Sunday, April 4, 2010

Cultural Matters: More British televsion

Since the last post was about language, I thought I'd return again to TV -- since one of the best things American visitors to Britain can do to acclimate themselves to the language is to watch English movies and especially television (as their TV shows are generally aimed at a British audience, while their films tend to more 'universal' in accents and vocabulary.)

This Easter was a big TV weekend for Britain with the season debuts of Ashes to Ashes and Doctor Who. To get you started, below are clips from several recent British shows.(Also be sure to check out my earlier TV post). NOTE -- to view properly, right-click and then click "Show all" to get the proper perspective.

PS -- if you bring your laptop, you can get online access to the BBC's iplayer website (which is only available in England) to watch all the newest shows. Also consider trying to attend a television taping while in London.


BBC Drama trailer for Spring/Summer 2010
Clips featuring shots of all the BBC's newest shows. Many of these shows will be playing while we are there.


Doctor Who (2010 season, with new tenth doctor)





Jonathan Ross Show
The BBC's equivalent to the Tonight Show. The below clip with a embarrassingly cocky and obnoxious Miley Cyrus is one of the most uncomfortable TV moments in recent years (and therefore quite hilarious).



Catherine Tate Show
One of England's most popular comedians, Catherine Tate starred in her own highly popular sketch show for several years. Below are two clips of her most famous characters: the insulting and profane Nan; and the teenage 'chav', Lauren Cooper with then Prime Minister Tony Blair.





Ashes to Ashes (see earlier post for more info)

Some common English - American words

Although too much has probably been made of the differences between English words in the U.S. versus Great Britain -- playwright George Bernard Shaw once famously said that England and the USA were "two countries separated by a common langauge" -- there are some differences that any American traveller should be aware of. (Although generally, thanks to movies and TV, they will know what you mean even when you may not know what they mean.) I have listed a few common English words below in no particular order followed by the American equivalent.

ENGLISH                        AMERICAN
Pound                               The main currency; like our dollar.
Quid                                 Slang for the Pound  "Can I borrow five quid?"
Wayout                             Exit
Hire                                  Rent
Football                             Soccer
Takeaway                          Take-out (as in pizza)
Carpark                             Parking lot
Petrol                                Gas, Fuel
En suite                             Hotel room with private bath
VAT                                  Value Added Tax (sales tax) 
Chemist                             Pharmacist
Motorway                          Highway
Single carriageway            Two-lane road
Dual carriageway              Four-lane road
High street                        Main street
Give way                          Yield
Lorry                                Pick-up truck
Single-ticket                      One way
Return ticket                      Round trip
Toilet                                Bathroom, restroom
WC (Watercloset)             Bathroom, restroom
Mate                                Friend, pal, buddy
Telly                                 Television
Boot                                 Trunk
Bonnet                             Hood
Trainers                            Tennis shoes, sneakers
Trousers                           Pants
Jumper                            Pullover (sweater)
Kit                                  Uniform
Posh                               Expensive, overly fancy
Tube                               Subway
Biscuits                           Cookies
Scones                           Biscuits (sort of)
Crisps                            Chips
Chips                             Fries
Jacket potato                 Bakeed potato
Jam                                Jelly
Sweets                           Candy
Wind up                         Tease
Take the Piss                  Tease
Fag                                Cigarette
Hoover                          Vacuum cleaner or to vacuum
Letter box                      Mail box

Friday, April 2, 2010