argue over such trivial and idiotic topics? All dialects/languages/accents (whatever you want to call them), are unique and should be treated as such. Seriously, why waste your time trying to change something that will never change?

This post is not just pointed at one side of the arguement; it's pointed at all sides.

Britons should not expect Americans to speak like them. Americans should not expect Britons to speak like them. Everybody should just accept things how they are.
Hoorah, someone is making sense. When you get a crate of cookies by Fed-Ex, it's from me. Don't ask how I knew your address ;)

Let's end this thread on a good note, people... Just let it die!

Hoorah, someone is making sense. When you get a crate of cookies by Fed-Ex, it's from me. Don't ask how I knew your address ;)

Heh. Thanks.

... How'd you know my address?

Whenever Americans talk on TV, or to English people in any situation, it seems they haven't bothered learning British-English (ie proper English :)) and expect everyone to know their language. They they get confused when people in Britain use their native language (eg. nappy instead of diaper).

This post isn't to slag off Americans, it's a genuinbe curiosity... I mean, if you go to Germany, you learn German right? It's a matter of respect, instead of expecting everyone to know your language. So why not learn British-English if you're going to England? It's not like there's no dictionaries available - there's even online ones (even if they are a bit innacurate). Plus it stops you annoying people (using "soccer" as a name for football (English football that is) is seriously annoying - it's like calling gymnastics "trampolining" or judo "karate").

So why do Americans seem to assume everyone knows their language and taht people won't mind if they ignorantly use the wrong names for sports?
first of all, it's all the same language, only with different dialects. saying that american is a different language is as ridiculous as saying that people in liverpool speak a different language than people in london simply because they have different accents and slang. secondly, football is a popular american sport, more popular than, ahem, soccer, so in order to prevent unnecessary confusion, we call your football soccer.

Like, sorry but like, DUH. An accent is a particular sound of a voice. A language is exactly that - a language, not an accent. Like yeh.
I think that they ment a dialect. Which I point out that it basicly is. I'm from America and I perfer to call the language I speak American because the British always get pissed off when you don't use proper english. As this thread proves. But of course no one knows what I mean so I just say english.

Why do Americans assume everyone speaks English?

Well, it's not a half bad assumption

To the OP:

Vive le Difference! Relax and pull that length of rebar our of your colon, my friend. I don't understand folks in the southeastern part of my own USA -- some people delight in the confusion and actually enjoy learning through interaction. I keep talking and asking questions until I get it.

Now, if you were slagging on those who, when using this empirical method add negative commentary after hearing of the differences in local vernacular ("well, why didn'tcha just say soccer, man? Jeez!" and so forth), THEN you'd have a legitimate point. Curious and experience-loving Americans aren't always ugly Americans.

Why do Americans assume everyone speaks English?

Well, it's not a half bad assumption

We don't. We just know that English is one of the most spoken languages in the world following Chinese I think. I mean my cousin has spent like 7 years learning spanish, french, and gaelic just so he can go to other countries and not look like an idiot american.

YAY!!! Eut wins this thread! :D :fluffle:
Kewl! I do believe this is the very first thread I have ever "won!" :D

American's didn't join the war right away because it was easier to make loads of money exploiting everyone economically from a "neutral" position, rather then get involved in the mess.... But that's just what I've figured out, being a History Major and all.... w/ some bias.... and that's not to say that it's the American people's fault, it's the government.
So don't get all pissy and offended. Even still I won't respond, I really don't care what people think.

a) Watch "The Amazing Race" - funniest shit ever. It's Americans abroad! :D

b) I don't like the sound of your "average" American accent. For some reason I find it horrible. I can live with it on the TV, but in real life it always makes me cringe.

a) Watch "The Amazing Race" - funniest shit ever. It's Americans abroad! :D

b) I don't like the sound of your "average" American accent. For some reason I find it horrible.

1: Oh man, that show is funny. :D

2: Well, how do you mean?

2: Well, how do you mean?
I can't explain it.

I sit there, reading my book in the lecture at uni, and then some dude walks to the front to make an announcement...and he's American. And immediately I get annoyed.

