English dialect

Question

Hi, I really love this forum, for people here are so kind, answer questions with patience.

Today I'm asking:

Are there many dialects in Britain and USA?

I know the answer is definitely yes, right? ( Is definitely placed right here?)

So my question is:

Are English dialects very different from each other? Is it possible that two man from the same country can't understand each other because their English are dialect?

I'm from China, large population and thousands of Chinese dialects. It's very common that people can't understand others from a different province. I just want to know what the situations are in Britain and USA.

Thank anyone giving attention to the question in advance

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

erebreak I'm from China, large population and thousands of Chinese dialects. It's very common that people can't understand others from a different province.

The situation is not as dramatic as that in the English-speaking world, but it does happen. I was once placed in the position of having to make conversation with a man from Brooklyn, and I had to ask him to repeat everything he said at least three times, but eventually I understood him.

CJ

Mr Wordy · Answer

I'm from Britain. The basic English vocabulary and grammar do not vary greatly across the country. There are a few regional words and expressions, but not enough to cause too many problems. The most noticeable differences are in accent (people using the same words but pronouncing them differently).

Most of the time I can understand native English speakers from anywhere in Britain without any problem. Occasionally I have difficulty understanding certain very strong regional accents that are different from mine (for example, certain people from Scotland). I also sometimes have difficulty understanding children and teenagers, especially urban teenagers, because of poor diction and some unfamiliar vocabulary.

The situation in Britain is somewhat complicated by immigration. Here we have many people whose families originally came from places like India, Pakistan and the Caribbean (as well as China!), or from closer to home in other parts of Europe. Sometimes I have difficulty understanding these English speakers, and sometimes I can't really tell if English is their first language.

I can understand most native English speakers from other English-speaking countries around the world (e.g. USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa) without too many problems. I find some English speakers from the Caribbean quite difficult to follow, and also some urban Americans.

Erebreak · Answer

Well, I understand now. Thank you both!

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