- #61
JaredJames
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mugaliens said:
Myself also. I didn't realize there was a 'second world'. (not sure why I assumed they would skip it though.)
Which English Dialect is Better for Physics and Travel: American or British?
- Thread starter hager mahdy
- Start date
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the question of whether American or British English is better for someone pursuing a career in physics and traveling abroad. Participants explore various aspects of language learning, including pronunciation, spelling differences, and cultural perceptions associated with different English dialects.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
- Exploratory
Main Points Raised
- Some participants argue that it does not matter which English dialect to learn, as the differences are minimal and mutual understanding is generally achievable.
- Others suggest that learning American English might be more beneficial due to its prevalence in language schools and media.
- A few participants highlight specific differences in vocabulary and spelling, such as "elevator" vs. "lift" and "color" vs. "colour," noting that these distinctions can be humorous or trivial.
- There are comments about accents, with some participants joking about the difficulty of understanding certain regional accents, such as Scottish or Irish.
- Some participants express a preference for British English, associating it with a more "posh" or refined sound, while others counter that this perception varies by region and social class.
- One participant mentions that the choice of dialect might depend on the specific journals or institutions one intends to engage with in the field of physics.
- There are humorous remarks about stereotypes associated with American and British English speakers, suggesting that these perceptions influence opinions on which dialect is preferable.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally do not reach a consensus on which dialect is better, with multiple competing views and humorous exchanges about accents and cultural stereotypes. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the superiority of one dialect over the other.
Contextual Notes
Participants express varying degrees of familiarity with both dialects, and some mention personal experiences with accents that affect comprehension. There is no clear resolution on the implications of choosing one dialect over the other for professional or academic purposes.
Who May Find This Useful
This discussion may be of interest to language learners, educators in English as a second language, and individuals considering academic or professional opportunities in English-speaking countries, particularly in STEM fields.
Myself also. I didn't realize there was a 'second world'. (not sure why I assumed they would skip it though.)
- #62
Borek
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jarednjames said:
In my youth I was always told what you think is 2nd world was in fact the 1st one.
- #63
JaredJames
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Borek said:
The boundary between them seems rather blurry from what I've read.
- #64
Borek
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jarednjames said:
It was at the time when the boundary was perfectly clear.
- #65
quantumdude
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Evo said:
Oh, the difference between Australian and New Zealand accents is enormous.
Observe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2gii2nenUg&feature=related
- #66
Moonbear
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Tom Mattson said:
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
xunxine
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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.
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.
- #68
hager mahdy
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thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaank you (all)very much
you helped me greately
you helped me greately
- #69
Galteeth
- 69
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