Non-native English speakers: do you find it easier to imitate an American or British accent?

[Tooting Carmen]

Although in theory my inclination would be that foreigners find it easier to imitate American than British English, what is quite striking listening to many US-based Hispanics (whether or not they were actually raised there as children) is how you can still hear a clear Spanish influence in many of them. So, which is it?

[El_Jibaro]

The standard American form of speech is easier for me to imitate, but I fucking hate their accent.

[Ouistreham]

Interesting question.
Since I'm much more familiar with the UK than with America, I tend to imitate British accent(s) and to use a British vocabulary.

my inclination would be that foreigners find it easier to imitate American than British English.

But I've noticed that when chatting with a non-native but competent English speaker (= an average Dutchman), we tend to agree on a more Americanized pronunciation. Is it because it's increasingly becoming the world standard of because it flows somewhat more naturally, I can't decide.

[Tooting Carmen]

Interesting question.
Since I'm much more familiar with the UK than with America, I tend to imitate British accent(s) and to use a British vocabulary.

But I've noticed that when chatting with a non-native but competent English speaker (= an average Dutchman), we tend to agree on a more Americanized pronunciation. Is it because it's increasingly becoming the world standard of because it flows somewhat more naturally, I can't decide.

Nature vs nurture? But I actually think that American pronunciation is more phonetic than British pronunciation, such as the fact they still use the post-vocalic 'r' and don't generally have the distinction in vowels between short 'a' and long 'ah' that is profound in British English.

[Ouistreham]

I actually think that American pronunciation is more phonetic than British pronunciation, such as the fact they still use the post-vocalic 'r' and don't generally have the distinction in vowels between short 'a' and long 'ah' that is profound in British English.

Spot on. In America syllables are as a rule more distinctly pronounced.
The Pilgrim Fathers wanted to build a nation made of better Christians than in the old homeland, Mr Noah Webster wanted them to use a better English.

[Tooting Carmen]

Spot on. In America syllables are as a rule more distinctly pronounced.
The Pilgrim Fathers wanted to build a nation made of better Christians than in the old homeland, Mr Noah Webster wanted them to use a better English.

Which is ironic, given that the usual consensus is that British English sounds more classy and sophisticated than American English.

[Mortimer]

I probably sound neither but think closer to American

[Tooting Carmen]

The standard American form of speech is easier for me to imitate, but I fucking hate their accent.

Well like I said, I do find it striking how so many Hispanic-Americans still have a Spanish influence in their speech in English.

[El_Jibaro]

Well like I said, I do find it striking how so many Hispanic-Americans still have a Spanish influence in their speech in English.

They speak English with that accent sometimes even if they can´t speak Spanish, its weird.

For me, the problem with English, man...is that its just such a horrible language. Like, I can try to sound American, I can enunciate everything like the WASP man, but I hate it.

[Tooting Carmen]

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