USA VS UK?

[hardworking009]

Hello people here. I'm a new user but I have moved from Italy to England for a while. I am a man and I have one kid only, who is a boy. He is about to transfer to an university in America next semester. Since he does not browse this website, he asked me to post some questions regarding to life in America, hopefully whoever here that are living in America can answer.

He asked if he should switch his accent from English to American one. We speak in received pronunciation and I say it is necessary. He insisted it would be necessary as it could better communicate with his mates in America; and he is curious what do American accents sound to people here, especially for example, compare to the standard British accent. He said it is monotone and almost flat, which I'm not sure.

He also plans to rush and join a fraternity while he is in America, what are some perks and disadvantages? Should he go for it or not?

Cheers.

[Spirallingdownwards]

He should speak in his own accent. Why would anyone adopt a false accent? Indeed the US tend to love British accents.


Personally I wouldn't join a fraternity for all the misogynistic history they have. But each to their own.

[Cosycardigans]

Brit who lived in USA. Eventually his accent will adapt on its own to fit in with the way Americans speak. It's not just the sound of the language, but where they put emphasis on different words- it won't take long and his English will change naturally to fit in. A lot of people didn't understand me in some places, unless I changed the way I ordered a sentence, or put an American twang on some words. Tell him not to stress it though, it will just happen naturally.

[vodkaredbullgirl]

🤔why doesn't he just speak how he normally speaks.

[hardworking009]

Thank you for your reply. May I ask do you speak in your regional accents or the RP one to speak with Americans? There is an American colleague in my company who only understood what we were saying when we all spoke in RP.

I'm aware of the word stress parts as well, mostly french loan words. My son cares more about intonation I think. He said American accents sound quite
flat.

[hardworking009]

Do Americans love British accents? Really?

[hardworking009]

I guess he tries to sound cool and mingle with the locals in case people notice where he is from.

[declutteringmymind]

His accent will be the least of his worries I think. Best to encourage him to accept himself for who he is, then others will readily accept him too.