NationStates Jolt Archive

Well, just GET all technical 'n shit on us, why don't ya? :D

And indeed, if he could gleen from my response as to ascertain my particular locality, then he could freely consider them seperate languages. If, however, I avoid any words which may differ between the dialects, then he lacks any knowledge as to which version of english is the one being spoken.

Am I speaking in the neighbourhood of Britain?
Am I speaking in the neighborhood of the United States?

And indeed, if he could gleen from my response as to ascertain my particular locality, then he could freely consider them seperate languages. If, however, I avoid any words which may differ between the dialects, then he lacks any knowledge as to which version of english is the one being spoken.
What? Are you saying dialects are different languages now? Who is this "he"? You also forgot to make something a proper noun...

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

The way that the Americans hear us pronounce “about” is very exaggerated in the media but to their ear we do pronounce it differently in Canada. Other than in Newfoundland though, as Canadians we tend to resent this exaggeration, but there is a slight difference. As a Canadian, I’d like to say it ain’t so, but it has been well documented by linguistics experts.

The fact that most Canadians don't notice that there's a difference in the way they pronounce "about" and the way the Americans do is the reason why when Hollywood (during one of it's more stupid Anti-Canadian phases) was trying to prevent talented Canadians from coming there and taking jobs they had them pronounce "about" in a sentence to pick them out.

The Bruce

What? Are you saying dialects are different languages now?

No, I'm saying that if their were ready differences in rules in the language, then he could have some grounds to claim them as seperate languages. Since once could speak in such a manner where anyone in in any of the regions which speak one of the various "forms" of english, then such an ascertation of them as seperate languages is unfounded.

"He" is a pronoun.

The way that the Americans hear us pronounce “about” is very exaggerated in the media but to their ear we do pronounce it differently in Canada. Other than in Newfoundland though, as Canadians we tend to resent this exaggeration, but there is a slight difference. As a Canadian, I’d like to say it ain’t so, but it has been well documented by linguistics experts.

The fact that most Canadians don't notice that there's a difference in the way they pronounce "about" and the way the Americans do is the reason why when Hollywood (during one of it's more stupid Anti-Canadian phases) was trying to prevent talented Canadians from coming there and taking jobs they had them pronounce "about" in a sentence to pick them out.

The Bruce

I think people in general tend to not notice minor points of their own accents. Though, I personally have come to listen closely to accent differences...

"on" in Ohio sounds like "ahn", while in Tidewater Virginia it sounds like "awn", and that is a comparitive between two areas which are less than 600 miles apart.

I think people in general tend to not notice minor points of their own accents. Though, I personally have come to listen closely to accent differences...

"on" in Ohio sounds like "ahn", while in Tidewater Virginia it sounds like "awn", and that is a comparitive between two areas which are less than 600 miles apart.

Precisely. When Americans say “about” it’s more like abowt (as in the bow of a ship).

because collectively we're spoiled assholes. because we live in the same tent the most powerful army on the face of the planet is pissing out of instead of one it is outside of pissing in. and because we somehow immagine this condition is destined to last. like all empires of whatever sort, the day of our own rude awaikening will come, like it always has to everyone else.

then someone else will take our place. either they will be wiser and not make the same mistake or they won't be and will.

or possibly there will come a time when conditions which enable and give rise to super power governments will no longer exist.

this is just as real a possibility as the other, however much anyone may wish to deny it.

=^^=
.../\...

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 they're too stupid to learn another language :D
Bunch of inbred hillbillies...

Im english, i hate americans turning english words into amercian ones, spelling or completely changng.

coloUr - with a U
They changed football - which everywhere else in the world is played with your feet and a real ball. Not your hands and an egg.

Now, people i know start using american terms. Somebody - and english person - said to me
"argh no, my pants are all wet."
:confused: (me thinking underwear) - "what?"
"pants, you know, pants"
I look down - "TROUSERS!!!, speak proper english you idiot."

But i hate english people for not using the right language in other countries. Thats one of the reasons i like learning languages, to communicate but also to be nice to them and not have a french or german or russian person have to do the work of speaking english.

But i'm also annoyed when you go to somewhere else and everyone speaks english to you. In germany, everyone spoke english, in france everyone spoke english - except in this one resturant :) yey

god i hate english - it looks so crap.

