British Vs. American accent. Which do you prefer?

Star's picture

Okay, so I might be a bit biased on this question but that doesn't mean I can't ask it, right? While there are other accents out there (Australian,Canadian,New Zealand,etc), the American and British accents seem to dominate the English speaking world in China. From my experience, it seems that more English speakers in China speak with a British accent but I feel that the American accent is beginning to catch up. 

So which do you prefer? A British or American accent? And which one do you think will help you to better further your career goals?

And what accent have you learned English with? Do you prefer listening to the BBC or the VOA? I look forward to reading your comments. And don't be afraid to tell the truth - I won't hold it against you!

shadow

Comments

Tylinier's picture

Well,guess what,I was watching American top modle ,it's a Tv show.Anyway,in this season,these modles are coming from different countries,you know what,at the meanwhile,they did do their effort on their competetion,but it,s always a compete between two different culture,the British say beautiful english,sounds like fullof power and not less gentle.

Phoebe's picture

Ah-ah,listening to the teacher in class,I prefer American accent because it sound clearer.However,to my view,the British accent may sound more pleasant.

RachelQiu's picture

english accent is the formal official langudge in the world , it's very gental and tender , but for me it's difficult to imitate. may be my accent is american accent ,because of easy understand and simple.

Gladys's picture

I want to say British accent,but actually,i can't understand British accent,and i think American accent is better.It is easy to understand and imitate.It's hard for me to totally understand Sean.So i like your class and u,haha

omeomi11's picture

You are correct, the English language is beautiful. There is such a variety in the accents from country to country. For example there are noticeable differences between countries such as: United States, England, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and others. Also, there are a variety of accents in-country in the U.S. and in England. Please do not be concerned about a Chinese accent when speaking, a little accent only makes the language fuller and more meaningful. We native speakers love having others learn the English language.

Eva Chow's picture

Maybe the American accent is more affettuoso and the British accent is more official. I like English no matter what accent it is. English is a beautiful language and each accent has its own characteristic. Now what I worry about is that whether I have the Chinese accent...

omeomi11's picture

American or British, tomato or tomato, potato or potato? Did you read this and pronounce the difference between American and British accent? American-tomato with a long "A", as in "say". British-tomato with an "A" that sounds like the "A" in "father". The same with the word potato. As long as you learn the grammer, can get past the American or British alternative spellings of some words and develop the vocabulary needed along with correct usage, the pronunciation is probably not important. As for your use in the future, probably the American accent is preferred due to the extreme exposure of the language in American movies, T.V. shows, etc.

Lydiaaaa's picture

For me,I actually like American accent more.Maybe that is because I like to see American film. And most of my favorite star like Angelina Jolie,Miranda kore are from America. The other reason I like American English is because when people speak American English,they need to open their mouth widely and I think it is funny.

Susan-shanshan's picture

In fact,I prefer to American accent.I have been listened VOA for more than one year.And I am quite familiar with the sound and I quite enjoy it.But when I listen to the BBC,I can't understand most of them.For me,American accent is more understandable.

Adrianna's picture

because it is so clearly,and can express our own feeling causally without hiding behind

Kay Chan's picture

I think I prefer the American accent, because it is easier for me to understand, and I have been used of it. Both the American accent and British accent have their own unique feature, and as an English major student, I hope I can master both of them.

Kennyyuen's picture

i luv listenin' British accent~but i luv to speak American Eng.

Janlee's picture

To be honest, I prefer American accent,because I think the American accent is apt to catch up with,it seems easier to make other people understand what you say.While the British accent is more noble.

lalalablablabla's picture

British accent definitely sounds more formal and cadenced. But I personally think that the American accent is easier for language learners to learn because the American popular culture is so welcomed.
Eventhough I speak American English I still adimire those who speak perfect English with British accent. They are reallly charming.

Sweet1's picture

I think you accent has something powerful and covers penetration inside,it's loud and it seems it is like going through the wall,while both Darren and Sean have a more mild and soft one.
I haven't thinking about which accent will help me in my future career yet,but if my pronunciation is good,either of them is OK.

Anitababy's picture

i like American tv series,and i think that american accent is more easier to understand!!i have been trying to understand the british seller what she talked about,but finally i also uesd the body language to convey what i want to say!

koni's picture

I will choose the America accent.because the American words are more simple than the English.and it is more easier to understand.

chancy's picture

Ameican accent is easier to listen to. You and Darren is a obvious example for me. Every time I talk to people with British accent, I need to concentrate very much so that I can catch him/her. But when I talk to people with American accent, even he or she is a stranger, I still can understand easily.

jocelyn1111's picture

You know what,some guys prefer to watch American movies,because American accent is easy for us to understand and learn .And our teachers also recommend VOA to us to practise listening .Because BBC is too fast for us to catch up. and most of us think it's easy to understand you because of your standard accent.
However ,you know,Darren is our oral English teacher and Sean was our history teacher when i was freshmen . i know ,most of us think it's difficult to understand Darren and Sean 's accents ,but if we listen to them closely, we also can catch their key points.I know I still could not exactly understand Darren's accent,but i will try my best to improve myself because Darren is cool and i hope i can do it .and even though BBC is so fast ,i still enjoy it . That's it.
I would not say which one i prefer to ,as difficulties are not the point ,right? and i enjoy both of them . Nice. really.

Catherine2010's picture

I am not good at English,but the Britain accent sounds great.

Ivy Lau's picture

I notice that American English is more clear while British English has a nasal consonant . Personally , I prefer British accent , because it sounds deep .

金英Daisy's picture

I haven't think about this question.I don't know which one is better for my career,but I prefer American accent,because I think it is intimate.

Sammy's picture

I have been taught American English since I went to school.I have to say your American English is more than standard. However, from my respect, I prefer British English rather than American English. British English might be hard to understand tho. But i think American English is catching up very fast. Most foreign companies are from America. Therefore, speaking American English will help me somehow.

dapangtui's picture

In my view,I think British Engrish is elegant and more complex than American Engrish.I can understand clearly what you say.So,I think American Engrish is conveinent for our communication.

Sweet1's picture

I used to spend 2 hours a day to learn a piece of a BBC News,VOA and CNN each everyday,but a week later I found that I did't have so much time to learn.We have so many homework to do and I didn't konw weather the time I spent is worthy or not?How I wish I can recive some advise~~

Sandy_he's picture

Actually, I think American accent is more popular and useful, because American English is easier to write and read. And British English is more traditional, and it sounds more graceful. But I prefer listening to the VOA.

minis's picture

american accent

Christina from class four's picture

I appreciate American accent and there are no certain reasons why I prefer American accent. But in daily day I think most of us have paid no attention with what accent we speak ,maybe China accent. As for VOA and BBC , I think VOA is more easier for me to understand .

Simple's picture

To be honest,American accent is easier to understand.I started to learn English form primary school and teachers teached me in American accent.So i am familiar with American accent.However,British accent is difficult to understand but souds better.But i like American accent.

Irene2010's picture

I prefer the American accent.In my opinion, American accent is easier to understand.Everytime I listen to BBC, I am sleepy, their accent is so unclear that I find it hard to understand.