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.