Call it "irrational Anti-Americanism", because I sure don't have a better word for it. :confused:

dudes and dudettes. I said ya won. Now quit carrying on the convo or shoving off-topic bits into it will ya?

*sighs* Americans

:D hehe

dudes and dudettes. I said ya won. Now quit carrying on the convo or shoving off-topic bits into it will ya?

*sighs* Americans

:D hehe
Welcome to NS. We beat dead horses like its our job.

Why, "American" isn't a language any more than the Conch Republic a real country. The "American Language" is closer to a plaything, such as monopoly money or the language of Gibberish, a source of amusement.

Well over here in Holland we also use soccer for the more popular European version, and football for the American 'Rugby' version. So I guess we agree with the Americans. That's two versus one, you're out English boy.

Not me, and I also live in The Netherlands :P

Call it "irrational Anti-Americanism", because I sure don't have a better word for it. :confused:

BIGOTRY!
rofl, j/k

That's why I'm glad to be Canadian. Nobody hates us.

</end transmission> ;)

I can't explain it.

I sit there, reading my book in the lecture at uni, and then some dude walks to the front to make an announcement...and he's American. And immediately I get annoyed.

Call it "irrational Anti-Americanism", because I sure don't have a better word for it. :confused:

Baaaah! It's probably our sharp R's. :p

That's why I'm glad to be Canadian. Nobody hates us.
Well, except the seals. :p

Well, except the seals. :p

*clubs you with a... club*

I just returned from Germany and I was under the impression that Germans could understand American English better than British English. We ran into a group of Welsh in Germany too. I could understand German much easier than I could understand the Welsh dialect.

It did annoy me somewhat that everyone in Germany assumed I only spoke English. I can certainly speak enough German to buy something in a shop.

We don't. We just know that English is one of the most spoken languages in the world following Chinese I think. I mean my cousin has spent like 7 years learning spanish, french, and gaelic just so he can go to other countries and not look like an idiot american.
Fourth. Mandarin, Hindustani, Spanish, then English.

Why, "American" isn't a language any more than the Conch Republic a real country. The "American Language" is closer to a plaything, such as monopoly money or the language of Gibberish, a source of amusement.
Is your nation's name from the Eddie Izzard bit on product names?

"Mister Hitler makes exceedingly good cakes..."

I believe that in parts of Ireland, Australia, and Canada, the word is "soccer" rather than football. In Canadian French, it's called "le soccer" instead of "le foot," as it is in French.

Also, I don't mean to be pedantic but I find it ironic that some of the people arguing that American or British English is not proper English cannot seem to use basic English mechanics: for example, "basicly," "it's own," and "would of."

Ok. What's a "poke?"


poke isn't American, it's redneck.;)

In every language their is a high and a low. Like english their is a high and low

Americans speak low english and brittain speaks high

<snip>!

Actually if you take high and low to be determined by wealth distribution. America is equal to high and britain low. After all America has a significant portion of the worlds wealth.

High and low German refers to regional dialectal differences, not socioeconomic status. :rolleyes:

*edited because of grammatical error*

But as for wrong names for sports being by who's standards: by the standards of the people who invented those sports. Thr British invented football. Therefore to call it anything else is daft.

The origins of American Football are every bit as old and likely older than the roots of football played in the UK and the international community. Some people believe that the name football refers to a sport where a ball is kicked with the foot and they are mistaken. Football of the medieval period, where all the football variants came from, refers specifically to any game with a ball that is played on foot (to differ from games played on horseback). The football matches at Shrovetide in the Middle Ages bear a closer resemblance to American Football than to what is called Football in the UK.

They both came from the same area at about the same time and I think that a lot of people are ignorant of this and do so because of an assumption that anything in the New World couldn’t possibly have origins as old as something still in the Old World.

The Bruce

Bah Humbug! I'll say it again! Bah Humbug! By the way the American Dictionary is older. The standard for American English is still Webster's Dictionary first published in 1828. The Standard for the Queen's English is the Oxford Dictionary first published in 1884. But the first complete dictionary wasn't available until the 20th century. "The 125th and last fascicle, covering words from Wise to the end of W, was published on April 19, 1928, and the full dictionary in bound volumes followed immediately."

What a way to run a dictionary!

