Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    Atimeto's Avatar
    Atimeto Posts: 8, Reputation: 2
    New Member
     
    #1

    Feb 1, 2008, 05:43 AM
    The Americans and the British
    Although the Americans and British both speak english, would anyone agree we speak a different language.
    JoeCanada76's Avatar
    JoeCanada76 Posts: 6,669, Reputation: 1707
    Uber Member
     
    #2

    Feb 1, 2008, 05:59 AM
    Why does it matter?

    Just like Canadians speak differently then Americans. English is english. We have all adapted different slang and different accents and different use of the english language. It is still English.

    What is your point here? Or is this a home work question?
    shygrneyzs's Avatar
    shygrneyzs Posts: 5,017, Reputation: 936
    Uber Member
     
    #3

    Feb 1, 2008, 06:37 AM
    No, it is not a different language. There are idioms in each culture that can be evidenced by the language. There are traditions that are also evidenced by the language. Look deeper into the social structures and you will find variations of the English language.

    Guess I do not see the big deal about it.
    templelane's Avatar
    templelane Posts: 1,177, Reputation: 227
    Ultra Member
     
    #4

    Feb 1, 2008, 06:41 AM
    Nah definitely not a different language, different dialects maybe but not language. Scottish and English are more different in vocabulary and grammar than English and American English.
    Capuchin's Avatar
    Capuchin Posts: 5,255, Reputation: 656
    Uber Member
     
    #5

    Feb 1, 2008, 06:46 AM
    I'd say the language is the same. I would say the similarity between 2 languages (from different regions) would be a function of how easy it is for 2 people who speak the different languages to understand each other.

    In the case of English and American, it's very easy to understand, therefore the language is in fact nearly the same.
    CaptainRich's Avatar
    CaptainRich Posts: 4,492, Reputation: 537
    Cars & Trucks Expert
     
    #6

    Feb 1, 2008, 07:25 AM
    The same language, with many different accents and colloquialisms.
    Different words have alternate meanings, sometimes several meanings, but the language is the same.

    And who is "we"?
    Perhaps you mean like men and women speak a different language? Hehe :) On that, I would say, yes, some of us do. :eek:
    Atimeto's Avatar
    Atimeto Posts: 8, Reputation: 2
    New Member
     
    #7

    Feb 1, 2008, 11:15 AM
    Thank you. Does it matter? I guess it does. I was born in Ireland. Moved to England spent most of my years there. Both countries speak english. I now live in America where the first language is english also. It's easy to deceive ourselves into thinking that if we both use the same dictionary and assume we agree on the meanings that we understand each other in our communication. Our inflections, our tones, our words can be misinterpreted even unknowingly. I think this is interesting. If we were to learn a different language we would naturally spend time looking up the meanings of the words in order to communicate effectively in that new language. So for me two different cultures who speak the same first language are not necessarily communicating as effectively as it would seem. Maybe I'm stating the obvious. :)
    JoeCanada76's Avatar
    JoeCanada76 Posts: 6,669, Reputation: 1707
    Uber Member
     
    #8

    Feb 1, 2008, 12:23 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Atimeto
    Thank you. Does it matter? I guess it does. I was born in Ireland. Moved to England spent most of my years there. Both countries speak english. I now live in America where the first language is english also. It's easy to deceive ourselves into thinking that if we both use the same dictionary and assume we agree on the meanings that we understand each other in our communication. Our inflections, our tones, our words can be misinterpreted even unknowingly. I think this is interesting. If we were to learn a different language we would naturally spend time looking up the meanings of the words in order to communicate effectively in that new language. So for me two different cultures who speak the same first language are not necessarily communicating as effectively as it would seem. Maybe I'm stating the obvious. :)
    You have a very good point here. That would be the same for any culture. For example: Spanish here in the States or canada would be different then the spanish in Spain. Meanings, tones and etcc...

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Why do we as Americans accept bashing? [ 118 Answers ]

I honestly and sincerely ask this question. When people from other countries hold “discussions” on OUR Country and it is in a negative light….. why is that okay? Furthermore, why would Americans join in on the “discussion”. My feeling on this is, regardless if the points are accurate or not,...

ALI G (Borat to you Americans) [ 3 Answers ]

I think he is hilarious been from the U.K its quality. Should watch some of the YouTube vids YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. And this one is him with some NBA players lol classic!! YouTube - Ali G & the NBA (extended version)

Is resentment against the Americans up or down [ 28 Answers ]

Everyone and their mother seem to have an idea about how well the “surge” is working; I think someone should ask the Iraqis what they think. I wonder how they would rate their personal security. Is resentment against the Americans up or down since the “surge” began? But on second thought,...

Illegal Americans [ 7 Answers ]

Hi my name is Diego, I'm 18 years old and I live in Denver Colorado. I'm an Illegal immigrant of the united states, I crossed the border when I was nine, I didn't know what I was doing, I didn't have a choice. Over the time I forgot about my culture, and were I came from. I have become what I...

Racist Americans [ 122 Answers ]

----------THREAD IS SOLELY MEANT FOR INDIANS,ESPECIALLY in INDIA----- You know I just quit my job today, and I can't explain how relieved I feel about it.Used to work as a tech support in a BPO , outsourced in India with most customers calling from america .To a point where I realised that the...


View more questions Search