I just came across A Superficial Guide to New York written by a New Zealander. He warns that his advice is "Based on one visit, this is not to be taken seriously."
What's interesting about it is not only the differences between American and New Zealand(er?--don't know the adjective) English, but also his impressions of New York. Here's some good advice that would never occur to American English speakers:
"You may not be understood if you have a good Niu Zilnd accent. You are in good company; by my reckoning, every third local speaks English as a second language. Speak slowly, loudly, say your Rs. You may be worried about faking an American accent being perceived as taking the piss - in fact, it's an effective way to communicate."
3 comments:
Exactly--even his explanation to fellow New Zealanders would be perplexing to an American, unless they were familiar with the slang. It took me a while to understand what "daff" meant.
Daff? I'm a New Zealander, and I have no idea what that is. Are you taking the piss?
I'm enjoying your "Accents" blogs. I often wonder what the New Zealand accent sounds like to outsiders...
Now I can't find where he said "daff" but doesn't it mean dumb?
I have to finish categorizing my posts--there are more accents posts, I think. I haven't even scratched the surface in categorizing all of my old posts--there are a lot to go through and I've been too lazy to do it.
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