Remember that while Britian did rule the waves and the sun never set on your empire at one time, not all the "English" speaking world came from your loins. A number of English speaking countries came from America and it's American English according to Webster that is spoken there.

In any event Shakespere would laugh at both our horrid tongues. :p

The origins of American Football are every bit as old and likely older than the roots of football played in the UK and the international community. Some people believe that the name football refers to a sport where a ball is kicked with the foot and they are mistaken. Football of the medieval period, where all the football variants came from, refers specifically to any game with a ball that is played on foot (to differ from games played on horseback). The football matches at Shrovetide in the Middle Ages bear a closer resemblance to American Football than to what is called Football in the UK.

They both came from the same area at about the same time and I think that a lot of people are ignorant of this and do so because of an assumption that anything in the New World couldn’t possibly have origins as old as something still in the Old World.

The Bruce

FOOTball. Not THROWball. Simple.

FOOTball. Not THROWball. Simple.

*Resorts to drawing simple pictograms of a horse, a man on foot, and a ball to explain where the name football comes from. Interjects Paleolithic grunts to emphasize points where needed.*

You read the part of my post:

"Football of the medieval period, where all the football variants came from, refers specifically to any game with a ball that is played on foot (to differ from games played on horseback)."

poke isn't American, it's redneck.;)
Yankee!! :mp5:

FOOTball. Not THROWball. Simple.
and here is the point, flying way over your head. It is played on foot, not on horseback, as polo is. Rugby is another "football". The three main variants off the same root sport are actually soccer, rugby, and american football.

Not to mention kicking actually fulfills several important aspects of the game.

So why do Americans seem to assume everyone knows their language and taht people won't mind if they ignorantly use the wrong names for sports?

Look who's talking. What the hell is cricket? The sport makes no sense and it seems to be a poor derived version of baseball (a sport I don't even like) And why do you call it a lori? What is a lori? I know you call normal trucks trucks (that would really suck for me if you didn't) so why make up a new name? I'll give you credit though, bloody hell is a very nice phrase.

Note. Nothing in this post was ment to offened any of you silly Brits out there. We Americans love ya! (even if you do talk funny) :D

Are terms like "gob" and "loo" Proper English or just coloquialisms?

Can you imagine people with a strong southern accent saying "Freshen your tea, Governor?"

Oh please. We both know that's pronounced, "Guvnah". ;)

Me too. Nah, was just curious. Not saying you SHOULD learn British-English, just wondered why ya don't, especially if talking on National British TV about something. Not everyone understands American-English, and it just sometimes seems that most Americans think the opposite.

When there is a requirement for you to speak American English in America, then you can demand that we speak British English in the UK.

You must admit, though, the language barrier can be amusing -- I had an Australian colleague who had to a) ask me to check her spelling and b) reduced the whole department to gaping stares when she asked for a rubber. ;) I was the only one who understood what she wanted and handed her an eraser.

Imagine if she'd wanted a fag.

Answer: The same reason that they are widely disrespected when travelling the world. They never even attempt at basic bits of foreign languages, they just think it's the other person's job to learn their language.

I can understand people not wanting to speak other languages whenever they travel, I wouldn't either. But even simple phrases like "Hello" "Thank you" "Goodbye", they refuse to attempt to learn.

And that my friends, is why I wear my Canadian flag on my backpack when travelling. You get a lot less grief than Americans.
:rolleyes: Way to generalize there, eh? That's probably why I've spent time stumbling through Italian and French when speaking to people of those nations until they took pity and said they knew English.

When there is a requirement for you to speak American English in America, then you can demand that we speak British English in the UK.

You must admit, though, the language barrier can be amusing -- I had an Australian colleague who had to a) ask me to check her spelling and b) reduced the whole department to gaping stares when she asked for a rubber. ;) I was the only one who understood what she wanted and handed her an eraser.

Imagine if she'd wanted a fag.
or both a fag and a rubber at the same time...

or both a fag and a rubber at the same time...
hahaha

True, but thanks to TV Americans are famous for it. Where as the rest of the world rarely gets their TV shown in other countries(relative to how much American shows are shown the world over, Friends for example)


O_O

So now you want us to re-dub our reruns?

