Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

I never thought of it this way. I'm American and I can understand fluent English speaking Europeans way better than I can understand British, unless that British person is from London. 70%? That's optimistic. I don't even think I am understanding words, only the most likely context in the flow of a conversation and the most likely way to react.

Fluent Northern European English (Belgium, Netherlands, Scandinavia, North Germany) almost blends into "normal" English to me. It is kind of shocking.



It's not "normal" English, it's specifically American English - a lot of Europeans have learned from (or at least been heavily influenced by) American movies etc., so they speak an American style.


Yeah yeah I didn’t think of “familiar dialect“ at the time

which is why the quotes were there to let pedantic people know I’m aware there probably is a better term


IME as an American, London British can be quite hard to understand, especially at a high word rate (which was my experience). Yes.. it.. turns.. out.. that.. speaking.. slowly.. does.. make.. it.. easier.. to.. understand.


To my Irish ears, fluent English from Dutch people in particular can often sound slightly American.


In this case I think that you have never spoken with people from London with cockney accent..




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: