British vs American Accents | Improve Your Accent

Summary

This video explores the key differences between British and American accents, highlighting specific vowel sounds and pronunciation variations. It discusses the LOT and BATH vowel sounds, the distinct pronunciations of the letter 'T' in words, and the phenomenon of yod-coalescence. The speaker also notes how American and British speakers differ in their pronunciation of the letter 'R,' particularly in New York accents, and emphasizes the dropping of the 'H' sound in certain words. Overall, the video provides valuable insights for those looking to improve their English pronunciation.

Takeaways

• 😀 There are many variations of British and American accents, each with distinct characteristics.
• 🔤 The LOT vowel sound differs between British and American English, with British speakers rounding their lips slightly more.
• 🗣️ The BATH vowel sound is pronounced differently, with British speakers using a more back vowel sound compared to the front vowel sound used by Americans.
• 💧 In words like 'water' and 'authority', Brits pronounce the 'T' sound, while Americans often use a tap sound, resembling a short 'D' or 'R'.
• 📉 The term 'yod' refers to the /j/ sound in words like 'new'; Brits use this sound, while Americans have dropped it.
• 🇬🇧 The pronunciation of 'human' and 'huge' starts with a /hjuː/ sound in British accents but loses the 'H' in New York accents, sounding like /juː/.
• 🔄 Yod-coalescence occurs when the /dj/ sound in certain words shifts to a /dʒ/ sound, common in British pronunciation.
• 🗽 Donald Trump's accent exhibits unique characteristics of New York, where the pronunciation of 'R' varies in different contexts.
• 👂 Most Americans consistently pronounce the letter 'R', unlike most Brits who often do not.
• 👍 The video encourages viewers to like and share if they enjoyed the content, and offers an online English pronunciation course for non-native speakers.

Q & A

What is the LOT vowel sound and how is it pronounced differently in British and American accents?

The LOT vowel sound appears in words like 'job', 'politics', and 'not'. In British accents, speakers may round their lips slightly when pronouncing this vowel, while American speakers tend to have a more open mouth.

What is the BATH vowel sound, and how do British and American speakers pronounce it differently?

The BATH vowel sound can be found in words such as 'behalf', 'passed', and 'path'. British speakers, particularly from southern England, use a more back vowel sound, whereas Americans generally use a more front vowel sound.

How do British and American speakers pronounce the 'T' in words like 'water' and 'authority'?

In British English, the 'T' is pronounced clearly, while in American English, it often sounds like a tap or a short 'D' sound. This difference can also resemble an 'R' sound to non-native speakers.

What is the 'yod' sound, and how does it differ in British and American English?

'Yod' refers to the /j/ sound in words like 'new'. British speakers typically pronounce it as /j/, while American speakers drop this sound, resulting in a pronunciation closer to /d/ or /dʒ/.

What is yod-coalescence, and how is it demonstrated in the accents of Donald Trump and Theresa May?

Yod-coalescence is the change from /dj/ to /dʒ/ in certain words. Theresa May often uses the /dʒ/ pronunciation, while Donald Trump uses a /d/ sound instead, reflecting the American tendency to drop the yod.

How is the 'R' sound pronounced differently in British and American accents?

Most British speakers do not pronounce the 'R' at the end of words or before consonants, while most American speakers do. Donald Trump, who has a New York accent, sometimes pronounces the 'R' and sometimes doesn't.

Can you explain the variation in the pronunciation of the letter 'R' in traditional New York accents?

In traditional New York accents, the letter 'R' is pronounced only in specific positions, but this has evolved, leading to some New Yorkers pronouncing it inconsistently, as demonstrated by Donald Trump's speech.

What is a notable characteristic of Donald Trump's New York accent regarding the 'H' sound?

In New York accents, the 'H' in words like 'human', 'huge', and 'humour' is often dropped, leading to a pronunciation that starts with /juː/, unlike in British accents where the 'H' is pronounced.

What can non-native English speakers do to improve their pronunciation based on the video’s advice?

The video suggests that non-native speakers can take an online English pronunciation course offered by the presenter to help improve their accent and pronunciation skills.

Why is it important to recognize the differences in British and American accents?

Understanding these differences helps with effective communication and comprehension, especially for non-native speakers, as accents can significantly influence how words are understood.