Why not, you know, NOT watch American television if it's so offensive? Or get English voice actors to dub it?

Is this not reaching the heights of inanity yet?

And by the way, we watch a LOT of British television here, and aren't silly enough to demand that The Doctor speak like a Bostonian or that Onslo of "Keeping Up Appearances" have a southern accent.

O_O

So now you want us to re-dub our reruns?

Why not, you know, NOT watch American television if it's so offensive? Or get English voice actors to dub it?

Is this not reaching the heights of inanity yet?

And by the way, we watch a LOT of British television here, and aren't silly enough to demand that The Doctor speak like a Bostonian or that Onslo of "Keeping Up Appearances" have a southern accent.
seriously...American TV shows are made for American audiences, the shipped to other markets. Why would a show set in New York City have people speaking like Brits? I really see no logic...
I don't expect Monty Python movies or Trigger Happy TV to be redone to have no british vernacular.

I don't expect Monty Python movies *snip* to be redone to have no british vernacular.
i believe on the special edition they added japanese dub. is that inane enough katganistan? :p

I worked with a Brit (East Londoner) and while I enjoyed the change of pace of having a coworker with a different vocabulary, it was hard not to smirk when he said he was going outside for a fag.

As bad as my reaction to a British Officer who asked me to pass him a torch:

“You want me to round up some pitchforks and some rope while I’m at it, Sir?”

Whenever Americans talk on TV, or to English people in any situation, it seems they haven't bothered learning British-English (ie proper English :)) and expect everyone to know their language. They they get confused when people in Britain use their native language (eg. nappy instead of diaper).

This post isn't to slag off Americans, it's a genuinbe curiosity... I mean, if you go to Germany, you learn German right? It's a matter of respect, instead of expecting everyone to know your language. So why not learn British-English if you're going to England? It's not like there's no dictionaries available - there's even online ones (even if they are a bit innacurate). Plus it stops you annoying people (using "soccer" as a name for football (English football that is) is seriously annoying - it's like calling gymnastics "trampolining" or judo "karate").

So why do Americans seem to assume everyone knows their language and taht people won't mind if they ignorantly use the wrong names for sports?
First, you are an idiot.
I am fortunate enough to know enough cats from across the pond to not believe the rest of my cousins are as simple minded as you.

The English, do not speak "Proper" english. They speak their version of english.

I have met very few people who speak proper english.

Next your example is absurd "nappy" is slang, diaper is the word.
Nappy is short for sanitary napkin. Dullard.

Next, football is not English Football it is World Football.
Given that you can go to Ireland and find the game football and it isnt the same game says you should start asking those questions at home before you start picking on gridiron football.

Next why should we learn British english to visit britain? Brits dont learn American to come here, and why would they?

You need to be hit with a hammer.

i believe on the special edition they added japanese dub. is that inane enough katganistan? :p
difference between two different languages and two dialects.

A lot of British comedy is based on making fun of the way other people speak, either dialect or class orientated. It’s one of the things I really don’t like about British Comedy. I watch a lot of BBC shows on PBS (beamed up here to Canada) and do like them, just not the more bigoted humour that insults people based on their culture and dialect.

The Bruce

A lot of British comedy is based on making fun of the way other people speak, either dialect or class orientated. It’s one of the things I really don’t like about British Comedy. I watch a lot of BBC shows on PBS (beamed up here to Canada) and do like them, just not the more bigoted humour that insults people based on their culture and dialect.

The Bruce

a lot of comedy everywhere is like that. it usually is funnier tho when it is self-deprecating. shows with Mounties especially. Mounties and pigeons are innately funny.

Next your example is absurd "nappy" is slang, diaper is the word.
Nappy is short for sanitary napkin. Dullard.


Wait, it means "sanitary napkin?"

*Bursts out laughing*:D

So why do Americans seem to assume everyone knows their language and taht people won't mind if they ignorantly use the wrong names for sports?


Forget about Americans speaking "proper english" and learn to spell the word that.

poke isn't American, it's redneck.;)
http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-pig2.htm

Untrue. It's American by way of Britain.

