Thursday 17 February 2011

Accents And Idioms.

No, not that type of accent.  Although, maybe the above product might have altered my accent.
As a dude with a Canadian accent, living in England, I get the following question on a regular basis.  Doesn't matter if I'm draped in the Canadian flag, wear a Vancouver 'Canucks' baseball cap, or ride around on a polar bear.  Yes, I often get asked this, 'what part of America are you from?'  Now this makes for a fun conversation and invariably I will ask the person with the English accent, 'what part of Scotland are you from?'  One day, knowing my luck, someone will reply 'Glasgow'.
So with that, I try to explain the differences.  I keep it nice and simple.  'In Canada, we say 'eh' a lot eh.  I think we have a mellower accent than the Americans.  Let me give you an example of a Canadian speaking.  'How's it goin' eh!?'   Whilst an American, in a New York accent, might say, 'eh how ya doin'!?'  'Okay, I get it.  Let me try doing your Canadian accent', says the English chap, 'hey, how y'all doin' good buddy!?'  Thus, much to my bewilderment, the English chap does my accent, sounding like some dude from a trailer park in Alabama.
Occasionally, someone will ask me, 'where does your accent come from?'  To which I reply, 'well it starts in the bottom of my throat and comes out of my mouth.'   I will attempt to do a local accent.  I will admit I'm not very good at it.  However, compared to Dick Van Dyke in 'Mary Poppins',  I almost do a decent job. 'Nuff said, guv'ner?'  
Now then, lets clear up some other accents that people get confused by.  Australia, you know, 'the land down under'.   Whenever I think of Australia the name Alice Springs to mind, I wonder where was Melbourne and no more city jokes because that's all you Canberra.  Anyway, Australian accents are confused with New Zealand accents.  Well, there is a difference between the two accents.  Apparently you can try the 'fish and chips test' to determine who is indeed Australian or from New Zealand.  An Australian eats 'feesh and cheeps', whilst someone from New Zealand prefers 'fush and chups'.  Can anyone from Australia or New Zealand confirm this is true?   Oh, 'g'day', Australia.  'Gidday', New Zealand.......
So I shall attempt to summarise.  I would not go to Montreal and ask a French Canadian what part of  France they are from.  I would not go to France and ask a French person what part of Quebec they're from.  I would not go to Holland and ask a person what part of South Africa they're from.  I would not go to Brazil and ask a Brazilian what part of Portugal they're from.  And I sure wouldn't go to Argentina and ask an Argentinian what part of Spain they were from.  And, for sure, I wouldn't go to New Zealand and ask a New Zealand person where they came from in Australia.   Heck, I damn well wouldn't go to the States and ask the Alabama dude, living in a trailer park, 'excuse me, what part of Canada are you from?'  Then again, what the hell.
So what the hell am I talking about?  I have no idea.  What I do know is accents fascinate me.  Over here, in Britain, accents can change from street to street.  Never have I experienced such a diversity of accents or expressions.  People where I live say, 'you okay...duck!?'  Which was rather confusing because I kept wondering why I needed to 'duck'.  Then I realised that 'duck' was a term of endearment.  Nonetheless, a 'fowl' expression.  
I'm now aware that this posting is becoming 'too damn long'.  Which means you might have skipped the above and just started reading right about NOW.  So let me conclude by saying, in my Canadian accent, have a nice day eh....y'all' 

59 comments:

  1. Well, I confess, I have trouble telling the difference between a Canadian and an American accent. *hangs head sheepishly*

    But, notwithstanding your fine and erudite elucidation of antipodean enunciation, Gary, I discovered that most Canadians I meet have trouble distinguishing Australian from English (never mind New Zealand). Not only do they sound unmistakeably different to me, but you can't get much further apart geographically :D

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  2. Hi Ian,
    Oh my. Right then, you must now study up and watch a bit of Bob and Doug McKenzie in a film named, 'Strange Brew'. Then you will see the difference eh :-)
    I understand what you mean about Canadians having trouble distinguishing between English, Australian, and New Zealand accents. Thus, I guess a British Columbian might say to you, 'what part of Australia are you from eh?'
    Cheers mate:-)

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  3. Good grief, Gary, I for one read the whole thing, from beginning to end - twice. And had wanted to be the first to comment too, to show you how much I enjoyed the post, but Botanist beat me to it...:))

    In the same spirit when I tell you I am from Malaysia, please, please don't response by asking "you mean Singapore?" We'll be hurt and insulted, both in one go. For we know people go to Singapore and Thailand a lot, but we are a country too, you know.

