Brief Outline of American English.

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Vusya
Major:
Status: Editor

Language is the bridge to the World of Wonders!

Brief Outline of American English.
Vusalya Azizova

"Language is the bridge to the World of Wonders!" -Vusalya Azizova.
That is really true! I associate language with the "bridge" that opens new prospective and miracles for people. For it is the "bridge" that allowed us to see new cultures, new education system and meet new friends all over the World. As FSA students- we learnt many aspects of new life. However, the inevitable and integral part of this life is -Language. Before coming to U.S., I was always wondering what is like to speak "American?"
Dear Friends! In deed, I realized that American English is different in many ways from English we have learnt back home. But one might ask in what way is it different? As a future ESL teacher and translator, I did some research and decided to share my opinion with my fellow friends.
There are many reasons that make American English different than that we learnt in our countries. But the main reason is emphasize of grammar and "book" English. For example, we learnt English from books, that is, we didn't have many opportunities to practice the language with Native Speakers. However, in America the usage of English language can be categorized into three groups: Standard English (that is, "Formal English"), Slang and College English (that is, "Informal English").
"Formal English" - is spoken by official, on TV programs, and within certain institutions such as, schools and colleges. In order to improve the comprehension og "Forma Language", I suggest you read newspapers or listen radio or watch TV at least 30 minutes a day!
"Informal English" - is usually spoken among parents and peers. There are many situations in everyday life where informal English is allowed, even preferred. Some examples include: While playing sports, while studying with friends, at a bar or informal restaurant, at a party or reunion, while watching a sporting event with close family members and so on. Although, I put the slang and college English into the same category, the results of the research, however, have shown that there is a difference in terms of the usage. For example, the majority of population that use more slang in everyday life are -African Americans. Besides, slang is used by all kinds of groups of people who share situations or interests. The following are the most frequently used slang expressions that you might find interesting to know.
· Wazzap, how's it going? - How are you doing?
· Let's roll! - Let's go.
· What's the buzz? - What is the news?
· To step on someone's last nerve- To bother someone
· Fricken out- Scared
· Going nuts- Go crazy
· Comfy-Comfortable
· To rock-To do well
· Peace of cake-Easy
· To be "overloaded"- To be busy, etc.
Dear friend! Although I have been speaking English for a long time, I found it difficult to understand the slang expression. But having been in America for one year, it was a "piece of cake "for me to use and understand it.
Good Luck!

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