For what it's worth, Wikipedia's article on the English language has a graph showing the geographic distribution of native English speakers by country. America is first, with sixty-seven percent, followed by the United Kingdom, with just shy of seventeen percent, and Canada, with just under six percent.

Here's the article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_language

There is indeed an aura of prestige surrounding British English (and especially the Received Pronunciation,) but I think that this is less true among native speakers than among those who are learning it as a foreign language, and then again, less true for Europeans than for those who hail from elsewhere. In the US, I've found a certain snobbery among New Englanders toward their dialects, particularly their pronunciation of certain words, which differs from my own speech (Midwestern.) What do the rest of you think of these points?

As a side note, does anyone else find the spelling and grammar of some of our fellow Americans on this post to be rather appalling?

because its the only language we know os its natural to see the world thru your native tung

This American knows more than one language.

And (what's a nice way of putting this?), maybe it's only online sloppiness, but I'm not convinced you know even one tongue.

I'm going to guess it's because ... their neighbours DO speak their language...
...;)

There's a fair number of Mexican immigrants, living in America for years, who barely know English...

Whenever Americans talk on TV, or to English people in any situation, it seems they haven't bothered learning British-English (ie proper English :)) and expect everyone to know their language. They they get confused when people in Britain use their native language (eg. nappy instead of diaper).

This post isn't to slag off Americans, it's a genuinbe curiosity... I mean, if you go to Germany, you learn German right? It's a matter of respect, instead of expecting everyone to know your language. So why not learn British-English if you're going to England? It's not like there's no dictionaries available - there's even online ones (even if they are a bit innacurate). Plus it stops you annoying people (using "soccer" as a name for football (English football that is) is seriously annoying - it's like calling gymnastics "trampolining" or judo "karate").

So why do Americans seem to assume everyone knows their language and taht people won't mind if they ignorantly use the wrong names for sports?
Well, i'm english (proper english i.e Londoner:p ) And I couldn't give a flying fuck about any of this. I think the little diference's are a good thing.

Why must the british and the yanks argue with eachother all the time? It's bullshit. Just people getting their dicks out and saying "Mines bigger then your's" all the damn time.

Yes, it's true, we spawned the damn language, but who gives a shit whether it's a lift or an elevator?

That's because your professors are titwashers.

Titwashing, that sounds like fun. Where do I turn in my resume? For experience, should I also list my trips to strip clubs? Should I list ex-girlfriends as references?

Well, i'm english (proper english i.e Londoner:p ) And I couldn't give a flying fuck about any of this. I think the little diference's are a good thing.

Why must the british and the yanks argue with eachother all the time? It's bullshit. Just people getting their dicks out and saying "Mines bigger then your's" all the damn time.

Yes, it's true, we spawned the damn language, but who gives a shit whether it's a lift or an elevator?

Yeah, someone that makes sense.

English is the language it is becasue it does not have, never has had and I hope never will have people successfully regulating it. French, Spanish, Portuguese, and German all have 'official' languages, which a group of intellectuals sat down and defined in each case. The language spoken in the countries of the world that have regulated official languages bears little or no resemblance to the official version. The intelligent English speaking world simply recognises that languages evolve and that English is highly variable.

Now, however, when a native speaker of one variant of English travels to a country that speaks a different variant, that visitor should try to accept that in that country his version is the strange one.

If the world weren't so full of wussies, we'd all go back to Latin and learn the true meaning of the word "conjugation".

I'm an American and I love other English usage especially when spoken by a British female or an Australian female. I just find it darn sexy. :p

Then I could really care less if she calls my soccer ball a football. I could really care less.

Someone please tell me what the Canuck/Canadian vernacular is? How do we talk? (I am Canadian, I don't get it)
As a Canadian, I find our language is fairly similar to American, but with a few minor differences.
The American "huh?" is "eh?" in Canadian.
Lieutenant is pronounced "lef-ten-ent".
A "pop" is a soft drink.
Contrary to popular belief, "about" is NOT pronounced "aboot".

I love other English usage especially when spoken by a British female or an Australian female. I just find it darn sexy. :p
Seconded.

So why do Americans seem to assume everyone knows their language and taht people won't mind if they ignorantly use the wrong names for sports?