    We Malaysians speak fast and easy. To give you an example:

    If you disagree with somebody you guys would say:
    Err Tom, I have to stop you there. I understand where you're
    coming from, but I really have to disagree with what you said about the issue.
    Malaysians: You mad, ah?

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  4. Hi Grandpa,
    And good grief eh :-)
    Thanks for getting into the spirit of this posting. And thanks for enjoying this post.
    Yes, I'm very aware that Malaysia is very much its own country and I've learnt a lot about your country thanks to you and our dear friend, Shanaz :-)
    And I like your fast, yet to the point form of conversation. Although, what we now say, in the shortened form, is that we 'agree to disagree'. Still,"You mad ah?" is just perfect.
    Thanks Grandpa and I'm working my way down my blog list and you are due for a visitation from me, shy and humble me :-)
    Have a nice day eh in Malaysia.
    Kind wishes, Gary

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  5. Where you from?
    "The nice part of town."
    What kind of accent is that?
    "What accent?"
    ETC.

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  6. Gary,
    Ah, accents and idioms. What a nice title, for a start.
    What about when you don't like your own accent, though? Personally, although I love my home town, I don't particularly like the accent which people from it speak with. I think we can sound, dare I say it, a little bit thick.
    After years of trying to iron out my own specch defects, I still sound like someone from the Potteries, though. So, "at the gooin' up 'anlee duck?" is something which I often say.
    Having said all that, I do like the idea of accents in principal, being, as they are, reflections of our local identity. And, I suppose you have noticed that not everyone speaks the Queen's English on TV or radio any more, and I think, in this way, we have become, perhaps, more tolerant.
    Anyway, Gary, I knew you were from Canada straight away, eh, and would never offend your good Canadian sensibilities by asking you which part of the States you were from.
    Yours with Very Best Wishes, and "fush and chups", your way,
    David.
    P.S. Thanks for your help earlier. It is much appreciated.

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  7. Aw Gary, your accent must be adorable because I love the Canadian accent! Especially when Canadians say "About", "out" ! It's so cute. Alright now, duck, I think I best be going oooouuuuut, now eh. Yeah that's the remix version. Yeah I suck I know I speak in a a very Asian Accent, hehe. Tehee.

    Wishing you a beautiful day ahead, Gare. and, keep the accent, please!

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  8. Yo, y'all are getting rather philosophical up in here, eh? I LOVE LOVE LOVE accents too. I really love that people look at me and have NO idea what to think - they hear a completely non-descript, non-regional American white chick accent coming out of a girl who looks like she should sound like Rosie Perez, but actually (ethnically speaking) might sound more like Margaret Cho's mom. And I like Canadian "accents" - remind me of the folks from the U.P. (Upper Peninsula, for the non-Michigan, USA acquainted folks - I AM from Michigan, which is technically connected to Canada!). Great post, eh? (hoser!). HAHAHAHA!

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  9. I love accents especially when it's a hot Russian chick. How can you tell I watched a lot of James Bond movies as a kid eh

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  10. Hi Gary,
    I used to get the mickey taken out of me when I started going to `big` school because I had a Buckinghamshire accent (quite country, ask The Mask, they will fill you in). The kids there thought I came from Somerset and kept asking where I had parked my combined harvester!
    You get it everywhere you go. When in Europe you say that you are from England and then get asked whereabouts in London are you from, or how often do you go and see Manchester United play! I have even been asked, and this is no word of a lie, if I knew David Beckham! (I don`t by the way)
    I think another way to tell Aussies from New Zealanders is that Aussies always sound like they are asking a question and New Zealanders don`t (I think).
    J
    Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES

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  11. It's true! But nobody EVER asks me if I'm American here. Toulouse sees more English and German folks, so that's what they assume I am. They get really excited when I say I'm from California. It's kind of funny.

