The Queen's English

[JJuggle]

I was quite chuffed to come across The Very Best of British: The American's Guide to Speaking British (http://www.effingpot.com).

Enjoy,
Raphael Lasar
Matawan, NJ

[Klaas Bil]

I learned British English at school. Now through work, the media and these fora I am exposed more to USA English than to British English. I still try to adhere to British spelling, grammar and idiom - as the original it has the right to be the standard. However, when browsing through JJuggle's find, I was not so chuffed to notice that in many cases where the two dialects differ, I am not able to tell which is which. You folks mess up my mind :-)

So, would I be getting ready for the United States of the Atlantic? I would never have thought!

Klaas Bil

[JJuggle]

Originally posted by Klaas Bil
I still try to adhere to British spelling, grammar and idiom - as the original it has the right to be the standard.It is your prerogative to use whichever you wish, but in the matter of languages, right, has nothing to do with anything. Languages are adapted as needed through organic processes. One can bitch and moan about American "cultural hegemony", God knows I do, but, for the most part there's no stopping it.

I don't know how successful the French are at protecting their language, but I suspect they are disappointed more often than not.

In any event I don't think British English is in much danger, and for me anyway, is very enjoyable to read and hear.

Cheers,
Raphael Lasar
Matawan, NJ

[toddw9]

Originally posted by JJuggle
I don't know how successful the French are at protecting their language, but I suspect they are disappointed more often than not.

When I was in France, I had no problem understanding and communicating with them. When I was in Quebec, I could hardly understand a word they said. They use a lot of slang in Quebec; to me it's a whole different language.

Canadians have an interesting combination of American and British English. The British mostly shows through in writing.