Migrating to American accent. Is it wise?

Question

I always order the British non-rhotic rule in my readings but I feel British accent is the minority. It's a bit hard for me to change from British to American since I automatically turn "r" to silence in many cases according to British accent rule. How do you think? Is British accent the minority? Some people say the British accent is the most sexiest one in the world. Is it true? Almost all movies and video games are in American accent while mine is British. Do you think it's better to change it?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Which British accent do you mean? There isn't just one, just as there isn't only one American accent. You would benefit from learning more about both and how they are used. It's also important to realise that the letter r is not, actually silent in British pronunciation. It's just not a strong pronunciation. This is something that people who are used to American accents often struggle with, because American pronunciation is often extremely strong. In British pronunciation, it's just subtle. It can be easier to understand if you get used to hearing it more often.

What do you mean about "the minority"? You have not made yourself clear.

What stands out most of all from your question, is confusion. You seem confused about what different accents mean and how they are used.

You would benefit from learning of the many, different kinds of English that are spoken around the world http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_dialects_of_the_English_language Not necessarilly learning them in detail but, become aware of them and the great differences in pronunciation that they have, from each other.

There is nothing wrong with learning British English. You would also do well to consider why you, personally are learning English. How do you intend to use it? Will you mostly communicate with American English speakers? British English speakers? Other English speakers?

The point is, consider why you want to choose one accent or another. What is important to you and your, particular life? To imitate one, particular accent or to learn more English in general, which will then allow you to adapt your use of the language (including your pronunciation), according to who you communicate with at any, particular time?

Alex John · Answer

Firstly, I took a vocabulary mistake and I revise that particular word at the following:
"I always observe the British non-rhotic rule in my readings."
"I always ~~order~~ the British non-rhotic rule in my readings."
My mean of "minority" is that British standard accent that most Britons use comprises a small percentage of the English accents in all over the world. RP or received pronunciation is queen's accent and people who attend to Oxford are taught according to the rules. King's College London is also ruled so. I chose the RP because I felt it's the most sexiest English accent and there are very fewer people who have quite concentration over it. I'm an Iranian and I live in Iran. I don't have any physical communication with any people abroad and all my communications is through reading English articles, news, etc. I just love English and it's a necessity as well.
About silence of "r", yes sometimes it's completely silent. For example:
Number one (silent)
Number eight (pronounced)
Of course, it's not the only difference. An another instance is the word "nuke"
You as American say: nooook
I as British say: niiiuuuk

CalifJim · Answer

Alex JohnBritish standard accent that most Britons use comprises a small percentage of the English accents in all over the world.

The number of English speakers in the U.S. (American English) is greater than the combined number of all people in all other countries who speak any variety of English. But we all (mostly) understand each other anyway.

It seems to me that you would want to speak the variety of English that you most likely to come in contact with. You mention American movies, so if you watch a lot of American movies, then the American accent seems the best choice.

On the other hand, you seem to be satisfied speaking with a British accent, so, unless you plan to travel in the U.S. or Canada, there's no pressing need to learn the American accent.

CJ

CalifJim · Answer

Alex JohnI chose the RP because I felt it's the ~~most~~ sexiest English accent and there are very ~~fewer~~ few people who have ~~quite concentration over it~~ completely mastery of it.

With due respect, that seems rather snobbish. Do you think you are fit only to speak to royalty? When is the next time you expect to be playing polo with the princes?

(Mind you, it's not that I think that's impossible. For all I know, you yourself are Iranian royalty.)

I don't find any accents ****. I don't even know what sort of associations we're supposed to make between accent and sexiness. It sounds like a strange remark to make.

Alex Johnthe word "nuke"You as American say: nooook I as British say: niiiuuuk

Not to worry. That's not a major difference. /nuk/ /njuk/. The difference is only significant after 'n', 't', 'd', and 's'. We Americans include the /j/ the same as the British after the other consonants, e.g., 'b', 'p', 'f', 'c', etc. Thus, 'fume' /fjum/ in both varieties. Likewise for 'puce' /pjus/ and 'cube' /kjub/. But maybe you already knew /nu/ /nju/ that. It may surprise you to learn that quite a few Americans do say /nju/ for 'knew' and 'new'.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Alex JohnMy mean of "minority" is that British standard accent that most Britons use comprises a small percentage of the English accents in all over the world.

So what? Why not choose a kind of English that suits you, personally?

If pronunciation is really bothering you, why not try what was suggested in the first reply? You could try learning both the British and American kinds of English, then use each one at different times, according to your, personal needs.

Migrating to American accent. Is it wise?

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