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  12. Haha!
    You're living in england? :O.
    since when?

    I actually read this post, smiled, and tried to do every accent. Didn't go too well :D.

    Take care!

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  13. I used to work with a New Zealander and she would get most offended and most annoyed when people confuse her birthplace and accent as Australian. As she was a bit of a battleaxe we soon learned very quickly not to offend her.

    The one time I was on Canadian soil (2 week holiday in Toronto - fabulous time!!) I must admit me and my friend were clueless as to any difference in accents between the Toronto natives and the American tourists. Then again we spent the whole two weeks in a happy daze of inebriation!! And we loved, loved, loved our trip to Niagra Falls.

    My favourite British accent at the moment is the Welsh accent. Yummy. Take care
    x

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  14. i know what the American accent is like due to my cousins living there. i've never heard a Canadian accent in real life before though, so i'll take note of the pointers you've mentioned.
    the reply to 'where does your accent come from' was hilarious! :D
    i'm Pakistani, and even with my accent a lot of people have asked if i'm Arab/Persian. though that's flattering, it is kind of silly since Arab, Persian and Pakistani accents are veryyy different.

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  15. Corrr Blimey, when you go out don't forget your brolley and your titfer! At least that's the way they speak in Poland isn't it? I love the post and the bottom line as I see it is still regarding assuming things. I think humans get so wrapped up in themselves and what they are doing, that they forget that whatever age they are they can still learn. What a revelation! Thank you Gary.

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  16. Hi middle child,
    Thanks eh:-)
    Have a peaceful weekend.
    Kind regards, Gary.

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  17. Howdy David,
    Interesting point about accents and certain accents making someone seem 'thick'. Apparently, certain accents can have a bearing on whether you get the job. The Stoke accent is very distinctive to my ears and I consider it a rather friendly accent.
    David, I think your accent doesn't sound as local as many I've heard. Yours seems to be a fusion of English accents and dare I say, 'Robin Hood' and his merry men would have no problem conversing with you :)
    I too appreciate the diversity of accents within, hopefully an all embracing cosmopolitan society.
    Thanks David. As you may be aware, I have had a lot of good natured chats with people about my accent. When they discover it's not an American accent, most folks are very apologetic. Still, it's all just a bit of fun.
    Take care eh.
    Kind wishes and a Staffordshire oatcake, your way, Gary.
    P.S. You were most welcome :)

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  18. Hi Shanaz,
    Awe, thanks Shanaz. Evidently Canadians say 'aboot' instead of 'about'. Well, I have never heard a Canadian say 'aboot'. So what's that all aboot eh? :)
    Aha, did you realise that you type in a Malaysian accent eh? What the duck am I talking aboot, whoops about?
    May you also have a beautiful day ahead. And jolly good show, me duck, I shall most definitely keep my Canadian accent eh! :)
    See ya later, Shanaz.
    Kind wishes and some Nanaimo bars, your way, Gary :)

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  19. Hahaha thanks for the nod to South Africa.

    I was actually going to say that a lot of people I met in England confused my English accent with Australia's.

    This sucks, given that it was a Rugby World Cup year...

    ;-)

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  20. Hi The Reckmonster,
    Yo Reck, what's happenin' eh!?
    Nice to know y'all kinda' like accents n'stuff eh.
    "I really love that people look at me and have NO idea what to think "
    And that's before you speak. I'm like so kidding :)
    Aha, so I reckon you have a mish mash of accents coming out of your lil' ol' mouth. Yes, you cannot assume a person is going to sound a certain way, based on how they look.
    And y'all being originally from Michigan n'stuff, which you say is "technically connected to Canada!", has made me realise that you, Michelle, now has the chance to become an 'honorary Canadian'. See ya later and take off eh, you hoser!
    Thanks Michelle.
    Kind regards and a toy moose, your way, Gary :)

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  21. Hey The Wolf,
    Ha ha ha eh! Very good. Shaken but not stirred eh.