Same reason why Brits always assume everyone knows their language, and that people won't mind if they ignorantly use the wrong name for things in general.

As a Canadian, I find our language is fairly similar to American, but with a few minor differences.
The American "huh?" is "eh?" in Canadian.
Lieutenant is pronounced "lef-ten-ent".
A "pop" is a soft drink.
Contrary to popular belief, "about" is NOT pronounced "aboot".


Seconded.
Well I can tell you in minnesota "pop" is also a soft drink

.
Contrary to popular belief, "about" is NOT pronounced "aboot".


Unless you're having fun with people. I love being oot and aboot, eh?

Same reason why Brits always assume everyone knows their language, and that people won't mind if they ignorantly use the wrong name for things in general.
Wow you frigging sound like my first post on the subject (I eaven used "same reason ...." ) :fluffle:

Well I can tell you in minnesota "pop" is also a soft drink

that's because Minnesota is practically Canadian. The weather and landscape are similar and they love hockey. I'm sure that they'll support the invasion wholeheartedly.

that's because Minnesota is practically Canadian. The weather and landscape are similar and they love hockey. I'm sure that they'll support the invasion wholeheartedly.
Lol maybe ... but we do have a lot of old farmers that may resist you

Lol maybe ... but we do have a lot of old farmers that may resist you

We'll just show them Saskatchewan and they'll roll over and let us scratch their bellies.

We'll just show them Saskatchewan and they'll roll over and let us scratch their bellies.
Problem is they are "family" farmers like my fam lol it is THEIR small farm

They would not move if you offered them 10 times the land lol

Whenever Americans talk on TV, or to English people in any situation, it seems they haven't bothered learning British-English (ie proper English :)) and expect everyone to know their language. They they get confused when people in Britain use their native language (eg. nappy instead of diaper).

This post isn't to slag off Americans, it's a genuinbe curiosity... I mean, if you go to Germany, you learn German right? It's a matter of respect, instead of expecting everyone to know your language. So why not learn British-English if you're going to England? It's not like there's no dictionaries available - there's even online ones (even if they are a bit innacurate). Plus it stops you annoying people (using "soccer" as a name for football (English football that is) is seriously annoying - it's like calling gymnastics "trampolining" or judo "karate").

So why do Americans seem to assume everyone knows their language and taht people won't mind if they ignorantly use the wrong names for sports?

I always assumed it was common knowledge, the difference in terms between American English and British English... as for sports names, I couldn't tell you why American football is called football to save my life. I have a strong suspicion it has something to do with how it came from Ohio though >.>

Some of us do learn other languages and slang... I mean, my best friend is from Leeds, so I've learned a lot of British slang from him and have absolutely no problem understanding what he's saying at any point in time, but when we went to a restaurant a couple of months ago, he ordered a "toe-mah-toe" wrap and the person just stared at him until I said "toe-may-toe."

I studied French for three years before going to France, and although a lot of people were really good and appreciated my attempts, there were some people who got angry at me and made me speak English instead of French. It was really disheartening :/. When I can, I speak Japanese to my Japanese friends and when I lived in Germany, I learned enough German to get by (although I've forgotten most of it by this point in time, heh.)

I think it all has to do with how culturally active a person is. There are exceptions everywhere, but I know that the typical American stereotypish thing is really correct x_x...

Problem is they are "family" farmers like my fam lol it is THEIR small farm

They would not move if you offered them 10 times the land lol

Then we'll have Saskatchewan annex them and call it fair.

They are different languages. Just like Spanish and Mexican. Similar sounding, but different :P

Different dialects... Same language... There is not enough variation in grammar rules and vocabulary to etymologically distinguish British, American, Canadian and Australian English.... They are thus classified as differing dialects of the english language.

Different dialects... Same language... There is not enough variation in grammar rules and vocabulary to etymologically distinguish British, American, Canadian and Australian English.... They are thus classified as differing dialects of the english language.
Well, just GET all technical 'n shit on us, why don't ya? :D

So why do Americans seem to assume everyone knows their language and taht people won't mind if they ignorantly use the wrong names for sports?
Why do you use the wrong names for sports? After all, both countries love democracy and there are 295,734,134 American-English speakers against 60,441,457 English-English speakers.