Which English Dialect is Better for Physics and Travel: American or British?

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The discussion centers on the choice between learning American English or British English, particularly for someone aspiring to be a researcher in physics and travel abroad. Participants emphasize that the differences between the two forms of English are minimal, primarily involving pronunciation, spelling variations, and some vocabulary (e.g., "elevator" vs. "lift"). It is suggested that learners should choose the version that is more accessible to them, considering local language schools and resources. The conversation also touches on accents, with humorous remarks about various regional dialects and their intelligibility. Ultimately, the consensus is that either form of English is acceptable, and understanding the differences is more important than the specific variant chosen.
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  • #53
Dickfore said:
So, what is it?

If you can't be bothered to read, that is your problem not mine.
 
  • #54
jarednjames said:
If you can't be bothered to read, that is your problem not mine.

Providing a link is considered low-content posting. If you can't bother to explain your argument with more than a link and sarcastic comments, that is your problem, not mine. What is a "1st world country"?
 
  • #55
Dickfore said:
Providing a link is considered low-content posting. If you can't bother to explain your argument with more than a link and sarcastic comments, that is your problem, not mine. What is a "1st world country"?

First World countries in general have very advanced economies and very high Human Development indices. On the other hand, the United Nations defined the First World on the wealth of the nation's Gross National Product (GNP). The definition of the First World is now less concrete than during the Cold War.

Does that help? Nothing more to add really. I think that says it all.

And don't have a bash at me. 30 seconds on Google would answer your question and yet you post it for someone else to answer for you. Don't take it personally, I just find this rather irritating.
 
  • #56
First World countries in general have very advanced economies and very high Human Development indices. On the other hand, the United Nations defined the First World on the wealth of the nation's Gross National Product (GNP). The definition of the First World is now less concrete than during the Cold War.

Good thing Canada was not founded after WWII then, I guess.
 
  • #57
Stop bickering. This has all been in good fun so far. Let's keep it that way.
 
  • #58
Jasongreat said:
We were peopled by, as well as part of the british empire. So one could say we also had claim to those wars, as well as the win where we separated and formed the US which would put us one up. :)

-1 for Vietnam.

American spelling makes more sense, I think; and, I have to confess, I like the Texas accent. Recieved Pronunciation is not too bad so long as it isn't over the top: an example of a nice accent is Stephen Fry's. I suppose mine would be considered Cockney, or a derivation thereof.
 
  • #59
Dickfore said:
Providing a link is considered low-content posting. If you can't bother to explain your argument with more than a link and sarcastic comments, that is your problem, not mine. What is a "1st world country"?

It is very odd that you have never heard this term. jj was right is presuming you'd need to educate yourself about it.
 
  • #60
jarednjames said:
If you can't be bothered to read, that is your problem not mine.

I agree with you, Jared. I followed the link and actually learned something! Everyone's heard of "third world countries," but I'd always thought it had to do with them being at the bottom third, economy-wise.

Now I know better. Thanks for the link!
 
  • #61
mugaliens said:
I agree with you, Jared. I followed the link and actually learned something! Everyone's heard of "third world countries," but I'd always thought it had to do with them being at the bottom third, economy-wise.

Now I know better. Thanks for the link!

Myself also. I didn't realize there was a 'second world'. (not sure why I assumed they would skip it though.)
 
  • #62
jarednjames said:
Myself also. I didn't realize there was a 'second world'. (not sure why I assumed they would skip it though.)

In my youth I was always told what you think is 2nd world was in fact the 1st one.
 
  • #63
Borek said:
In my youth I was always told what you think is 2nd world was in fact the 1st one.

The boundary between them seems rather blurry from what I've read.
 
  • #64
jarednjames said:
The boundary between them seems rather blurry from what I've read.

It was at the time when the boundary was perfectly clear.
 
  • #66
Tom Mattson said:
Oh, the difference between Australian and New Zealand accents is enormous.

Observe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2gii2nenUg&feature=related

Ha ha! To me, the New Zealand accent sounds more British than the Australian accent. But there probably are regional accents that I can't detect, sort of like someone from outside the US probably wouldn't be able to tell a NY from a NJ accent.

To the OP, if you find a course taught by a native speaker of English, regardless of where they're from, learn it from them. Once you learn either form of English, it will be a small effort to learn the differences between them later.
 
  • #67
I'm wondering, in this argument between American English and British English, besides the different accents and words like 'elevator' vs 'lift', are there Science-related terms that are different? So far I only know of spelling differences, like the 'aluminum' vs 'aluminium' mentioned earlier.

I've been learning in British English in writing but we do not speak in British English/Queen's English/BBC English accent. And I've been using 'sulphur' for the longest time until lately the local Ministry of Education proposed a spelling change to 'sulfur'.

Also, if American English is chosen, by extension, would the units like miles and pounds be used instead of the metric system? :shy:

I think that it doesn't matter which English is chosen because as you study a subject, you tend to read up more and be exposed to many materials from many sources and in contact with many people with different accents, so the 'minor' differences like 'color' and 'colour' pose no problem at all. o:)
 
  • #68
thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaank you (all)very much
you helped me greately
 

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