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  22. Hi John,
    Oooh aaar, "Coz I got a brand new combine harvester and I’ll give you the key..."
    I sure do understand about getting it everywhere you go. When I say I'm from Canada, I get responses like, 'oh I've got friends who live in Toronto!. Do you know Mr.& Mrs. Smith?' Gee, like Toronto has over 4 million people, of course I know them! :-)
    Oh, so you don't know 'Golden Balls'. That's a surprise. :-)
    And thus Australians perhaps talk in the same style as someone from Liverpool. Liverpudlians seem to always be asking a question 'loike'.
    Cheers John.

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  23. Greetings Her highness, Samantha Vérant,
    Very interesting about your experience in France.
    And when they like totally find out you are like from California, do they like ask you if you like know a bunch of Hollywood stars n'stuff. Wow Samantha, you are from California. Totally awesome! :-)
    Take care eh, Gary

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  24. Hi Nas,
    Yes indeed dude, I is living in lil' ol' England, on and off, for a few years now. This 'green and pleasant land', is jolly good fun :-)
    I tried doing some accents. Heck, just going out my front door, I encountered ten different accents.
    Thanks Nas and have a peaceful weekend.
    Kind wishes, Gary :-)

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  25. Hi Old Kitty,
    Oh my, you don't want to offend a New Zealander. You're lucky she didn't bring round the NZ All Blacks rugby team and demonstrate the 'Haka' :-)
    I do understand you not noticing the difference between a Toronto accent and an American accent. Glad you remembered you had a lovely time at Niagara Falls :-)
    Take care eh :-)

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  26. Hi Furree Katt,
    Thanks for your comment. All you need to do is listen closely to a well know Canadians such as William Shatner or Donald Sutherland:-)
    Yes, I'm sure you encounter people who think you are not Pakistani. There is, to the trained ear, quite a big difference, for sure.
    Thanks and yes, my accent starts in the bottom of my throat and comes out of my mouth :-)
    Have a lovely weekend.
    In kindness, Gary

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  27. Hi Heather,
    The Polish probably do speak that way :-) I mean a lot of Polish people are now living here and learning the local lingo.
    Yes, even in this light hearted posting, that one can never assume.
    I truly celebrate our diversity and when we stop learning, we stop living.
    Oh I say, dear lady, take care eh!:-)
    Kind wishes and a 'toad in the hole', your way, Gary

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  28. Hi Joylene,
    Exactly! And it would not be a particularly good plan to ask a Vancouverite what part of Toronto they are from, and yes, vice versa :-)
    I just love your Maritimes comparisons. Bloody brilliant and 'top of the morning to you'!
    I hope that Ian the Botanist pays heed to your wise suggestions. And of course Ron is not only funny, gosh eh, he's educational eh. Even if it is gibberish.
    Now then, perhaps the way you pronounced 'House' could have sounded like something a bit on the 'naughty' side :-) Maybe like if you had more than one garden 'hoe' you would have...Ignore me!
    Take it easy eh :-)

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  29. Hi Misha,
    You're welcome for the nod to South Africa :-)
    I can see that some English folks, who weren't listening carefully, might, heaven forbid, mistake your accent for an Australian :-)
    Oh dear and during the Rugby World Cup. Yikes!
    Thanks Misha and continued happy writing.
    In kindness, Gary :-)

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  30. They all say duck around here too, amongst other things. I can understand your fascination, Gary.

    Just one quick question, what part of America is Vancouver in, duck?

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  31. Another delightfully eloquent and entertaining post dear Gary.

    Or, as we would say in New Zealand - That's choice bro! I think you're a dag!

