The History of English - American English (8/10)

Summary

The script explores the evolution of American English, influenced by British settlers and immigrants like the Dutch, Germans, and Italians, who contributed words like 'raccoon' and 'pretzel'. It highlights how American capitalism shaped language with terms like 'break-even' and 'bottom line'. The script also notes American English's influence on British English and the preservation of old English words in America, such as 'fall' and 'faucets', contrasting with British terms like 'autumn' and 'taps'.

Takeaways

• 🌱 **Adoption of Native American Words**: Early British settlers in America borrowed words like 'raccoon', 'squash', and 'moose' from Native Americans.
• 🌐 **Influence of Immigrants**: Waves of immigrants from various countries contributed to the American English lexicon, such as 'coleslaw' and 'cookies' from the Dutch.
• 🍕 **Cultural Contributions**: The Germans brought 'pretzels' and 'delis', while Italians introduced 'pizza', 'pasta', and 'mafia' to the American vocabulary.
• 💼 **Language of Capitalism**: American English developed terms related to business and economics, like 'break-even' and 'bottom line'.
• 🚗 **Transportation Terminology**: The rise of urban commuting led to new words for infrastructure such as 'freeways', 'subways', and 'parking lots'.
• 🎥 **Cultural Export**: American English and its culture, including movies and jazz, influenced British English, making it more widespread.
• 📚 **Preservation of Old English**: Some old English words that fell out of use in Britain, like 'fall', 'faucets', 'diapers', and 'candy', continued to be used in American English.
• 🍂 **Seasonal Vocabulary**: While Americans use 'fall' to describe the season, the British prefer 'autumn'.
• 💧 **Differences in Plumbing**: The terms for water fixtures differ, with Americans using 'faucets' and Brits using 'taps'.
• 👶 **Childcare Terminology**: Americans use 'diapers' for baby clothing, while the British use 'nappies'.
• 🏥 **Healthcare Language**: The British term 'NHS dental care' reflects the National Health Service, which is not a term used in America.

Q & A

What did the British borrow from Native Americans when they first arrived in America?

The British borrowed words like raccoon, squash, and moose from Native Americans, as well as the names for most of their territories.

Which other languages and cultures contributed to the development of American English through immigration?

Dutch, German, and Italian cultures contributed to American English through words like coleslaw, cookies, pretzels, and pasta.

How did the economic system in America influence the language?

The capitalist economic system in America led to the creation of new terms like 'break-even' and 'bottom line', and the distinction between 'blue chip' and 'white collar'.

What new infrastructure terms were needed due to the growth of American cities?

As American cities grew, new terms like 'freeways', 'subways', and 'parking lots' were needed to describe the new systems of transportation and parking.

How did American English influence British English in the script?

American English influenced British English by introducing terms like 'merger' and 'downsizing', and through the popularity of American movies and jazz.

What are some examples of words that were forgotten in British English but continued to be used in American English?

Words like 'fall', 'faucets', 'diapers', and 'candy' were used in American English, while British English moved on to using 'autumn', 'taps', 'nappies', and 'NHS dental care'.

What does the phrase 'somewhere in the ballpark' imply about American English in the context of the script?

The phrase 'somewhere in the ballpark' suggests that while American English has diverged from British English, it still retains some similarities and is recognizable.

How did the Dutch influence American English according to the script?

The Dutch influenced American English by contributing words such as 'coleslaw' and 'cookies', possibly reflecting their relaxed attitude towards drugs.

What role did the Italian immigrants play in shaping American English as described in the script?

Italian immigrants contributed to American English by introducing words like 'pizza', 'pasta', and 'mafia', which are related to their food and culture.

What is the significance of the term 'commuter' in the context of American English development?

The term 'commuter' signifies the need for a new vocabulary related to transportation and urban life as cities expanded and people needed to travel to work.

How did the script suggest that American English has maintained some old English words that are no longer commonly used in Britain?

The script suggests that American English has preserved some old English words by continuing to use terms like 'fall', 'faucets', 'diapers', and 'candy', which have been replaced by different terms in modern British English.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 The Evolution of American English

This paragraph discusses the development of American English, highlighting its origins from British settlers who borrowed words from Native Americans such as 'raccoon', 'squash', and 'moose'. It also mentions the influence of immigrants from various countries like the Dutch, Germans, and Italians, who contributed words like 'coleslaw', 'cookies', 'pretzels', 'pizza', and 'pasta'. The paragraph emphasizes how American English has been shaped by the country's capitalist culture, with terms like 'break-even' and 'bottom line' becoming part of the lexicon. It also notes the creation of new terms related to transportation and business practices. Finally, it points out how some old English words that fell out of use in Britain, such as 'fall', 'faucets', 'diapers', and 'candy', continued to be used in American English.

Keywords

💡American English

American English refers to the variety of English spoken in the United States. It has evolved from British English and includes vocabulary, pronunciation, and spelling that differ from British English. The script mentions how American English has been influenced by various immigrant groups and has, in turn, influenced British English. For example, the script notes that American English borrowed words like 'raccoon' and 'squash' from Native Americans, and later, words like 'merger' and 'downsizing' became part of the British lexicon.