I don't mind the differences, after all I live with a Canadian and he uses different words to me..but then I use different words than somebody from another part of the country, but I don't lose any sleep over it. If I don't unerdstand, I ask.....

Why should we learn other languages? We're obviously the most important country, and we have nearly 2/3 of a continent where English is the de facto language. Unlike Europe, where driving to another country is much like an American driving to another state.

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...

Well, to us you(if you are English/British)are speaking 'incorrect english' It is all a matter of perspective. For visiting I wouldn't see a problem with not learning the dialect. But if you plan to live there learn the common dialect.

But I don't see the problem really. Get over yourself. I don't see British people coming over here and speaking 'American english'. Why expect us to do the same for you? Does the word hypocrit mean anything to you?

BUT I do see you point if you are speaking a completely different language. If I were to travel to Japan I would learn Japanese to the best of my ability so I can communicate. I wouldn't expect them to understand me whenever I talked English(American).

Of course IF I were to travel to Europe(is that spelled right? I'm a horrible speller...looks right though...) I would make sure to carry a dictionary to translate little words that I don't know.

Just because it irritates you doesn't mean we do it out of spite, We're both speaking English so what does it matter. As long as you get the gist of it it is fine.

Edit: on your "This post isn't to slag off Americans..." bit. I know it is curiosity but you came off very condisending.

Why should we learn other languages? We're obviously the most important country, and we have nearly 2/3 of a continent where English is the de facto language. Unlike Europe, where driving to another country is much like an American driving to another state.

err, English was the defacto language, don't over 50% of the population now speak Spanish?..

other than that, when i get out to see Johnny foreigner I normally just make sure i speak slowly yet EVER SO LOUDLY IN ENGLISH.. they normally get the message what,what

toodle pip

Pure Ego. (Is that like Pure Metal?)

Precisely. When Americans say “about” it’s more like abowt (as in the bow of a ship).

And when Canadians say it it's more like "aboat". Not exactly like that, but more like that than the way we say it.

Americans made English the lingua franca; thus, their version of English is the international language.

Remember that English is not the most widely spoken language in the world - Mandarin is.

Remember that English is not the most widely spoken language in the world - Mandarin is.
No it isn't. Mandarin has the most native speakers. It's certainly not the most widely spoken.

Американцы переплывут океан, чтобы сражаться за демократию, но не перейдут улицы, чтобы проголосовать.
- Билл Вон
:p

Американцы переплывут океан, чтобы сражаться за демократию, но не перейдут улицы, чтобы проголосовать.
- Билл Вон
:p

Sem dúvida nenhuma, concordo!

because they are retards compared to everyone else in the world.

because they are retards compared to everyone else in the world.

Its actually funny you say that, being from Poland and all.

Isnt your country the one stereotyped as being full of "dumb poles"?

Americans, retards...pfft.

I look down - "TROUSERS!!!, speak proper english you idiot."

The thing is, there is no such thing as "proper english" in the context you are implying. "Proper" is termed in this language as only being an adherance to the grammatical rules of the language in general, while regional dialects are all considered equally valid.

If you're writing, you use consistently either the American spelling or the UK spelling, as long as you use it consistently, it is "proper" [Don't write "neighbor" and then turn around and write "creme"... It's either "neighbour" with "creme"; or "neighbor" with "cream"]... English, unlike spanish, french and a multitude of other languages, does not have a board of academics somewhere near the top [attempting to thwart the evolution of language] declaring their own to be the "official" and all others bastardizations... Which is likely why english is the most robust language out there, with a vocabulary list at least three times larger than most other languages.

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 we're Americans and Americans are better! Everybody who wants to talk to us should speak our way!:rolleyes:

... 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?

Huh? Same logic:

Being German, am I now expected to learn "Austrian" when going to Austria?

Because we're Americans and Americans are better! Everybody who wants to talk to us should speak our way!:rolleyes:
I second that motion. Take that you dirty Brits!:p

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.\

Unlike other languages, English-English(how redundant) is not taught in schools and I have never seen a book for "Learn Proper English Today!"(As in, not grammar). Want to know why? It's lame and a waste of time. I know some terms because I happen to be fond of the country and have fooled people with an accent which I only practice because I hate mine. But I'm sure if I went to Britain and tried to pull it off I would get looks.

Why is it both countries have more then one name?

Apparently how the world sees Americans and the British is not so different.