    And I don't care what the Aussies think, we do NOT say 'fush and chups'!! haha! I think they're a few logs short of a barbie. Strewth! :)

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  32. Howdy Masked Friend,
    Ah, so they use such a 'fowl' expression around where you live.
    Of course, I've also been called 'hen', chicken' and 'pidge'. Seems to be a fascination in using birds as endearments.
    And an answer to your question. Vancouver, as in Vancouver, Washington, USA, which had a referendum to change its name to Fort Vancouver, because of the possible confusion with that big Canadian city, is located beside the Columbia River. On the other side of the Columbia River is Portland Oregon, which is a very nice city. Oh by the way, the referendum voted in favour of keeping the name 'Vancouver'. So there you go, duck! :-)

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  33. Gidday Wendy,
    Why thank, dear lady, for liking this posting.
    Hmmmm...you think I'm a 'dag'? As in, 'A dangling lock of sheep’s wool matted with dung.' :-) Or do you reckon I'm some kinda' funny dude? :-)
    What do those Aussies know? I mean this is the land that subjected us to Rolf Harris :-)
    Thanks Wendy.
    Kind wishes and a 'box of fluffy ducks', your way, Gary :-)

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  34. Having watched South Park, I would never mistake a Canadian for an American. You people say "aboot" and have heads that split in half when you talk.

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  35. Hi there Gorilla Bananas,
    Well observed, my illustrious ape. I once saw a movie titled 'King Kong'. There was this huge ape swatting at planes from the top of the Empire State building. Hell, he even had a little lady clutched in his hand.

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  36. The first time I went to the USA people kept asking me if I was South African or Australian.
    When I crossed over into Canada that stopped happening. Do you always know a Canadian accent when you hear it?
    Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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  37. Hi bazza,
    That interesting that Americans kept asking you if you were South African or Australian. There is, to me, and obviously those back in Canada, a big difference in the accents.
    No, I don't always know a Canadian accent when I hear it. Sometimes I can be a little unsure. Then again, I can, without hesitation, note the difference in accents between a French Canadian and a French accent.
    Cheers bazza and have a good weekend.
    Gary :-)

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  38. So let me get this straight. Do these English speakers accent their speech, or is their speech an accent? And what does an Australian with parents from Great Britain and the United States sound like? Will I be able to recognize this speech mishmash? Oh dear! English might become my second language after all. Funny post Gary. I smiled all the way through.

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  39. Oh Gary if you could hear me talk you would say "My oh my".. Raised in the southe I still hold onto traces of my southern drawl (that's a slow way of talking) and my voice is low like Demi Moores. So put it all together I sound like a lazy cat talking. Slowwwwwww..haha!!!


    Great post..

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  40. Duck, huh? Hmm...new one on me. But I'm from Canada. Well the states, actually. But not a trailer park in Alabama. And I have to admit, I like your help with New Zealand and Australia - always have trouble with those. lol I'll bet you're giving the Brits a real run for their money!

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  41. Hi!

    After a long tiring day I followed you back to thank you for following and had the best read! I'm still smiling.

    I lived in Toronto for a couple of years...they used to spell words to me and make me say them :) I came back home saying "what's up eh?"...old friends looked at me like I was "putting on".

    Having spent years in a job where I talked to people all over the world...and woke a few up when I figured their time zone incorrectly.

    You forgot South Africa, by the way. :)

    I'm still ROFL
    BrownDog's Momma

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  42. Accents have always fascinated me, as well. Even in America, there is a lot of diversity in accents and speed in which people speak. For instance, New Yorkers usually speak so quickly, those of us in the west and Midwest have a hard time catching all that is said. One of my jobs was having to talk to some New Yorkers before on the phone. Those of us in the Midwest are said to have a little bit of a twang in our voice. Further south, the twang becomes a drawl. Out west, the times I visited, I noticed everyone spoke slowly and to the point. Your post is really interesting to me, dude. I find it a little bit funny that people come up to you and ask that. I can imagine it would be a little irritating, though, if it happened over and over.

