Basically, American English is spoken and has the same structure as English that is spoken in many countries around the world. However, the spelling, accent, and use of English as a colloquial language differ in America and even in different parts of the United States. However, once you have mastered English, you should have no major difficulty understanding American English or being understood by American English speakers.
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Part 1 of 2: Studying American English
Step 1. Learn English
In general, American English has the same structure as other English languages. Apart from phrases, colloquialisms, dialects, and spellings, American English has similarities to English spoken in Great Britain, Australia, Canada, and other countries around the world. There are some significant differences in certain areas. This makes people feel that people who live in various English-speaking countries are people who are "separated by a common language" (a language that is similar but has its own differences in each region that uses it). However, basically almost all words and phrases have the same meaning. If you speak English and understand the speech of non-American English speakers, you can interact well in the United States.
Step 2. Pay attention to the accent, dialect, and slang of American English
The use of American English varies by region of the United States. Pay close attention to local and colloquial phrases, especially those used by people in social interactions. You will notice the difference when traveling from one region to another.
Read this article to learn about one of the accents used in the United States
Step 3. Know some American English phrases
You will learn many American English phrases as you interact socially with residents of the United States. To help familiarize yourself with the phrases, take a look at the following list of phrases:
- "Awesome" and "cool" are used to describe something that is good, positive, or popular. These two phrases are used more often in the United States than in any other country. In addition, the phrase can be used to give a positive response to what other people say.
- "What's up?" (how are you?) or "Soup" for short. This phrase is used to ask someone what he is doing, how he is doing, and to just say hello. We recommend that this phrase is not used in formal events. However, you can use it when socializing with friends. This phrase is often used by young people.
- "Hanging out" (relaxing and hanging out with other people or better known as "menongkrong" in Indonesian) is spending time somewhere or with someone. The phrase can be used to describe an activity or invite someone to relax ("Do you want to hang out?" or "Do you want to hang out?") or to describe a habit ("I hang out at the mall a lot" or "I often hang out at the mall." mall"). The phrase is often used by teenagers to describe the way he spends time and interacts socially without having goals or activities. In addition, the phrase can be used to explain that someone is spending time at home or doing nothing ("What are you up to?" / "Not much, just hanging out" or "What are you doing?" / "It's okay -what are you doing, just hanging out").
- " Y'all " (you) is an abbreviation of " You all ". The phrase is a plural second person pronoun used to address a group of people. The phrase is usually used in the southern United States. However, the phrase can be used in other areas.
- Soda, Pop, Cola, Sodapop, Coke, and others. Soft drinks such as Fanta, Coca-Cola, Sierra Mist, and Dr. Pepper may be referred to by these names in different parts of the United States.
Step 4. Know the English words that American English speakers cannot understand
If you have previously studied British English (English spoken by residents of Great Britain), be aware that it is not the same as American English words and phrases. When you use British English words, phrases or spellings in the United States, your speech may not be understood. Learn these American English words, phrases, and spellings:
- " Restroom " or " bathroom " instead of " Toilet " or " Lavatory"
- "Elevator" instead of "Elevator"
- " Trunk " (trunk) instead of " Boot"
- "Freeway" (freeway or expressway) rather than "motorway"
- " Sweater " (sweater) rather than " jumper"
- The word "pants" in American English is used to refer to "trousers", while the word "pants" in British English is used to refer to "pants".
- The word "vest" in American English is used to refer to a "vest", while the word "vest" in British English is used to refer to a "singlet" (in American English, the word "undershirt" is used to refer to a "singlet")
- " Sneakers" (sneakers) rather than "trainers"
- " Diaper " (diaper) instead of " nappy"
- "Bathing suit" (swim suit) rather than "swimming costume"
- " Vacation " instead of " holiday " (the word " holidays " is usually used to refer to bank holidays)
- "French fries" (fries) instead of "chips"
- " Chips " (potato chips) instead of " crisps"
- "Gasoline" (petrol) instead of "petrol"
- " Truck " (truck) instead of " lorry"
- "Flashlight" (flashlight) instead of "torch"
- "Color" (color) instead of "color"
- " Favorite " (favorite) rather than " favorite"
- " Popsicle " (ice lolly) instead of " lolly"
- "Tire" (wheel) instead of "tyre"
- "Napkin" (napkin) should be used to wipe the face at dinner
Part 2 of 2: Interacting Socially with Americans
Step 1. Try to communicate in English
Don't expect everyone to know or understand your unique dialect. The United States is a country of immigrants and always welcomes newcomers to settle there. However, Americans rarely learn other languages. 95% of Americans will not travel to all 50 states of the United States, much less travel overseas. So if they don't understand what you're saying or don't speak your language, don't think of them as rude. They are just being practical.
Step 2. Include humor in social interactions
If you don't speak English well, don't be offended if Americans joke or laugh when you say things they don't understand. For some Americans, laughter can reduce the frustration caused by the language barrier. They don't mean to offend you. If they laugh, you should laugh too. Generally, misunderstandings are common if it's your first time talking to a stranger.
Step 3. Don't generalize a nation based on a person's attitude
You may meet people who are friendly or rude. However, he does not reflect the personality of the entire nation of the United States. In addition, the attitude you receive will vary depending on where you are and who you are talking to. The attitudes of people living in big cities may be different from those of people living in rural areas. City dwellers tend to move in a hurry and look rude. However, you should not generalize these people as being genuine Americans. If some New Yorkers are rude to you, don't tell your friends that Americans are rude.
Step 4. Try to speak a little louder when talking to Americans
This is common throughout the United States and can create an atmosphere of community that can warm up conversations.
Step 5. Be polite and watch what you say
You should be careful when speaking to prevent yourself from saying things that offend the other person. However, instead of completely ceasing to speak your mind, you should try to adjust the way you convey your thoughts so as not to offend the other person. Courtesy is very important. Thus, you must be nice and polite to people, especially to Americans who receive you as their guests.
Tips
- If you ask a resident of the United States for help, they will usually help you. Don't think that Americans are arrogant people because they will try to help you.
- If you're not sure if the other person understands what you're saying, try to explain it in detail. Although there are considerable differences, American English grammar remains the same as British English grammar. In this way, almost all speakers of American English and British English can understand each other.
- When a singer performs a song in English, he or she usually performs it with a neutral American English accent, no matter what the singer's actual accent is. The way the vocals are produced when someone sings makes it seem as if they have an American accent.
- Almost all Americans tend to "swallow" the double "T" written on words so that they sound like the letter "D." For example, the word "Bottle" is pronounced "boddle" and the word "little" is pronounced "liddle". Pay attention to American accents to familiarize yourself with how they speak.
