answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

A given language, such as English, tends to develop regional accents because of a phenomenon formally known as linguistic drift. People talk to other people in their vicinity much more than they talk to more distant people. Small changes enter a language at random, or because someone thinks it is easier, or sounds better, to say something in a particular way, and other people imitate what they hear. Everybody learns about language from everybody else; we all try to some degree to sound like the other people we hear. Language slowly changes, it drifts into something new. And each region is drifting in its own direction. There are manyaccents in Great Britain, not just the London accent, just as there are also many accents in the US, and there is a different accent in Australia, and a different (but relatively mild) accent in Canada, and so forth. The state of Massachusetts has its own accent. A person from Alabama sounds different than a person from New Jersey. And so forth.

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

1w ago

The English accent in London developed over centuries due to various influences, such as invasions, migrations, and social trends. The unique features of the London accent can be attributed to historical factors, interactions with other cultures, and local dialects within the city itself.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why do people in London speak English with an accent?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Linguistics

Do people speak British English or American English in UK?

In the UK, people primarily speak British English, which has variations in accent and vocabulary depending on the region. American English is not typically spoken as the primary language in the UK.


Do people in Brazil have a British accent?

Overall, people in Brazil do not have a British accent. The official language in Brazil is Portuguese, and thus the majority of people speak with a Portuguese accent. However, due to global influences, some Brazilians may speak English with a British accent if they have been exposed to that dialect.


How many people speak British English and American English?

It is all the same English where ever you go, the difference is the pronunciation and dialects, eg: Canada is vastly different from Australia and New Zealand, then the way the Scots speak English is different again from the people in London England. The USA has sthe most differences in every state there is their own accent, (in some states you may even have a hard time understanding them), but it is all English!


What do people from Devon speak?

People from Devon, a county in England, typically speak with a West Country accent and use West Country dialect words and phrases. This accent is known for its soft and melodic tones, along with unique pronunciations and vocabulary that set it apart from other English accents.


What really accounts for differences in accent among people who speak English?

Differences in accent among English speakers can be influenced by factors such as geographical location, cultural background, first language, and exposure to different accents. These factors contribute to variations in pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm in the way English is spoken by different individuals.

Related questions

How do people speak in Alabama?

The people of Alabama for the most part speak English, with a southern accent.


What really accounts for differences in accent among people who speak English?

Differences in accent among English speakers can be influenced by factors such as geographical location, cultural background, first language, and exposure to different accents. These factors contribute to variations in pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm in the way English is spoken by different individuals.


What kind of accent did Amy Winehouse have?

Amy grew up in Southgate, which is in north London. People who aren't familiar with accents around this area would probably describe her accent as an Estuary accent or even Cockney. However, I would describe her accent as North London. For people who dont live in or near London, the differences between London, Essex, Estuary and Cockney accents can be virtually impossible to tell, as they are often subtle. Although some people speak like Amy Winehouse in north London (including me :D ), note that there is a large range of accents in London, ranging from what is often known as 'Jafaican' to Cockney. Many, but by no means all, people from where Amy was from speak with an accent like hers. Hope that answers your question!


Is Miley Cyrus American or English?

miley Cyrus is American but she can speak English because American people do speak English and miley Cyrus has a American accent


Is London in inglind?

Most people in London speak English as for most of the UK.


Did Micheal Collins speak with an English accent?

Michael Collins was born in Cork, Ireland, and despite having lived in London and New York, one assumes he retained his Irish accent.


Did people speak in American dialects in the 1700s?

Yes, people in the American colonies in the 1700s spoke various dialects influenced by their regional origins (such as British, Dutch, French), as well as indigenous languages. These dialects evolved over time to become distinct American English dialects.


What dialect do most people in the US speak?

Most people in the US speak a variety of American English known as General American, which is characterized by its lack of strong regional accents. There are also distinct regional dialects throughout the country, such as Southern, Midwestern, and Northeastern dialects.


Can you describe how accents can serve as noise?

When an accent sounds very unpleasant to people, they might well call it a "noise", it all depends on which accents certain people like to hear and which ones they find unpleasant!For example:folks who speak English with a British accent may sound very pleasant to some people whilst other people may find that same accent very unpleasantfolks who speak English with an American accent may sound very pleasant to some people whilst other people may find that same accent very unpleasantsome native English-speaking people find others who speak English with a French accent very pleasant to listen to whilst other people may find that same accent very unpleasantfolks who speak English with a New York accent may sound very pleasant to some people but at the same time may sound very unpleasant to othersfolks who speak English with a Boston accent may sound very pleasant to some people but at the same time may sound very unpleasant to othersdo you get the idea..?


Why do English people have peculiar accents?

Everyone has a different accent in different countries. England is like America the different places you go you get different accents there not all the same. For instance an individual can have a Essex accent which is different to the London accent. Also, other accents are Lester accent or a Manchester accent a Nottingham accent a Scottish a Welsh accent and a Hull accent.


How would someone lose their Chinese accent?

Speak English (or any other language) at a very early age, or converse often in English (and other languages). Some people born outside of an English speaking country can lose their native accent if they speak English often, while some cannot lose it. For some Chinese people losing their accent will be easy, but for others it will be difficult.


What cotrys are spocon in London?

If you mean what languages are spoken in London, then the majority of people would speak English.