TonyC said:
In the same way, I think some people attempt to use tidbits of the uniquely British vocabulary in a vain attempt to make themselves seem more intelligent than they really are.
Not quite the case for me, Tony, but very good observation, nonetheless.
A Passenger said:
ATL, there is no reason to spell that way. "American English" is basically a separate language to "International English." We spell words correctly here in the US, the Euros and Australians speak a different version of the language and both spell and prounounce differently.
There's no prohibition against it, either. Unless I'm in a university classroom, there really isn't a guide by which to measure American English. From carelessly typed up signs in stores "Where Every Word Is Capitalised" to piss-poor puncuation and spelling, everyday Americana is rife with poor grammar and a lack of knowledge about the English language. Unlike numerous other countries throughout the world, the U.S. has no government body charged with "maintaining" the national langauge; in fact, the United States does not have an official language. As such, we are free to butcher the language or revert to another form thereof, such as the Queen's English, with little concern. Were I to find myself in a creative writing course at university, then I would, of course, consult the professor about his/her opinions on the subject and modify my work accordingly.
There is nothing wrong with using the American language.
I never said there was anything wrong with speaking or writing in American English; it's just something I choose not to do from time to time. Language, in both written and oral form, is a means of self-expression and is an important tool in the conveyance of ideas. Granted, I've been reading several works by British authors as of late, so I've been exposed to more British English than American English in the written form. The gods know that when I move back into American literature, I'll start to type/write in American English again. In any case, why are you making such a big deal out of it? Does the form of the English language that I choose to use in any way diminish the content or context of my posts?
Do you talk with a fake British accent, too?
Not often, no. But I do recall one flight a few years ago when coming back to Atlanta from Worcester, Mass. I was quite bored and in a bit of a thespian mood, so I announced to the guys up from that I would be conducting the entirety of flight, announcements and all, in a British accent. The guys didn't think I could pull it off, but sure enough, from the first passenger on to the last passenger off, I slung around a quite convincing cockney accent. I even topped of the delivery of the drinks to the passengers with an enthusiastic "Cheers!" Fortunately, no one went so far as to ask from what part of England I came ("Uhhhh, London? Yeah, London. What part? Uhhhh, south London.") I used to be able to do it quite well, but I've not hung around Ailerongirl in quite some time, so I'm out of practise.
Anyway, "that's all he wrote... "