An Introduction to English-Speaking Countries.ppt

Modern English: From Shakespeare to J.K. Rowling. The period of Modern English extends from the sixteenth century to our own day. The early part of this period saw the completion of a revolution in the phonology of English. Later, as English came into contact with other cultures around the world and distinctive dialects of English developed in many areas which Britain had colonized, numerous other languages made small but interesting contributions to our language. The following are just some examples: Native Americans. English words borrowed from Native American languages: Abalone 鲍鱼 Caribou 驯鹿 Chipmunk 花栗鼠 Moose 驼鹿 Pecan 山核桃 Raccoon 浣熊 Skunk 臭鼬 Squash 壁球 Toboggan 平底雪橇 Totem 图腾 The Caribbean slave trade Words brought from Caribbean slave trade: Barbecue 烧烤 Canoe 独木舟 Cassava 木薯 Guava 番石榴 Hammock 吊床 Hurricane 飓风 Iguana 鬣蜥 Papaya 番木瓜 Potato Tobacco Mexican Natives Aztecs . Words brought from Mexican Natives: Avocado 鳄梨 Chili 池莉 Chocolate 巧克力 Cigar 雪茄 Coyote 凯奥特 Shark 鲨鱼 Tomato The main regional standards of English are British, US and Canadian, Australian and New Zealand, South African, India, and West India. Within each of these regional varieties a number of highly differentiated local dialects may be found. Accents are clues to where people were born and where they grew up. Although some people may change the way they speak during their lifetimes, most people carry at least some trace of their accent and dialect origins throughout their lives: The size of the British Isles often leads people to assume that the language spoken in its countries of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland is somewhat standardized. Visitors are often surprised to find that they have difficulty in understanding the accents and dialects of certain regions. Even within the country of England alone there is great diversity of dialect both regionally and socially. Accents in the USA: The main dialects/accents in the USA are: Northeast Midwest Southern Western The accent of my region. E