Tennis shoes and sneakers – The term most commonly used for what the English call “trainers” is “sneaker.” The term dates back to the late 1800s due to the fact that the shoes were virtually noiseless and allowed the wearer to “sneak” around. In the south, it is common for the word to mean “preparing” as in “I’m fixing to go to the store.” Sugar – In the south “sugar” applies to the sweetener and can also refer to a kiss as in “give me some sugar.”įixing – In most parts of the US this means the act of repairing. In many parts of the south the term “coke” refers to all soft drinks. Soft Drinks – In the northern states these are referred to as “pop” this term is sometimes heard in the western states as well. Judging individuals by their accents is, unfortunately, a somewhat long-standing custom in the US. Stereotypes concerning the social standing, education, and intelligence are fairly common. It is interesting to note how the different dialects are viewed within the US. The dialect can be traced directly to Elizabethan English. The island is basically a large sand bar off the North Carolina coast which was settled by the English. Ocracoke Island is the perfect example of this. Isolation is another major factor in regional dialects. The dialect found in Pennsylvania is a direct result of the large number of Irish settlers along with the subsequent influence of German, Slavic, and English settlers. All of these influences can be heard in the dialect. For example, the New Orleans area was originally settled by French, Irish, Creole, and Spanish. One of the main factors in regional dialects is the settlement pattern of the area. A number of factors are behind the regional differences. The regional differences in language are the most apparent between the northern and southern sections of the US. New Orleans natives, who refer to their hometown as “Nawlins”, are instantly identifiable by their accent and phrasing. A few dialects are extreme, such as the “Ocracoke brogue” spoken on Ocracoke Island off the coast of North Carolina which is virtually unrecognisable as American English. The reasons behind America’s regional dialectsĮvery region of the US has regional language differences and every American speaks with a dialect. Most report that these activities increase their confidence and their use and understanding of spoken English. Many new English speakers will look for opportunities to interact with native English speakers by visiting coffee shops or joining clubs or social organisations. It is important to note that regional differences seldom, if ever, make it impossible for someone who has just learned English to communicate. While every region of the US has regional language differences, the differences are the most apparent when comparing the southern and northern regions of the US. They also apply to a wide range of items and activities in everyday life including food and drinks, social gatherings, and greetings. The differences in English usage, including idioms and terminology can vary greatly by region. However American conversational English poses a number of problems for those who learn English online. This makes understanding documents such as directions, books, and email easy. In general, those learning American English learn grammatically correct English.
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