    Take care, Gary and don't let the cat get your tongue. And if he does, just pet him real nice and gentle on the head and you'll be just fine. He won't understand you if you try to talk.

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  43. Hi THE SNEE,
    Me thinkest that the English speakers accentuate their accent acutely and accidentally over enunciate actual adjectives, almost.
    "And what does an Australian with parents from Great Britain and the United States sound like?"
    Well, it would be most interesting and that person would have a fluctuating accent that spoke such phrases as, 'G'day old chap, I say y'all have a nice day!' :-)
    Yes indeed, y'all might try to learn to speak English as a second language. And then we can teach y'all how to spell correctly. Lesson 1: 'color' is spelt 'colour'! :-)
    Thanks Rebecca and I'm very pleased the posting made you smile.
    Hope you had a wonderful time on 'Blog Air' and may you have a positive weekend :-)
    In kindness, Gary

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  44. Howdy Lynne,
    Well, "My oh my", I sure do appreciate your lil' ol comment. Much obliged.
    Hey, I know y'all and the southern drawl. Note my rhyming skills! You see I've watched the 'Dukes of Hazzard' yeee haaaa!!!
    Ah Demi Moore, I remember watching her on the soap opera 'General Hospital'.
    Hey, thanks Lynne and like 'meeeeoooowwwww' n'stuff :-)
    Here's wishing you a peaceful, positive weekend.
    In kindness eh, Gary :-)

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  45. Hi CindyLu,
    Yes, it's me Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star.
    Indeed, the humans around these here parts have this urge to use 'duck' in every other sentence. Most odd!
    And it appears you are from Canada, but actually from the States and not living in a trailer park in Alabama. Cool :-)
    And my 'help' with the New Zealand and Australian accents, is, I've now been informed, not exactly accurate. Well, in regards to the NZ accent :-)
    Of course, I have an English 'bark' 'Arf, arf!' However, I give some of those other British dogs a run for their money. And then there was this French poodle....
    Pawsitive wishes and doggy kisses, your way, Penny :-)

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  46. Hi BrownDog's Momma,
    And how the heck is 'Hawk or Hawkeye'? Y'all :-)
    Why, thank you kindly for dropping by and I greatly appreciate your comment. Penny, the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star, noted your award over at CindyLu's site and had to check y'all out. Penny wants to interact more with her fellow beautiful creatures in the animal world and thought it would be great to follow your excellent blog and thanks for linking in with mine :-)
    Aha, Toronto, now that's some city eh! A city that Vancouver has a good natured rivalry with..hmmmm:-)
    Ah yes, time zones, with the internet, I've forgot what time zone I'm in.
    I did sort of mention South Africa in the posting.
    Anyway, thanks again and have a lovely weekend.
    Kind wishes eh, Gary :-)

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  47. Hi Kelly,
    Yes, there sure is a diversity in accents in the States. And some, of course, are very distinguishable. A New 'Yok' accent is very obvious and also the one from Boston, (the one in the USA).
    You guys in the Midwest have, from what I've noted have just a slight twang. And the further south well y'all is like correct :-) The western side accents are pretty laid back and I found I could almost understand what a Californian was saying.
    Every once in a while someone here will ask me, 'what part of Canada are you from', or, 'I can tell you have a Canadian accent.' Then, I get back off the pavement(sidewalk), in utter shock! :-)
    Hmmmm cats and my tongue. You know my thoughts about cats and their evil plan to rule the world! :-) No kitty coming through this here door y'all.
    Try and have a good weekend, dude.
    Kind wishes and some Moose Head beer, your way, Gary :-)

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  48. British accent fascinates me always.. and this post is rather informative... I won't try to learn more about accent.. I'm content if people would understand what I'm talking about when I'm having a conversation with anyone... I'll give you a hint, because most of the time, people really don't understand what I'm talking about..because I pronounce English word the awkward way.. hahaha :)

    nice one Gary!! :)

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  49. I'm a Brit living in the US and I agree that the Canadian accent is mellower but I don't always catch the difference when I'm speaking to a Canadian. I like the 'eh' distinction too. That's always fun.

