TIỂU LUẬN NGÔN NGỮ XÃ HỘI HỌC

HUE UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF OPEN EDUCATION
AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
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SOCIOLINGUISTIC PROJECT

Lecturer:

Trần Thuần

Student’s name:

Đậu Duy Toàn

Student’s code:

7052900535

Class:

Nghe An 6

Topic 6:
6. Compare the English of two informants (non-native speakers of English), one
of whom loves British culture and one of whom identifies with American
culture.

Nghe An, July 2023

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6. Compare the English of two informants (non-native speakers of
English), one of whom loves British culture and one of whom identifies with
American culture.
Assignment
Language acquisition is influenced by various factors, including cultural
exposure and identification. In this essay, we will explore and compare the English
proficiency of two non-native speakers, one of whom shows a passion for British
culture while the other identifies strongly with American culture. By analyzing
their language preferences, vocabulary usage, and accents, we seek to gain insights
into how cultural affiliations impact language learning.
When it comes to identifying with British culture, the informant's
background and motivations play a significant role. Understanding their language
preferences, pronunciation, and accent provides further insight into their
connection to British culture.
The informant's background often includes elements such as living or
growing up in the United Kingdom, having British relatives, or having spent a
considerable amount of time immersed in British culture. These experiences shape
their understanding and appreciation for the traditions, values, and customs
associated with British society.
Motivation also plays a vital role in the informant's identification with
British culture. It could stem from admiration for British history, literature, music,
or even the fascination with the British monarchy. The desire to connect with likeminded individuals who share similar interests further encourages the informant to
embrace British culture.
Language preferences are another essential aspect of the informant's
identification process. Having a strong affinity towards the English language, the
informant may express a preference for British English rather than other variations.
They might enjoy using British idioms, slang, and colloquialisms that are

commonly used in the UK.
Pronunciation and accent contribute significantly to the informant's
identification as well. Striving to speak English with a British accent demonstrates
their commitment to embodying British culture. They may emulate the accent
through practice, exposure to British media, or even by engaging with native
British English speakers.
By identifying with British culture, the informant demonstrates a deep
appreciation for all things British. Their background, motivations, language
preferences, pronunciation, and accent collectively shape their connection to
British traditions and ensure a strong bond with the cultural heritage of the United
Kingdom.
When it comes to identifying with American culture, there are several
factors that contribute to a person's connection and sense of belonging. In this
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section, we will explore the background and motivation, language preferences,
pronunciation, and accent of individuals who identify with American culture.
To begin with, one's background and motivation play a crucial role in their
identification with American culture. Many people who migrate to the United
States or are born into immigrant families strive to assimilate and become part of
the American way of life. They might adopt American customs, traditions, and
values, and actively seek opportunities to engage with the local community. This
desire to integrate often stems from the pursuit of a better life, educational or
professional growth, or simply a fascination with American ideals.
Language preferences also contribute significantly to the identification
process. English is the predominant language in the United States, so individuals
identifying with American culture often have a strong command of the English
language. They may prefer communicating in English over their native language or
other languages they may know. This language preference helps them fully

immerse themselves in the American society, converse with ease, and participate in
various aspects of American life, such as education, employment, and social
interactions.
Furthermore, pronunciation and accent play a role in how individuals
identify with American culture. As they strive to blend into the American society,
they may work on refining their pronunciation to sound more native-like. Adopting
an American accent, although not necessary, can assist in better integration and
communication. However, it is essential to note that maintaining one's cultural
heritage and accent is also valued and celebrated in a diverse country like the
United States.
In conclusion, individuals who identify with American culture often have a
background and motivation rooted in seeking integration and a better life. They
prefer the English language, develop strong pronunciation skills, and may strive to
adopt an American accent. However, it is essential to recognize and respect the
diversity of backgrounds and accents within the American cultural landscape.
When it comes to comparing British and American culture, various aspects
must be taken into account. In this section, we will delve into the vocabulary and
expressions, grammar and syntax, as well as pronunciation and accent, which set
these two cultures apart.
Vocabulary and expressions play a significant role in distinguishing British
and American culture. While both share English as the common language, they
exhibit rich variations in terms of vocabulary usage. For example, the British may
refer to a vacation as a "holiday," whereas Americans prefer using the term
"vacation." Similarly, the British use words like "lorry" instead of "truck" or "lift"
instead of "elevator." These differences reflect the distinct cultural identities and
linguistic preferences of each nation.
Grammar and syntax also present disparities between British and American
culture. While the basic rules of English grammar remain the same, there are
deviations in usage that are notable. British English tends to follow the Oxford
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style, emphasizing the use of the present perfect tense, such as saying "I have just
arrived," whereas American English leans toward the use of the past simple, saying
"I just arrived." Additionally, there are disparities in punctuation, dates, and the
spelling of certain words like "colour" in British English and "color" in American
English.
Pronunciation and accent are perhaps the most distinguishable features
between British and American culture. The famous British Received Pronunciation
(RP) exudes sophistication and has often been associated with the prestigious
"Queen's English." On the other hand, American English encompasses a range of
accents, including the General American accent, that have shaped the pop culture
landscape. Pronunciation differences can be seen in various words, such as the
British pronunciation of "tomato" as "tuh-mah-toh" versus the American
pronunciation as "tuh-may-toh."
In conclusion, while British and American culture share the English
language, they have diverged in vocabulary and expressions, grammar and syntax,
as well as pronunciation and accent. These variations contribute to the uniqueness
and richness of each culture, making them intriguing subjects of comparison and
analysis. By understanding these distinctions, we can better appreciate and
communicate with individuals from both cultures, fostering a deeper sense of
cultural appreciation and understanding.
In conclusion, cultural identification significantly influences language
learning and proficiency. Through the comparison of two informants, one with a
passion for British culture and the other identifying with American culture, we
have witnessed how their language preferences, vocabulary usage, and accents
reflect their respective cultural influences. This analysis underscores the
importance of cultural exposure, personal affinity, and identification in molding
one's language skills and accent acquisition. Further research in this area may lead
to a deeper understanding of how cultural factors contribute to language

acquisition processes amongst non-native speakers of English.

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