Do We Speak The Same Language?
I read a really interesting comment by a reviewer on Amazon.com about SKY. Generally, I got the impression they liked the book, with a few reservations, but it ends with
"a worthy read and a great way to learn foreign vocabulary."
I must admit. my initial reaction was confusion - it's written in English? But of course, it's absolutely true. I'm English, speak and write in English (I'm ashamed to say it's the only language I can speak.). In the US, they speak English - but not quite. Whilst I tried to avoid certain words such as pavement (sidewalk) / tap (faucet), and I made the decision to use US English spelling (I really couldn't be asked to produce two editions), the way people speak is still different.
Those of you who've read SKY will know part of the story is set in Australia. When writing dialogue for the Aussie characters, I spoke the words out loud with the accent to try and get it as realistic as possible. I guess it helped that I've always enjoyed Australian movies (Muriel's Wedding is one of my favourties), and so have an idea of how people in Aus speak, I also have a sister-in-law who has lived in Adelaide for over 20 years and has developed the accent herself.
Perhaps it's because we see so many US movies and TV (love the Big Bang Theory!), we get used to how our American cousins speak. But because it's not reciprocated, I guess people in the US just aren't used to hearing how us Brits (foreigners!) speak.
So if you want to 'learn foreign vocabulary' - you can get your copy of SKY here :0)
"a worthy read and a great way to learn foreign vocabulary."
I must admit. my initial reaction was confusion - it's written in English? But of course, it's absolutely true. I'm English, speak and write in English (I'm ashamed to say it's the only language I can speak.). In the US, they speak English - but not quite. Whilst I tried to avoid certain words such as pavement (sidewalk) / tap (faucet), and I made the decision to use US English spelling (I really couldn't be asked to produce two editions), the way people speak is still different.
Those of you who've read SKY will know part of the story is set in Australia. When writing dialogue for the Aussie characters, I spoke the words out loud with the accent to try and get it as realistic as possible. I guess it helped that I've always enjoyed Australian movies (Muriel's Wedding is one of my favourties), and so have an idea of how people in Aus speak, I also have a sister-in-law who has lived in Adelaide for over 20 years and has developed the accent herself.
Perhaps it's because we see so many US movies and TV (love the Big Bang Theory!), we get used to how our American cousins speak. But because it's not reciprocated, I guess people in the US just aren't used to hearing how us Brits (foreigners!) speak.
So if you want to 'learn foreign vocabulary' - you can get your copy of SKY here :0)
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