I am curious to know how English accents are perceived in various countries.
To me, the North American accent sounds more remote than the accent of English-speakers in England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. That is, the latter set of accents sound more closely related than North American English.
I am curious to know whether speakers in these others countries feel that their own accent is more distinct than the rest of the set. For example, do Aussies and/or Kiwis feel that the North American English accent is more closely related to the English and South African accent than their own?
-Ray.
Americans sound like they are always chewing gum when they are talking.
Britons sound like everything above their vocal chords is much bigger, like a small cave in which the vowels resonate.
Aussies try to open their mouths and move their lips as little as possible, turning sentences into one string of vowel-based sounds.
Kiwis sound mostly like the Brits, but with a hint of the Aussie accent (strangely enough; considering geography you'd expect it the other way around at best).
And I can understand why South Africans are often referred to as 'boeren' (Dutch: farmers). Their English does sound like it's influenced by Dutch farmers.
Oh, and since you're from Canada: I used to be able to do an exaggerated Canadian accent when the show "Night Heat" on in the 80's, but I'm afraid I've lost it since. It sounds pretty American, with some distinguishing features.
Originally posted by royalchickenWell here in Texas we all speak proper English.😉
I've only heard enough Canadian, British and American accents to know that there's a lot of geographical variety--I've been taken for a Canadian several times in Britain because people don't realize this and expect Americans all to talk like Texans or something.
Originally posted by shavixmirHe's not a comedian, he's a genius when it comes to women: "Chicks dig jerks." 🙂 (Playing the MP3 as I type...)
Did you know that my favourite comedian came from Texas?
Bill Hicks.
Love the accent, love the humour.
I don't think it would be your cup of tea though 😉
Originally posted by ivangriceActually, I meant to say they sound *more* like the Brits than like Aussies. "No way"? I thought this thread was about perception? You can't deny that I preceive their pronunciation more like British than Australian... :-p
Kiwis sound mostly like the Brits? No way! They sound like ocker Aussies, and say 'wist' instead of 'west'...
To me (from England), it's entirely geographic. Kiwis and Aussies sound similar. Americans and Canadians similar, and South Africans sound quite unique.
The only oddity is that "British" English and the Irish sound completely dissimilar despite being neighbours. Perhaps that's just my perception as I live in England so can discern the nuances a bit better.
Anyone from US / Canada / SA / NZ / Aus think that Irish and British people sound alike?
Richard.
Originally posted by fawcr01Irish and English sound quite dissimilar, from what I've heard.
To me (from England), it's entirely geographic. Kiwis and Aussies sound similar. Americans and Canadians similar, and South Africans sound quite unique.
The only oddity is that "British" English and the Irish sound completely dissimilar despite being neighbours. Perhaps that's just my perception as I live in England so can discern the nuances a bit ...[text shortened]... ne from US / Canada / SA / NZ / Aus think that Irish and British people sound alike?
Richard.
On another note, I've only been to Scotland once, for three days, but it seems like their accent varies almost from town to town. Anyone else get this impression?
Originally posted by royalchickenYep, east coast of Scotland is a much softer accent, while west coast is much more guttural. I suppose that this is evident to some degree within just a few miles.
I've only been to Scotland once, for three days, but it seems like their accent varies almost from town to town. Anyone else get this impression?
Around the north-east of England where I live, I reckon I could place someone's accent to within 15 or 20 miles or so.
Originally posted by fawcr01Okay, but do Canadian/American accents sound closer to, say, Kiwis/Aussies than an English accent?
To me (from England), it's entirely geographic. Kiwis and Aussies sound similar. Americans and Canadians similar, and South Africans sound quite unique.
Anyone from US / Canada / SA / NZ / Aus think that Irish and British people sound alike?
I find that Irish, English and Scottish accents are very distinct.
-Ray.
I think American accents took a different path from our Anglo-Saxxon cousins due to the large influx of Germanic cultures arriving in the US during the 18th and 19th centuries, and then the Irish/Italian wave made it even more distinctive. I think a similar thing happened in Canada. OZ, NZ, and maybe South Africa? were more homogenous during their foundings, therefore the more "English"and "Dutch" sounding to this day...I could be wrong...any language historians out there?