Ilene Bauer Poet Rhyme

English

The colonists who came here
Spoke the language of the Queen,
The accent very British, I think
You know what I mean.

Of course, throughout Great Britain
People speak in different ways
Yet pronunciations sound so cool
In every turn of phrase.

What I really cannot comprehend
Is how the language changed,
For from proper British English,
We are certainly estranged.

Americans like me prefer
The sounds of which we’re fond,
Meaning English as it’s spoken
On the far side of the pond.

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Maurice Rigoler February 12, 2021 at 3:00 AM A fascinating subject and one I've given much research to, Ilene. My favorite british accent is cockney with its clipped vowels and consonants, though I wouldn't dare attempt to imitate it if I were in England. As for her majesty's english it's a bore. An enjoyable poem. / Maurice

Rico Leffanta February 11, 2021 at 11:56 AM Public school lads must speak with a stiff upper lip to conceal rotten teeth, so there are legions pretending they attended public school. Speaking French requires pursing the lips in anticipation of being kissed, which produces entirely different sounds. Aristocrats speak French, so even the Oxford Dictionary doe not settle the score ....Well caught, Ilene! Aloha! Rico

Hannah Borke February 11, 2021 at 8:27 AM I had done research into this and learned that how we speak English is more similar to the original English. The British had been having a tendency to ‘put it on’ — for some reason, which is how their stiff, strained speech evolved. Their milder accents are easier to listen to.

Anne-Lise Andresen February 11, 2021 at 2:46 AM - I understand very well what you mean, Ilene :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Gershon Wolf February 10, 2021 at 5:57 PM As I always say about languages: There's Chines, Japanese, and American Knees... Oh, well... Just sayin' :) gw

Jan Allison February 10, 2021 at 4:00 PM I can imagine you may find it difficult to understand some 'british accents' when you are on your travels lol:-) lets hope its not long before you can get to travel and speak to some 'local's in England or Ireland , scotland or Wales. I have to say there are some American accents I love. I do like the pronunciation differences i find when writing my poetry as some rhymes are totally alien to my ear lol:-) hugs Jan xx