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.
You do know what a dialect is right? American and England do NOT speak two completely different languages. Just becuase we have a few discrepencies on a few words doesn't mean anything. Get over yourself. Quit worring about the pidly stuff and be happy.

No, I'm saying that if their were ready differences in rules in the language, then he could have some grounds to claim them as seperate languages. Since once could speak in such a manner where anyone in in any of the regions which speak one of the various "forms" of english, then such an ascertation of them as seperate languages is unfounded.
Uh-huh, but my point is you can tell which particular locality someone comes from on the basis of dialects ... due to pronunciation...
"He" is a pronoun.
Is it a bird?! Is it a plane?! (http://evula.org/dragoon/pics/captain.obvious.jpg)
Meh, I was asking for it.

because they are retards compared to everyone else in the world.

A bit spiteful, aren't we?

Trust me, stupidity knows no borders. We just put our idiots in front of cameras and microphones.

Well I agree with the general thrust of the thread-poster, though I'd say it should be applied both ways, really. (Though I'd say we probably get far more exposure to American English than the Americans to British Accents and Received Pronunciation.)

If your goal is effective communnication, you'd be best off using the vernacular, surely?

its not "their" language, its englands language, but anyway

most countries in europe like germany, france, sweden etc have english as a major part of their curriculum in schools, and many of the population are fluent english speakers, so its not like its an obsene demand or anything. Especially since you're not going to find many other countrys teaching swedish or polish or whatever in their schools, not to mention theres the "english is the language of business" saying. Quite recently, the french president stormed out of some EU talks because his finance minister started speaking in english to everyone around the table

complaining about foreigners not speaking your language is a bit stupid though... not to mention almost insulting

american = fat + thick
actually, i also believe its our language and they stole it. Like they do to everything of ours and eventually they will crush england. squish. probably our fault for being so stupid and letting a thick (and yet so big) place minipulate us. xxx:gundge:

its not "their" language, its englands language, but anyway
Ah, yes, the Western Hemisphere. On the whole, language-less. :rolleyes:
complaining about foreigners not speaking your language is a bit stupid though... not to mention almost insulting
Insulting to those complaining, yes. Its called Berlitz.

american = fat + thick
actually, i also believe its our language and they stole it. Like they do to everything of ours and eventually they will crush england. squish. probably our fault for being so stupid and letting a thick (and yet so big) place minipulate us. xxx:gundge:
Well, England "stole" a significant part of the language from the French.
It isn't "England's" language any more than it is Australias, Americas, Canadas, Indias, South Africas, Hong Kongs, Belize, the Caribbean islands...You don't "own" a language, nor can you "steal" it. Get over yourselves.

I maintain that there is no "proper" English. Even within Britain, there are several dialects. Extend that to Britain, or the UK in general, and there are probably hundreds. Additionally, the American English dictionary was published before the British.

Again I say it. Get over yourselves.

I maintain that there is no "proper" English. Even within Britain, there are several dialects. Extend that to Britain, or the UK in general, and there are probably hundreds.

The only reason we have gone off the rails is because of the amount of bloody chavs! we should send them all to america to rot. xxx:gundge:

I can sound like I am from the east end of long island, or the west end of newcastle, depending on how I feel.

Usually when some southern shandy drinker complains about 'american' english, I refuse to speak to them in anything other than an extremely broad geordie accent.

Normally they want to go back to the east end of long island after a few sentences.

The only reason we have gone off the rails is because of the amount of bloody chavs! we should send them all to america to rot. xxx:gundge:

Aren't you just the charming one.

There always was chavs, and there always will be. They are as british as the queen. (Well moreso really, because she's actually a german).

Im always charming
i just dont have a great love for chavs. you obviously do
xxx:gundge:

Im always charming
i just dont have a great love for chavs. you obviously do
xxx:gundge:

Not really. I'm just not obsessed by how they are ruining the country and whatnot.

I can sound like I am from the east end of long island, or the west end of newcastle, depending on how I feel.

Usually when some southern shandy drinker complains about 'american' english, I refuse to speak to them in anything other than an extremely broad geordie accent.

Normally they want to go back to the east end of long island after a few sentences.
yeah, I can pull off most American accents decently well (northeastern ones better than the rest) and can fake some form of british and a weird irish. If someone complains about part of my accent (which is a blend of Long Island, NYC, Connecticut, New England, and Boston) I bring out the annoying part.

So you dont agree that they do downgrade our country?
Are u even from this country?
xxx:gundge:

So you dont agree that they do downgrade our country?
Are u even from this country?
xxx:gundge:
could you please stop with the obnoxious font and gundge smiley?

american = fat + thick
actually, i also believe its our language and they stole it. Like they do to everything of ours and eventually they will crush england. squish. probably our fault for being so stupid and letting a thick (and yet so big) place minipulate us. xxx:gundge:
You sound like a Chav yourself with stereotypical views like that. Lots of people in america are fitter then Us brits, but when you have advances in fitnesses you also get lesser so abled people (e.g. obese).

So you dont agree that they do downgrade our country?
Are u even from this country?
xxx:gundge:
Anyone who uses purple font and a slime smiley in every post downgrades this country!! :mad:

im not denying there are fit people in america. its just at the moment the typical view of them is being fat. which alot of them are.
i do also have a dislike for chavs, they ruin us. and no im not one, if i was id currently be drinking a bottle of cider in my closest bus stop. xxx:gundge:

Because Americans have a massive nation in which we can travel and be subjected to only one English dialect (disregarding regional discrepancies that are largely differences in intonation) and because the American media dominates the US with little to no outside interference from the outside world. Basically because the US is a huge, culturally closed and cut-off nation. And neo-isolationism, resulting from the fact that, for most Americans, they have no need to interact with the outside world, and so don't expend excess energy trying to.

im not denying there are fit people in america. its just at the moment the typical view of them is being fat. which alot of them are.
i do also have a dislike for chavs, they ruin us. and no im not one, if i was id currently be drinking a bottle of cider in my closest bus stop. xxx:gundge:

As an American, I might be fat, but at least I have good teeth. :D

As an American, I might be fat, but at least I have good teeth. :D

so can anyone

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.

I am from Canada and I would much rather refer to things in anything but "American terms". Although regional language is something that is a fact of life, I do accept that since it was Britain that dare I say invented our language that we should refer to it as the bench mark of that language.

I think America has done too little to enforce what many would consider correct language conventions. This is evident in many circumstances, anywhere from Americans saying "formulas" instead of "formulae" or all the way down to spelling it "vehicals" instead of "vehicles". With this and many more examples that I have seen first hand it just leaves me with the question, what the heck are they teaching you guys down there?

The answer to that is shown in that some American text books don't even call it English anymore, its called "American".

So before everyone jumps on a plane to go and learn "American" just remember that its not English anymore...laugh.

You sound like a Chav yourself with stereotypical views like that. Lots of people in america are fitter then Us brits, but when you have advances in fitnesses you also get lesser so abled people (e.g. obese).
And we have better teeth...if BBC is anything to go by...
*gleeming white straight teeth in a fit and full body*

Because Americans have a massive nation in which we can travel and be subjected to only one English dialect (disregarding regional discrepancies that are largely differences in intonation) and because the American media dominates the US with little to no outside interference from the outside world. Basically because the US is a huge, culturally closed and cut-off nation. And neo-isolationism, resulting from the fact that, for most Americans, they have no need to interact with the outside world, and so don't expend excess energy trying to.
Good call. :D We spend too much time running around like chickens with our heads cut off trying to make a good living that we just don't have the time, energy, or want to learn about the 'outside world' And simply, on the individual level there is no need to.

The answer to that is shown in that some American text books don't even call it English anymore, its called "American".

So before everyone jumps on a plane to go and learn "American" just remember that its not English anymore...laugh.
What English book is this!?!
I have to admit we don't even know what is happening to our schools. Kids are getting soo horrible that the good teachers are quiting and that leaves the ones that just don't care. So teachers that don't care teaching kids that don't care doesn't equal a good education.

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

Obviously with outside influences from Germany etc
You didn't spawn shit. Your ancestors did. You are not your ancestors.

american = fat + thick
actually, i also believe its our language and they stole it. Like they do to everything of ours and eventually they will crush england. squish. probably our fault for being so stupid and letting a thick (and yet so big) place minipulate us. xxx:gundge:

Quiet, troll, back in your cave.

I am from Canada and I would much rather refer to things in anything but "American terms". Although regional language is something that is a fact of life, I do accept that since it was Britain that dare I say invented our language that we should refer to it as the bench mark of that language.

