Of the 7.5 billion people in the world, a whooping 1.5 billion,about 20% are English speakers. In Africa ,according to a survey by the World linguistic agency. Ugandans are the best speakers followed by natives of Zambia, South Africa and Kenya in that order.West Africans have this pidgin accents that cost them a place even though they are equally well versed and proud english speakers.
Globally however, english seems to be split between American english, native British and Australian english which scores somewhere in between. Of all the three there is something about American english that stands out.Majorly ,this is as a result of how bold,street and open it sounds as compared to other forms. Some of it's traits form the basis of our interaction today.
As stated , American english comes out as open, bold and pompous in initial trajectory as compared to the British accent.Which would sound reserved, laid-back and altogether conservative. Also ,while American english is a mouthful, the British accent is more nasal and raw in voice projection.
You listen to both of these groups speak and you immediately notice a big difference in sound and even overall pronunciation of the letters.Most noticeable are the letters t and d.
While the Americans will put some stress on letter t to the point of it sounding like a d. The British counterparts come out low key to the point of appearing to not pronounce engulfing the sound within the strong accent. Case in point is the pronunciation of the words part of,water, what about ,but etc. The Americans will almost replace a d sound for the t.
Below in point form are other distinguished and popular phrases common in American english.
- When Americans speak, notice them use exaggeration quite figuratively. They will always say something like "this was the best/worst thing that ever happened to me" !!! in an exclamatory tone
- Notice that the intonation in speech and especially when questioning is a rising one. Making the language appear loud and emotional.
- When trying to express something or flow of events. The use of 'like' is quite common.For example, " I seeing them coming and am like.... ",then she goes like...
- "Really," "like seriously " are also asked to feedback on a surprising, comical, or not so pleasant information that has been relayed.
- Instead of saying yes as a positive acknowledgement notice the conditioned use of "pretty much".
- The abbreviated forms,OMG, LOL are used in texting.
- "Oh men"!,"no way"! are equally used to express surprise or disgust
- To hang up on someone to mean to not pick up their calls.
- "Me and him don't see eye to eye" - don't relate well
- Property is a term used usually to mean compound,homestead et cetera,like in "get out of my property".
- If someone or something pisses one off it means it's annoying or irritating.
- They talk of in the neighborhood,in the community,to mean in the surroundings.
- To do time/incaceration - to spend time behind bars.
- Sir - Referring to a boss, respectable man or male cop.
- Madam pronounced "maam "- Woman in a position of of authority,lady cop etc
- See what one has to say or see what is in their heads.
- To begin to get disrespectful - of a kid who acts hard headed in the presence of an authority .
- Notice the use of we was, they was instead of we were, there were.
- You don't need to know a person much to call them brother,bruh,my guy etc.
- "It's kinda like "- it's almost like
- Honestly..... Technically... ..,Basically..... - will begin most statements
- To get picked on - be looked down upon expressed usually first verbally
Equally hear the exclusive and common use of the following words and phrases in America based English language.On parole,child support, background checks,commit a felony,a pay cheque,the commissary,DUI,a ticket,emotional rollercoaster.But you know what!,law enforcement,call security on someone,pick on someone.Gang related,foster care,homicide,an altercation,reality check,the state penetentiary,real quick!,then one thing led to another.....And the usual "bombs" that everyone hears around,used to express disgust,though the writer chose to bypass.
Feel free to add in the comments box any other words and phrases synonymous with this dialect.(you know what I'm saying)