However, it is not always those who speak different languages who misunderstand what the other person means.
I remember when I lived in Glasgow for a year back in the early 1990s. I also traveled a lot around the London area as I conducted some research for my thesis on Ottoman manuscripts of a certain period. I was young and a little naive. I thought when someone said they spoke English it meant that we would be able to understand one another. I quickly learned that an American and British person could be saying the same thing, but mean something entirely different.
For the past 15 years I have worked closely with my business partner who was born and raised in London. She moved to İstanbul as a young adult. By the way, that is London, England, as the Americans say. It can be irritating for British people when Americans have to specify London being London, England. Non-native English speakers will find the observation below very illuminating. The following observations about communication between a British person and non-British person who are both native English speakers were posted on Ray Monk’s Facebook page back in November, and my business partner forwarded them to me to see what I thought since I am American.
That’s the great thing about Facebook and other social networks -- you can pick up so many things that are fun and informative. When Ray Monk posted this observation of expressions, he added that he thought it could be genuinely useful to people wanting to interpret what Brits say.
The list of expressions has 15 statements and shows the following: What the British say, what the British mean and what others understand. Let’s have look…
I hear what you say: I disagree and do not want to discuss it further: The person accepts my point of view.
With the greatest respect: I think you are an idiot: The person is listening to me.
That’s not bad: That’s good: That’s poor.
That is a very brave proposal: You are insane: The person thinks I have courage.
Quite good: A bit disappointing: Quite good.
I would suggest: Do it or be prepared to justify yourself: Think about the idea, but do what you like.
Oh, incidentally/by the way: The primary purpose of our discussion is…: This is not very important.
I was a bit disappointed that…: I am annoyed that…: It doesn’t really matter.
Very interesting: That is clearly nonsense: They are impressed.
I’ll bear it in mind: I’ve forgotten it already: They will probably do it.
I’m sure it’s my fault: It’s your fault: Why do they think it was their fault?
You must come for dinner: It’s not an invitation, I’m just being polite: I will get an invitation soon.
I almost agree: I don’t agree at all: The person is not far from agreement.
I only have a few minor comments: Please re-write completely: The person has found a few typos.
Could we consider some other options: I don’t like your idea: They have not yet decided.
Along with understanding, the meaning and pronunciation can differ among the Americans, Canadians, British and Aussies. Students learning English can be frustrated by instructors who correct what they learned from another native speaker. On this same note, just the other day a friend of mine from New Zealand said while he was visiting New Orleans he had to ask the hotel receptionist to repeat what he said two or three times before he realized the receptionist was saying, “You need a coupon to get a discount price.” When the native Louisianan pronounced the word “coupon” he did so with extra syllables and a long vowel. My New Zealand friend barely recognized the word.
Historically, British English has usually been preferred across Europe and the Middle East and Asia, but American English is widely spoken and understood. For Americans headed abroad you may want to brush up on British English.
Note: Charlotte McPherson is the author of “Culture Smart: Turkey, 2005.” Please keep your questions and observations coming: I want to ensure this column is a help to you, Today’s Zaman’s readers. Email: c.mcpherson@todayszaman.com