I think America has done too little to enforce what many would consider correct language conventions. This is evident in many circumstances, anywhere from Americans saying "formulas" instead of "formulae" or all the way down to spelling it "vehicals" instead of "vehicles". With this and many more examples that I have seen first hand it just leaves me with the question, what the heck are they teaching you guys down there?

The answer to that is shown in that some American text books don't even call it English anymore, its called "American".

So before everyone jumps on a plane to go and learn "American" just remember that its not English anymore...laugh.

Vehicals? Sorry, not true, it's vehicles in the US too.

american = fat + thick
actually, i also believe its our language and they stole it. Like they do to everything of ours and eventually they will crush england. squish. probably our fault for being so stupid and letting a thick (and yet so big) place minipulate us. xxx:gundge:

Now now. Don't be pointing fingers. I was recently at our office in Maidenhead and have noticed you limmies are getting rather large.

We stole your language? So? Where did England "borrow" the banking and credit system?

Formulas.....since when is this said either? Unless its baby food I doubt they would use such things. Formulae is not really used in any conceivable form for me.

"Pass me those formulae?" Who says that? Its singular in 99% of the use. Although teenagers in the USA are horrible at English, we use too much slang. Naturally we don't get British slang at all.

Cigarette = Fag
Diaper = Nappy
Bathroom = Water Closet

Its slang....America doesn't have slang terms for things in that field. When you get to street oh ya....it looks like a NEW language. (And a really annoying one at that.)

Now now. Don't be pointing fingers. I was recently at our office in Maidenhead and have noticed you limmies are getting rather large.

We stole your language? So? Where did England "borrow" the banking and credit system?

Actually English is made of French, Anglo-saxon, German, Latin and a few other languages all slapped into one.

Actually English is made of French, Anglo-saxon, German, Latin and a few other languages all slapped into one.
German? Better just stick with Proto-Germanic languages like Anglo-saxon and Proto-Scandinavian. Not to mention Celtic languages, Spanish (How could you forget mosquito?!), and there's bound to be some influences from the Middle East and Asia due to trade and whatnot.

Formulas.....since when is this said either? Unless its baby food I doubt they would use such things. Formulae is not really used in any conceivable form for me.

"Pass me those formulae?" Who says that? Its singular in 99% of the use. Although teenagers in the USA are horrible at English, we use too much slang. Naturally we don't get British slang at all.

Cigarette = Fag
Diaper = Nappy
Bathroom = Water Closet

Its slang....America doesn't have slang terms for things in that field. When you get to street oh ya....it looks like a NEW language. (And a really annoying one at that.)

The correct way to say it would be "Pass me the formulae" or if ur really prissy "Might I see those formulae?" lol.

Also to the guy that said its still spelt "vehicles" in the states, well of course you are correct. However I didn't say that it was spelt "vehicals" in formal language, I simply said I've seen many Americans spell it that way and never correct themselves.

My real point is once you let slip ups like this become acceptable language then they eventually become the formal language.

Where did England "borrow" the banking and credit system?

The Dutch probably. We stole the whole idea of being a trading sea power from them too.

LOL @ dutch people.

The correct way to say it would be "Pass me the formulae" or if ur really prissy "Might I see those formulae?" lol.

Also to the guy that said its still spelt "vehicles" in the states, well of course you are correct. However I didn't say that it was spelt "vehicals" in formal language, I simply said I've seen many Americans spell it that way and never correct themselves.

My real point is once you let slip ups like this become acceptable language then they eventually become the formal language.
you say that like having a phonetic language would be a bad thing...
Bit of information...English isn't a dead language. It is constantly evolving. Read Shakespeare in his original spelling. Better yet, look at Beowulf in the original old English. It is still English, but not recognizable at all. Language evolves.

Oh, and I'm pretty sure Americans aren't the only ones who misspell words.

In the Canadian military, being the multiculturalists that we were, soldiers used a slew of slang, from all over the place. “Good to go” (US), “Bombing Up” (UK) to load your weapon magazines; “Brass someone up” (NZ) to shoot someone; “Saddle up” (North American cowboy) for getting into your webbing and getting moving; were all acceptable.

Talk of "Private Bloggins" was a Canadianism to refer to the Every Soldier (based on old military training films that featured someone called Private Bloggins).

