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There are a multitude of regional accents and colloquialisms in both the UK and the U.S. so I think it's hard to generalise and say one nation speaks English better than the other. Being British I do prefer the way English is spoken in Britain myself. I'm not overly fond of words like 'aluminum' rather than 'aluminium' and I find some American expressions to be somewhat vulgar, but then I also find some British expressions to be vulgar too.

I am a great fan of received pronunciation (a very posh British accent); I think it sounds marvellous. It doesn't bandy around vulgarities and one often hears some wonderful expressions e.g. I'm so happy I could bite a grape. I think it's also a way of speaking that commands respect for what one is saying; one naturally listens to someone who speaks well. Interestingly it can be the case that someone using received pronunciation can be somewhat amusing when using a swear word because of the contrast, but at the same time it can also make the use of a swear word very powerful. Of course swearing does suggest a lack of vocabulary, but one is permitted to use such words in time of war, natural disaster or whilst in the bedroom.
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Posted: 2007-07-29 13:18:27
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I'm not a big fan of "BBC" English, it does come across as being rather pompous and twee nowadays.
However some regional accents are somewhat difficult to understand, Glaswegian for Eg, however only 40 miles away, in Edinburgh their scottish brogue is easy on the ear and comes across as being quite cultured.
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Posted: 2007-07-29 13:31:03
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Received pronunciation (RP for short) is the best standard English and is very easy on the ear. HM the Queen speaks an even posher English; apparently she a great fan of local English accents and it has been said she does a mean Scouse accent too.

Surprisingly, one of the best English accents I have heard was from a German speaker. I think this was because in Germany they are taught textbook English and so speak it without an accent, unlike someone from say Yorkshire, Lancashire or Dorset.

Americans speak their own version and I wouldn't say one was 'better' than the other as the English language is forever evolving however, I like hearing the Queen speak, she sounds nice.


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Posted: 2007-07-29 14:45:56
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this is really interesting

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/[....]nd_British_English_differences

ps axr would love the "numbers"
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Posted: 2007-07-29 15:59:16
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Just found this 'Jolly Well Spoken' translator.

It also translates in to Geordie, Scottie, Ali G, Irish, Scouse, Yorkshire and Brummie.

whoohoo.co.uk

Well I say - its can be absolutely hilaaaarrious!!!!


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Posted: 2007-07-29 16:48:40
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Which actor/actress, British or otherwise, would you say personifies the perfect accent (i.e. correct pronunciation, diction, etc)?
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Posted: 2007-07-29 18:55:00
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Joanna Lumley (speaking naturally or as a 'posh' character)...
Roger Moore...

Anybody other than Hugh Grant, my missus loves him for his ' Well spoken English accent' but he sounds like a poof to me

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Posted: 2007-07-29 19:05:17
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Daniel Craig was excellent in Casino ROyale
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Posted: 2007-07-29 19:12:56
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I agree, Roger Moore has a beautifully modulated voice. Anthony Hopkins is another who fits the bill, amongst others. It largely depends on the role which they are playing, one supposes... Another notable voice would be that of James Earl Jones for its very proper pronunciation.
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Posted: 2007-07-29 19:35:00
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i agree! the actors mentioned above have lovely accents.

what irks me is the way the english language can degenerate. aside from 't' dropping, i've noticed how ppl insist on saying 'somethink' when they mean 'something'!
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Posted: 2007-07-29 20:03:31
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