💡Immigrants

Immigrants are people who move to a new country to live there permanently. The script highlights the role of immigrants in shaping American English by bringing their own languages and words to the new land. For instance, the Dutch contributed 'coleslaw' and 'cookies,' while the Italians brought 'pizza,' 'pasta,' and 'mafia.' These words reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity that immigrants have added to American English.

💡Capitalism

Capitalism is an economic system based on private ownership of the means of production and their operation for profit. The script connects the spread of American English with the rise of capitalism, emphasizing terms like 'break-even' and 'bottom line,' which are central to business and finance. This illustrates how American English has adapted to the economic context, reflecting the country's focus on commerce and industry.

💡Commuter

A commuter is a person who regularly travels a long distance between home and work. The script mentions the need for a new system of 'freeways,' 'subways,' and 'parking lots' to accommodate the commuting needs of Americans. This keyword is tied to the theme of urbanization and the development of infrastructure in response to the demands of a growing and mobile population.

💡Blue Chip

Blue chip refers to well-established and nationally recognized companies with a record of stable and reliable growth. In the script, 'blue chip' is used to contrast with 'white collar,' indicating different segments of the workforce concerned with financial stability and employment. This term is part of the broader discussion on the economic language that has become prevalent in American English.

💡White Collar

White collar work typically refers to professional or administrative jobs that are not physically demanding and are usually performed in an office environment. The script uses 'white collar' to represent the class of workers who might be concerned about job security in the face of terms like 'merger' and 'downsizing.' This keyword is relevant to the video's theme as it reflects the language of the workplace and employment conditions in America.

💡Freeways

Freeways are major roads designed for high-speed traffic, typically with multiple lanes and no traffic signals. The script mentions the development of 'freeways' as part of the infrastructure needed to support the commuting culture in America. This keyword is significant as it represents the physical manifestation of America's mobility and the expansion of urban areas.

💡Subways

Subways are underground rail systems used for public transportation in urban areas. The script includes 'subways' as part of the transportation infrastructure that developed alongside American English. This term is indicative of the urbanization and the need for efficient public transportation systems in growing cities.

💡Parking Lots

Parking lots are areas designated for parking vehicles. The script mentions the need for 'parking lots' as part of the new language of infrastructure that emerged with the growth of American cities. This keyword is significant as it reflects the increasing reliance on personal vehicles and the need for配套设施 to support them.

💡Merger

A merger is the combining of two or more companies into a single entity. The script uses 'merger' as an example of a business term that has become part of American English, reflecting the dynamic nature of the economy and the corporate world. This keyword is relevant to the video's theme as it represents the language of business and finance that has influenced American English.

💡Downsizing

Downsizing refers to the reduction of a company's workforce or the scale of its operations. The script mentions 'downsizing' as a term that reflects the economic realities and challenges faced by the 'white collar' workers in America. This keyword is significant as it represents the language of corporate restructuring and its impact on employment.

Highlights

Brits borrowed words like raccoon, squash, and moose from Native Americans.

America's territory names were also influenced by Native Americans.

Immigrants from the Dutch introduced words like coleslaw and cookies.

The Dutch may have contributed to the American vocabulary due to their relaxed attitude towards drugs.

German immigrants brought words like pretzels and delicatessens.

Italian immigrants contributed words like pizza, pasta, and mafia.

America developed a new language of capitalism with terms like break-even and bottom line.

The concept of blue chip and white collar emerged in American English.

The commuter culture led to the creation of terms like freeways, subways, and parking lots.

American English terms like merger and downsizing were invented to describe business practices.

American English influenced British English through cool movies and groovy jazz.

Some old English words were preserved in American English, like fall, faucets, diapers, and candy.

British English evolved to use words like autumn, taps, nappies, and NHS dental care.

American English drifted back to Britain, influencing their language.

The transcript highlights the rich history of American English and its influences.

The development of American English was driven by waves of immigrants and their contributions to the language.

The transcript illustrates how American English has both borrowed from and influenced other English dialects.

The language of capitalism is a significant aspect of American English.

The transcript provides a snapshot of how American English has evolved over time.

Transcripts

The History of English in Ten Minutes. Chapter 8: American English, or not

English but somewhere in the ballpark. From the moment Brits first landed in

America they needed names for all the new plants and animals, so they borrowed

words like raccoon, squash and moose from the Native Americans, as well as most of

their territory. Waves of immigrants fed America's hunger for words, the Dutch

came sharing coleslaw and cookies. Probably as a result of their relaxed attitude to

drugs. Later the Germans arrived selling pretzels from delicatessens and the

Italians arrived with their pizza, their pasta and their mafia, just like mama

used to make. America spread a new language of capitalism getting everyone

worried about the break-even and the bottom line, whether they were blue chip

or white collar. The commuter needed a whole new system of freeways, subways and

parking lots and quickly, before words like merger and downsizing could be

invented. American English drifted back across the pond as Brits got the hang of

their cool movies and their groovy jazz. There are even some old forgotten

English words that lived on in America so they carried on using fall, faucets

diapers and candy while the Brits moved on to autumn, taps, nappies and NHS dental

care.