Brits vs Yanks vs Aussies
I have seen so many inspiring stories in my life but nothing is like this. You should really watch this!
NOW, LET’S BE THANKFUL!
I am very happy today
Can you say this sentence out loud? OK! Now, what kind of accent did you use? American? British? Australian? or Canadian?
Well, there are so many different accents when it comes to speaking English, I think. A few weeks ago, there was an orientation for the Master’s program in which I am teaching. There were around 50 students from 16 different countries. They, of course, have all different accents, such as Chinese, Indian, Australian, Korean or American, when they speak English. Interesting thing is students have different accents not based on where they are from but where they learn English. For example, there was a student who is Chinese but she learned English in Australia and she has Australian accent. Thus, when she says “I am very happy today,” it sounds like “I am happy to die.” Back in Korea, I had a coworker who learned English in UK. Whenever she says, “I can” or “I can’t,” it sounds very weird to me because I initially learn how to speak English in Canada.
So, what kind of accents do you have?
Having said that, I have heard a few words you want to know. Brits, Yanks and Aussies. People here in America use Brits or Aussies. As you can imagine, Brits are people from UK and Aussies are people from Australia. Well, then people in UK use “Yanks” to describe people from America. Why? There is a story about this word. There is an wikipedia page about the word. But, to sum it up, it was a word used for referring to someone from New England area. And, as the country went through the Civil War, the word became to use to refer to those from the northern U.S. And, later, people outside of the U.S. started to use this one to refer to American people. The baseball team name, New York Yankees, originated from this word.
So, remember! If you are here in America, they would use the words like “He is a brit or aussie.” It is very short and hard to catch the words correctly if you do not pay attention enough. The first time I heard my friend saying, “He is a brit.,” I thought she was saying, “He is a brick.” which does not make sense at all.
Now, are you happy today or are you happy to die? What is your accent?
We also call the British “Limeys”
I searched for the etymology of the term. Very interesting. I would not forget that one. Thanks!
What a great video!!
Isn’t it? He is amazing. In fact, I cried out, watching the video. 🙂
He was introduced in Korea Broadcast system a couple of yrs ago, which was very touching and I remember i was completely moved to tears.
He’s right. We have to be thankful just as the way we are. I’ve been forgetting how valuable my life is and I should stop complaining my button down life.
Thanks for reminding me of where i am now and making me awake from a coma.
Sometimes, you make me realize that you are good guy. 🙂
Of course, I am a good guy. But you are better. 🙂 Cheer up, dude!
Even in america there are lots of variations. Just the pronunciation of the letter ‘A’ in “bar” or “yard” changes several times through the northeast part of the US.
I advice to foreigners is to pretend every US state is a different country. There are different accents, customs and foods throughout the states.
I guess I am going to stick to PA. Do not want to go through another round of learning!
I get asked daily if I’m English or Australian and some get it right as I’m a Kiwi. Lots of laughs over use of words and even after 6 years I get confused looks when I say something and get a blank look. If I’m on the phone giving my address I almost never get anyone to understand the letter ‘S’ without saying S for Sam but then that only confuses the people who think I’m saying F for Fam! My webpage has some humorous mentions about accents and terminolgy.
Hi Gayle,
I did not know that Kiwi stands for people from New Zealand. Thanks for good info and sharing your web site! I will see you around.
Hi Terry, hope you’ll notice this comment. Thank you for making an entry about the video. I was thoroughly moved with it and went so far as to buy his first book. He’s not a professional wirter or anythig , so his words are simple, warm and easy to reach to my mind. I guess the book is just right for an intermidiate English learner. BTW, I sent you a mail the other day. Did you read it? If not, please check your mail box and let me know if there seems to be none from me. I’ll write you again. I wanted to ask you just a small favor ^^
Hi Emmie, Isn’t he amazing? I watch the video whenever I feel like I am not satisfied with what I have now. What is the title of the book? I want to check it out. There have been no emails from you as far as I can see. Let me send you an email so that you can use the right email address. Talk to you later!
The book is called “Life without Limits: Inspiration for Ridiculously Good Life” by Nick Vujicic.
Don’t you think he’s super amusing and positive that he put such a comical word, ridiculously, before “good life.”
Thanks for the mail, I’ll write you back soon!
we (south oz and Vic) often refer to brits as ‘Poms’ more than limeys or brits.
Aussie states – especially WA and NT – ARE another country!!
I reckon Texans etc would take offence to being called yanks – also South Afrikans, Kiwis and Canadians often get mixed in with ‘ossies’ – as USA citz sometimes find it hard to pick the accent.
Bit like how the scots, welsh and irish don’t like being lumbered in with brits!!!
Oh it’s all so confusing – I gotta have a cuppa now!!
Great to see you, Tanya! Thank you so much for your input here! I would love to hear from you more often. “Have a cuppa” sounds like a very good expression to learn!