Well, I’ll go to the foot of our stairs! Now I understand why Yankee is such a vociferous champion of American English since her maternal grandmother was English:
Now as for me, well I don’t wish to blow my own trumpet but I did have a look at the old family tree and discovered I can trace my family back to a guy who flourished in 1620 in the north of England. Just think he might have had a beer with Shakespeare or even a cup of tea with Milton. Why come to think of it, I’m even more English than the Queen of England.
So, are you saying that it is your assumption that the people taking the tests here are already fully aware of any differences that exist between BE and AmE? To be honest, such an assumption would strike me as absurd. :shock:
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I think most of the people who use our materials and the forum are fully aware of the fact that English is the native language in a number of countries. Most learners probably also understand that every region of every English speaking country might have its own ‘local brand’ of English in addition to the standard version. For example, in some parts of the United States some people say “quarter of twelve” while in other parts of the same country there are people who have never heard that phrase. So you can create an American English test with that phrase and an American might claim that this is not American English.
When it comes to discussing differences between British and American English it is important to point out that those differences are rather insignificant. Whether you say ‘mobile phone’ or ‘cell phone’ doesn’t make that much of a difference. Most teenagers in the UK watch American TV shows and movies and I’m sure that they understand every single word of what is said. If an American reads a book written by a Brit they won’t have any problems understanding it. CNN employs American, British, Irish, Australian, etc. anchors and I don’t think that there any communication problems between them because of the different “Englishes” they speak.[YSaerTTEW443543]
From what I can see, Torsten, you seem to be interested mainly in presenting British English as the only correct and natural-sounding version of English. As far as I’m concerned, you have begun to actively and intentionally misinform ESLers. You seem to be bent on hiding rather than providing information.
What an expression ! I would have never guessed that it means “I just don’t believe it” until Alan explained it.
I wonder if it is familiar to the residents on the other side of the pond.
Amy or Jamie, could you tell me if I will be understood if I use that expression ?
That’s an interesting turn of phrase !
If I understand it correctly, it means that I have a showball chance in hell (or in Africa ) of hearing people use that expression in the USA, right ?
) of hearing people use that expression in the USA, right ?