Navigating English Accents in Bournemouth and Hertfordshire: An Iranian Student's Guide

I'm an Iranian and I want to move to England to study but I've learned English in American and I'm not sure if I can actually understand different English accents. My destination will be Bournemouth or Hertfordshire. Will I survive in my classes?

These accents - both of them - are found online. You can search and listen to Bournemouth speakers and Hertfordshire speakers. It's not likely that every one of your instructors will have the local accent but you can easily determine if you can understand the local accent. I found the Bournemouth accent to be quite clear and easy to understand, but it's always best to listen to it for yourself.

Understanding the Mild Accents

Either area has a fairly mild accent, so you'll have no problem. You will probably find lots of other overseas students too, so you'll be in the same boat. You'll soon pick up the different words we use for things like 'pavement' (American: 'sidewalk'), 'hood' (American: 'bonnet'), 'pants' (American: 'trousers'), and so on. But if you use American terms, people will know what you mean. We have vast exposure to American English on film and TV.

Spelling and Vocabulary Differences

If you're from America and moving to Bournemouth or Hertfordshire, you need to know that there are many words that have entirely different meanings in British and American English. Here are some key examples:

Trunk vs. Boot: In America, a trunk is the part of a car where you store your luggage. In the UK, the equivalent is the boot. Hood vs. Bonnet: The hood in America is the part of the car that opens to reveal the engine. In Britain, this is called a bonnet. Vest vs. Waistcoat: A vest in America is a sleeveless garment, while a waistcoat in Britain is a garment worn under a suit. Coat vs. Jacket: In American English, you might say 'coat' or 'jacket', but in British English, 'jacket' is more common. Pants vs. Trousers: Americans use 'pants', while British English uses 'trousers'. Boxers vs. Briefs: Americans use 'boxers', but in British English, you might say 'briefs'. Similarly, 'panty hose' is 'tights' in British English. Panty Girdle vs. Suspenders: Americans use 'panty girdle' and 'suspenders', but in British English, you would say 'suspenders'. Biscuit vs. Scone: In America, a 'biscuit' is a type of bread. In Britain, it's a term used for a small, flat, sweet cake (scone). Jelly vs. Jam: In America, 'jelly' is the consistency of the jam. In Britain, 'jelly' is a type of dessert made of gelatin. French Fries vs. Chips: In America, 'French fries' are the common term. In Britain, they're simply called 'chips'. However, 'French fries' is also correct and commonly used in upmarket restaurants. Chips vs. Crisps: Americans use 'chips' for a snack. In British English, snacks are called 'crisps'. Line vs. Queue: In America, you 'stand in line'. In British English, you 'stand in the queue'. ATM vs. Cash Machine: In America, an 'ATM' is an automated teller machine. In British English, it's called a 'cash machine'. Cell Phone vs. Mobile Phone: Americans use 'cell phone'. In Britain, they say 'mobile phone'. Cream in Coffee vs. Milk: In American coffee, you might add cream. In British coffee, you usually add milk, and you can always ask for a 'black coffee' if you prefer. Interstate vs. Motorway: In America, the term is 'interstate'. In the UK, the term is 'motorway'. Pavement vs. Road: In American, the road you walk on is called a 'pavement'. In Britain, it's called a 'road', but you might still hear the term 'pavement'. Sidewalk vs. Pavement: In America, the sidewalk is on the side of the road. In Britain, it's called a 'pavement'. Cab vs. Taxi Cab: In America, it's 'cab'. In Britain, it's 'taxi'. Gas vs. Petrol: In America, you get 'gas', but in Britain, it's 'petrol'. Electricity vs. Electric: In American English, 'electric' means related to electricity. In British English, 'electricity' is the form of energy consumed. Trash Bin vs. Rubbish Bin: In American, you have a trash bin. In Britain, it's a 'rubbish bin'.

Single Family Home vs. House: In America, a 'single family home' is a house. In Britain, the same concept is simply referred to as a 'house'. Air Conditioning vs. Central Heating: In America, air conditioning is used to cool homes. In Britain, it's more common to use a central heating system. It's rare to find residences with central air conditioning in the UK, and when it is present, it is typically used to heat the home rather than cool it. Condo vs. Flat: In America, 'condo' is short for 'condominium'. In Britain, it's called a 'flat'.

Mall vs. Shopping Centre: In America, it's 'mall'. In Britain, it's 'shopping centre'.

There are also many spelling differences, such as the singular 's' used in British English for plurals in many cases. For example, 'organisation' in British English versus 'organization' in American English. Another spelling difference is the word 'aluminium', which is spelled 'aluminum' in American English but remains 'aluminium' in British English.

Pronunciation and Cultural Differences

Americans often say they 'need' something or ask what you need when they really mean they 'want' the item, or they're asking you what you want. In general, British people tend to be more formal. The younger generation is more likely to be comfortable with first names, but it's not uncommon for the older generation to prefer using surnames until they know you better or indicate otherwise. This is particularly true in professional and academic settings, such as with university professors.

Finally, remember that in the UK, cars drive on the left side of the road. So when you're walking or driving, always look right, then left, and then right again before crossing.

When asking an American how far it is from A to B, they will likely answer in driving time rather than distance.

I enjoyed putting together this list and have revised it twice! Perhaps there's a better place for this kind of information, but I hope this brief summary helps. Good luck with your studies!