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In fact, it is the English accent that has changed. In the seventeenth Century, English speech sounded much more like American speech than it does now. What we call the English, or BBC accent is a late invention of the upper classes, in deliberate imitation of upper-class French. Most English people spoke in a bewildering variety of regional dialects and accents, some of which developed into the various American regional accents when brought to these shores. Transplanted linguistic communities are very conservative, retaining old forms and pronunciations long after they have been lost in the Mother Country, and so it is safe to say that the "American accent" is older than the "English accent."

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14y ago
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2w ago

The American accent was influenced by various factors such as colonization, Immigration, and regional dialects that developed over time. As people settled in America, their language evolved differently from that of those who remained in England, leading to the development of what we now identify as the American accent.

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Q: How did we get the American accent while the people in the 17th Century still spoke like Englishmen?
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What American accent is most liked?

There is no single American accent that is universally liked. People's preferences for accents can vary based on personal taste, cultural background, and regional bias. However, some American accents such as the General American accent, which is often used in broadcasting, have been historically associated with prestige and perceived as more "neutral" or "standard" in certain contexts.


Why dont Americans have an accent?

Everyone has an accent, including Americans. The perception that Americans do not have an accent is because American English is often considered the standard or "neutral" accent in certain contexts. Different regions within the United States, however, have various accents and dialects.


How could one improve their American accent?

To improve an American accent, you can listen to native speakers, practice speaking aloud, focus on specific pronunciation patterns like long vowels and diphthongs, and work with a teacher or speech coach for feedback and guidance. Regular practice and exposure to American English will help in developing a more authentic accent.


Can British People Fake An American Accent?

Yes, British people can fake an American accent just like anyone else can fake an accent from another country. It may take some practice to perfect the accent and sound authentic to native American English speakers.


Why does my accent change I'm 100 percent british and so are all my family but my accent changes from SLIGHT british to fully American why does this happen to me I sound especially American at night?

Accent variations can be influenced by exposure to different accents, media consumption, social interactions, and individual speech patterns. It's not uncommon for accents to shift slightly over time, especially if you are exposed to American English more frequently. Your accent may also change based on factors like tiredness or comfort levels, which could explain sounding more American at night.

Related questions

Why dont Americans have an accent?

Everyone has an accent, including Americans. The perception that Americans do not have an accent is because American English is often considered the standard or "neutral" accent in certain contexts. Different regions within the United States, however, have various accents and dialects.


Do American people have a different accent to British?

Yes they do.


Did Ronald Reagan have an accent?

Ronald Reagan spoke with an "Inland Northern American" accent. Most people would say that he did not have an accent.


What American accent is most liked?

There is no single American accent that is universally liked. People's preferences for accents can vary based on personal taste, cultural background, and regional bias. However, some American accents such as the General American accent, which is often used in broadcasting, have been historically associated with prestige and perceived as more "neutral" or "standard" in certain contexts.


Difference New Jersey accent?

New Jersey people don't have a change of accent, it's a regular American accent. And yes i know this because i live in New Jersey.


Do American people have accents?

Yes. We hear our own regional accents easily, usually by how nasal our vowel sounds are. I understand that when trying for an American accent, most people lock onto the southern accent, but this is the extreme. If you want to see a Brit doing a perfect American accent, watch Hugh Laurie in the TV series "House".


How could one improve their American accent?

To improve an American accent, you can listen to native speakers, practice speaking aloud, focus on specific pronunciation patterns like long vowels and diphthongs, and work with a teacher or speech coach for feedback and guidance. Regular practice and exposure to American English will help in developing a more authentic accent.


Why does my accent change I'm 100 percent british and so are all my family but my accent changes from SLIGHT british to fully American why does this happen to me I sound especially American at night?

Accent variations can be influenced by exposure to different accents, media consumption, social interactions, and individual speech patterns. It's not uncommon for accents to shift slightly over time, especially if you are exposed to American English more frequently. Your accent may also change based on factors like tiredness or comfort levels, which could explain sounding more American at night.


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


What is your Point of view about American accent?

it can be very annoying, but some people love it and try to copy it


Why do British people sing in American accents?

Some British singers may adopt an American accent when singing because they believe it fits better with the style of music they are performing. Additionally, American pop culture has had a significant influence on music worldwide, so singers may naturally adopt American accents when performing in certain genres.


By the 21st century what will be true about the American population?

There will be more people than there were in the 20th century