    I had a question. Is there a short word used to mean a Canadian. Like Brit or Limey for someone who's British, or Yank for someone who's American? I know that Aussie for Australia, Kiwi for New Zealand but I don't know if there's a word for Canadians.

    Jai

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  50. Hi Kamila,
    Yes the British accents are fascinating. When I was in Belgium, the folks told me that English people sound like they are talking with a 'hot potato in their mouth.' LOL
    I'm sure you do a wonderful job of speaking in English :-) If anything, I think I'm speaking in English and the English give me funny looks. Actually, might not have anything to do with the way I speak :-)
    Thanks Kamila and I hope you are having a nice weekend.
    Gary :-)

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  51. Hi Jai Joshi,
    First of all, thank you for visiting and leaving a comment. That is much appreciated :-)
    Thanks for agreeing that the Canadian accent is mellower. I do realise, that at times, it can be hard to tell the difference between the two accents. Until the Canadian says 'eh', eh :-)
    Oh I could think of a few shortened words that mean 'Canadian'. Now let me think of a polite one :-)
    Canadians are sometimes known as 'Canucks'. Some find it offensive, yet the name of the Vancouver ice hockey team are the 'Canucks. Some might find the very mention of that team, offensive :-)
    Thanks friend and have a nice weekend.
    Kind wishes eh, Gary.

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  52. Thanks, Gary! I'd heard the term Canucks but wasn't sure if it was kosher or not! Nice to know.

    Jai

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  53. Hi Jai,
    My pleasure and I might also note that the name 'Canuck' can be traced back to a political cartoon named, 'Johnny Canuck' who was deemed, surprise, surprise, a legendary superhero lumberjack :-)
    Just had a look at your very impressive, informative and fascinating site. I shall return there. Take very good care.
    Gary.

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  54. Well Gary, I must say, I would LOVE to sit back and have a great cup of coffee with a dash of Vanilla, sitting in a wing back chair with a small cushion, legs and feet stretched out resting on a Ottoman, while the fireplace provides a robust, crackling fire in the background while I prepare myself for a lengthy time of investigating what it is that makes your mind tick. Just me and "the windmills of your mind". I will be in for a wonderful time of discovery....I do hope you take this as a 'compliment'. Oh...I forgot....I love accents also, and I do a few of my own renditions...thank you very much...(Great piece of funny literature) Later......

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  55. Hi The Manic Chef,
    My goodness. What a vivid description on the ambience you would wish to create whilst trying to figure out what might or might not be happening in my zany and rather puzzling mind :)
    My friend I do very much take it as a compliment. In fact, I'm trying to show that just because I have mental health concerns: it will not prevent me from trying to embrace the therapy of the written word.
    I can imagine you have some fine renditions of a few accents :)
    Thank you for thinking this was funny. I really appreciate that.
    Take care eh,
    Gary

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  56. Gary my dear! I am definitely into Irish British accents. They sound so extremely 'hot' and intelligent, at least to my ears. lol. Here where I come from, when we do speak English, you'd hear Chinese, Indian & Malay accents all in the mix. It's funny that foreign accents almost always sound the best when compared to the ones that my ears have been accustomed to listening. Bahaha. Anyways, I must thank you for making me laugh!
    with warm and positive wishes,
    Shanaz xoxo

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    1. Shanaz, me dear! Top of the jolly morning to you! :) I can imagine that's an interesting blend of accents when people there start speaking in English.
      I'm glad this made you laugh. I'm delighted you took the time to comment on this archived posting, eh :)
      Peaceful, positive wishes, your way,
      Gary xx

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I do try to comment back to each commenter individually. However, I might have to shorten my replies or give a group thank you. That way, I can spend more time commenting on your blogs. Thank you and peace, my friend.