[anradu]

(Original post by Sullen_Wind)
I'm 16 and I did my IGCSEs this year. I did qualifications that would be recognised in England because my parents knew we'd be moving to England for their work.

I'll be going to a sixth form just outside London to do my A-Levels. Will I fit in? Will people make fun of my accent? I'm from New York and my accent is pretty strong. This is the main thing that's worrying me

Accent's are a part of what people unique and individual.
As long as you have a great personality you will make great friends.
But yes we brits do like Swedish/American/S.African accents.

[Sullen_Wind]

(Original post by Junaid96)
Don't worry, you'll get destroyed every time you use one so you'll learn very very quickly Pants is probably the most dodgy one

I don't think I'll say pants then! Will any other words sound too weird?

[notnek]

(Original post by Sullen_Wind)
Thanks a lot! Another thing that's worrying me is if I should change the words I use. Like I say math and not maths, chips not crisps, fries not chips, elevator, pants etc. Should I start saying these sort of words with the English pronunciations so people don't make fun of me saying stuff like that?

No need to worry - we all know the different words that Americans use. It would sound more weird if you used non-American words.

I have an American friend who has started to say words like chips and w----r but they don't sound right coming out of his mouth.

Just remember not to get offended if someone asks you if you have a rubber

[tommm]

By the time you get to sixth form, the dickheads who would bully or insult you will have dropped out, so you should be fine.

[chelseafan]

Watch the UK version of the inbetweeners for an insight into UK college life.

[Ice Constricter]

Depends how fat you are.

[laura1234]

I wouldn't worry, people will probably be coming up to you asking you to speak so they can hear your accent :P. Even though your going to a sixth form where many people will already know eachother its very likely that there will be quite a few new people too, and even if there isn't people will know you are new and will want to get to know you. Give it a few weeks and you'll be fine.

[The Polymath]

(Original post by Sullen_Wind)
I don't think I'll say pants then! Will any other words sound too weird?

Well you got some of them:

maths not math
crisps not chips (chips are these http://diningroomonline.com/wp-conte...2/06/chips.jpg we still have fries, but they're a specific type of chips)
lift not elevator (you can say elevator and people wouldn't say anything because we hear it so often on tv, but it's a bit odd)
trousers not pants
pharmacy not drugstore
fresher not freshman
rubbish not garbage

the list goes on, but you'll pick it all up really quickly and everyone will know what you mean anyway

(Original post by The Marshall)
No, keep your accent the way it is, you don't need to change for the sake of it. If you were in countries like China or India, then yes, you'd probably have to learn the languages, otherwise, use our words, we say it more better then the English do.

Are you kidding me? hahaaa

(Original post by chelseafan)
Watch the UK version of the inbetweeners for an insight into UK college life.

Yes because those sort of programs are so realistic

[Tahooper]

As long as you never mention "soccer" then there is no reason why people shouldn't be friendly and welcoming towards you.

[emilie18]

You'll be fine! Having been to school with the same people for a few years, I'm sure all the students will be happy to see a new face and eager to get to know you. Having an American accent will just make you even more interesting. I'm sure they'll laugh at you and poke fun, but in a jokey, friendly way - just laugh along. The English sense of humour is often self-deprecating, so if you can play along and make jokes about your accent too or tease them in return, I'm sure they'll love you Good luck!

[Moscardini]

(Original post by Sullen_Wind)
Thanks a lot! Another thing that's worrying me is if I should change the words I use. Like I say math and not maths, chips not crisps, fries not chips, elevator, pants etc. Should I start saying these sort of words with the English pronunciations so people don't make fun of me saying stuff like that?

Please...please just dont call your arse a fanny :P

[ThePants999]

Don't change your accent. But if you're expecting to be in the country some time, I would recommend adapting to British English in terms of words (as per Junaid's list) and spelling. "Pants" will get the piss taken out of you, "chips" will thoroughly confuse some people. Another few:

autumn, not fall
pavement, not sidewalk
petrol, not gas
ground floor, not first floor (and first, not second, etc)
gherkin, not pickle
postcode, not zip code

And Tahooper has hit the nail on the head - never, ever say "soccer"

[onda]

So long you're not the typical fat american, you'd be fine

[onda]

Saying g football instead of soccer will get you far

[lilabs]

(Original post by Sullen_Wind)
I'm 16 and I did my IGCSEs this year. I did qualifications that would be recognised in England because my parents knew we'd be moving to England for their work.

I'll be going to a sixth form just outside London to do my A-Levels. Will I fit in? Will people make fun of my accent? I'm from New York and my accent is pretty strong. This is the main thing that's worrying me

From my own experience of American's at school and college, certain people will swoon over you! You'll be fine at the very least.
You're accent would be pretty cool in my opinion too I bet you'll have the odd nob head that would take the piss, but really, majority of people will act that way out of jealousy.

[ninuzu]

At least its sixth form, which means all the chavs would have left. They would have been the ones most likely to insult you, however most of them would not be doing A levels. People doing A levels are generally intelligent people interested in other cultures, as opposed to those out to insult people from another culture. So yes, you would fit in fine

[Jam']

Your dialect will be the biggest thing you'll want to adapt:

Aluminium, not aluminum. That's Al-you-min-e-um
Colour, not colour.
Football, not soccer.
Rubbish bin, not trash can.
Pavement, not sidewalk.
Petrol, not gas(oline).
University, not college.
Sweets, not candy.
Trainers, not sneakers.
Fringe, not bangs.
Shop, not store.

Can't think of any more. You should be fine though. There were a few Americans in my school - you sort'a forgot they had an accent after a few weeks it just became
standard.

Besides, London and areas in its vicinity are very multicultural so you'll be fine. Over here we're highly influenced by America - media, singers, products etc.

[Hugues*]

In my first year of 6th Form an American guy joined and everyone was fascinated by him. He was like a rocker type with long hair and a strong accent and he made friends real quick. I agree with the above post, maybe start using the English version of certain words.

[imasupercoolgeek]

(Original post by Sullen_Wind)
I'm 16 and I did my IGCSEs this year. I did qualifications that would be recognised in England because my parents knew we'd be moving to England for their work.

I'll be going to a sixth form just outside London to do my A-Levels. Will I fit in? Will people make fun of my accent? I'm from New York and my accent is pretty strong. This is the main thing that's worrying me

Can I ask you a question? Do you like the US more than the UK? I plan to move there (hopefully) & would like your views on it.


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

[suffocation1992]

(Original post by Sullen_Wind)
I'm 16 and I did my IGCSEs this year. I did qualifications that would be recognised in England because my parents knew we'd be moving to England for their work.

I'll be going to a sixth form just outside London to do my A-Levels. Will I fit in? Will people make fun of my accent? I'm from New York and my accent is pretty strong. This is the main thing that's worrying me

They'll probably love you! It's different isn't it? I think Brits and Americans love each others' accents. We had a few Americans at our school - as long as you don't speak too loudly all the time, you'll get all the girls