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eutrusca
Ok. What's a "poke?"



poke isn't American, it's redneck.

Actually, the term poke for bag is old English, a saying 'pig in a poke' refers to a chance purchase of something that you are not sure about, taken from the practise of people taking piglets to market and selling them in bags, someone might buy a 'pig in a poke' and get home and find that it is a cat or a dog, rather than a much more valuable pig.

Eutrusca also asked about chitterlings? I live on the Isle of Wight, a small island in the south of England, people who are real Islanders have their own very unusual way of speaking, it has its own words for things, like Nammet for lunch, nipper for all young men, gert for big etc. I have a friend whose elderly father likes to eat what he calls 'chidderlings' but is infact the same thing that EUT is asking about, the small intestines (of pigs normally) cooked and eaten.

The fact that many words are the same from country to country is as a result of migration and the natural evolution of the spoken word.

I have my own Canadian, and he uses some words that are either different or totally unfamiliar to me, but I do the same, it does not make either of us right or wrong, just different. I don't use the word Nammet for my lunch, but I don't think its wrong. I think its time everyone got over it, we are all understanding each other on this thread, so whats the big problem?

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

Well we dont expect everyone to know English, but considering Britian is where the English language comes from (Hence England being one of the 4 nations of the UK) I think its a fair point for it to be the true English.

The Dutch probably. We stole the whole idea of being a trading sea power from them too.

LOL @ dutch people.
:upyours: ;)

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).

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?

Well after around three hundred of Independence I think they are in titled to make up new words, however some things I don't understand is why call colour color I mean one word difference isn't that hard to remember.

Another thing elevators fine they elevate you, but why not lifts easier to send a text message on your phone when your stuck in one.

Finally we come to the great enigma American football:

1. Why call it football when your foot only touches the ball a few times in a game?

2. Why not just call it American Rugby as almost all the rules are the same

3. Relating to the question above what is the point wearing all that protective gear as their Rugby counter parts all over the world just wear the shorts and tops.

Finally we come to the great enigma American football:

1. (snip)

2. Why not just call it American Rugby as almost all the rules are the same

3. Relating to the question above what is the point wearing all that protective gear as their Rugby counter parts all over the world just wear the shorts and tops.

That is an insult to both games.
The rules are nothing like each other at all. The similarities are that the ball is not round and that there points can be scored by kicking the ball over a crossbar between two uprights, and that is all.
Try playing them before comparing them.

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

Just replace "about" with "aboot" (although this is totally understandable, especially from French Canada, as "ou" = "oo" there) and every other sentence needs the term "eh?" following it. And people say "yah" instead of "yes".

For example -

"The puck is in the net, eh?"

"Yah, that's what ice hockey's aboot"

Oh and Canadian people are usually polite, which I think is great, a politeness costs nothing, but gets you everything :)

Also, I may have stereotyped your language slightly... just a bit :P

*edits* and @ everyone who says that India is an English-speaking country, you're wrong. A fair amount of people there speak English, especially the middle/upper classes, but it's not really an official langauge.

That is an insult to both games.
The rules are nothing like each other at all. The similarities are that the ball is not round and that there points can be scored by kicking the ball over a crossbar between two uprights, and that is all.
Try playing them before comparing them.
Sorry but American football is very like rugby league.

Well we dont expect everyone to know English, but considering Britian is where the English language comes from (Hence England being one of the 4 nations of the UK) I think its a fair point for it to be the true English.

Except a language is defined by its own needs by region. Which is why language evolves and adapts over time. Canadian, UK, Australian, American all have their own unique points, and unique words incorporated that may not exist in the other forms, primarily for the need in the language to describe things not normally present in the other enviroments. This is how english developed as a language, and how it continues to evolve as a language; words constantly being added and others becomming obsolete, falling out of use.

Can someone tell me why the USA has to go replace s with z in words like specialise?

Can someone tell me why the USA has to go replace s with z in words like specialise?
Because there's no international committee that rules how to spell things. We also like to spell things how we say them. We aiming for the phonetical way of spelling things. Who came up with the spelling of the word "though"? Doesn't sound anything like hough it looks, let me try:

"Thou-ugh" is what it would sound like.

Why are there always silient 'e's on the butt of words?!
*is angry at the English language*

Because there's no international committee that rules how to spell things. We also like to spell things how we say them. We aiming for the phonetical way of spelling things. Who came up with the spelling of the word "though"? Doesn't sound anything like hough it looks, let me try:

"Thou-ugh" is what it would sound like.

Why are there always silient 'e's on the butt of words?!
*is angry at the English language*

Right well since you peeps won't let this debate go, I'm gonna respond to this... you like to spell stuff the way they sound eh? What about details? In British-English, it sounds close to how it looks: "dee-tail". In American-English, tis nothing like it: "di-tay-iil"

In British-English, it sounds close to how it looks: "dee-tail". In American-English, tis nothing like it: "di-tay-iil"
Jag bara, " :confused: ".

Can someone tell me why the USA has to go replace s with z in words like specialise?
Because it make the z sound when you say it.

Right well since you peeps won't let this debate go, I'm gonna respond to this... you like to spell stuff the way they sound eh? What about details? In British-English, it sounds close to how it looks: "dee-tail". In American-English, tis nothing like it: "di-tay-iil"
How do you spell it? From what I've seen here detail is how you spell it. AND we pronounce it 'dee-tail'
*not seeing point*

I am just wondering why British English is considered "proper". As time goes on and languages migrate, they evolve. You can see that in english, and spanish. Im sure in other languages as well. I guess you might argue that British language is proper because it is used in the place where english originated. If that is the case, shouldn't german and latin be more proper than british language? or perhaps ye olde englich is better.;)

If only everyone spoke our language. Then we wouldn't have to miss out on so many great Japanese video games.

Because there's no international committee that rules how to spell things. We also like to spell things how we say them. We aiming for the phonetical way of spelling things. Who came up with the spelling of the word "though"? Doesn't sound anything like hough it looks, let me try:

"Thou-ugh" is what it would sound like.

Why are there always silient 'e's on the butt of words?!
*is angry at the English language*

And we all know that english is so good at distinguishing the spoken word, right? (or is that write... or was it rite...)

Though in the American regional dialect alittle more is different than merely replacing "s" with "z"...

Alteration of the -re to -er (meter from metre, liter from litre)
Removal of letters with little or no use to the word.. (program from programme)

The only reason certain letters are left in, is to avoid them being misconstrued as a different existing word (knight, knot; rather than night, not).. At one time that "k" was not silent.

These elitists are just going to have to accept that fact that language evolves over time to suit its direct audience...

I am just wondering why British English is considered "proper".
The language is called English and they are referred to as English, which gives them a self-administrated eternal copyright to it, that however ignores history. Anyhow, I've been reading up on Swedish, and it turns out verb forms used to exist and correspond with those of, say, Spanish and Latin. Today, there's people (notably me, who is attempting to learn the language) complaining about "slarv". Which is to say, "carelessness, negligence" as in grammar, pronuncation, shorting of words, et cetera. Well, that's how language evolved, slarv. We used to have words for, "There are really good berries over there," then we started shaking things up, and got we got today.
These elitists are just going to have to accept that fact that language evolves over time to suit its direct audience...
Indeed, also on the other points.
I must say, its not "maths", its "math". I also say "ropas" and not "ropa", which is the way the real Spanish say it. I don't want to compare the English to the Romans, but how did they feel when their former subjects started using thier own slarv? Yes, the French language is built up on negligence! Muwahahahahaha! :p

If only everyone spoke our language. Then we wouldn't have to miss out on so many great Japanese video games.
Or the great anime...:D

Well after around three hundred of Independence I think they are in titled to make up new words, however some things I don't understand is why call colour color I mean one word difference isn't that hard to remember.

Another thing elevators fine they elevate you, but why not lifts easier to send a text message on your phone when your stuck in one.

Finally we come to the great enigma American football:

1. Why call it football when your foot only touches the ball a few times in a game?

2. Why not just call it American Rugby as almost all the rules are the same

3. Relating to the question above what is the point wearing all that protective gear as their Rugby counter parts all over the world just wear the shorts and tops.
we simplified many spellings two hundred years ago...dropped extra "u"'s, swapped re for er, changed que for k, etc.

also, elevators were invented here. Lift is slang.

1. football, soccerm and rugby all evolved from the same root sport which was played on foot rather than on horseback. This root sport was called "football".
2. The sports are very different
3. the hits are quite hard in football, and the players larger than those in rugby. It is also the way in which you get hit with shorter plays. The hits become more vital to game play.