American English frustration.

[Starman_19]

Just need to get some thoughts out. Being from another country is not always easy. Even though I believe my English skills has improved some. I still have moments where it’s really difficult to find the right words and what to say. One thing that I have learned so far is that the tone of voice is so different from my own country. American English is more aggressive compared to Norwegian. This has given me some grief in my marriage even though we are coping better now than a few months ago. Norwegian is a monotone language, so getting used to the way American English is, I guess will take some time………………………………..

[Eternal Night]

It'll be ok.......I mean I can't talk a foriegn language so I take my hat off to you for being able to.
People have to realise that your accent cannot just change because you move.
*HUG* try not to let it get you down.......

[Annorah]

Just give yourself time and remember that communication is a two way street.

You are making the effort and you should congratulate yourself while others should maybe learn a little more tolerance and patience - well done.

[Sun Sprite]

Give it time, and good luck!

Actaully, American English is almost an oxymoron. From someone who has lived all over the country, every move from region to region has meant learning a new language. Words that have a positive meaning in Kentucky have a negative meaning in Texas, and some words just don't exist in one or the other cultures. Add in the differences between talking with differently educated people (much less different professions), and it's amazing that any effective communication occurs at all in this country!

You'll adjust fine. People will always find a different accent fasicinating and wonder where you are from. That may open the doors to letting them know a little about your country of origin.

Best wishes!

[Willow Rosette]

I agree with sun sprite. There are words in this country you will never find in a dictionary and someone on the opposite coast has never heard of the word LMAO Its really kinda crazy. From your typing though your english sounds pretty damn good (probably even better than mine) :lol: And like sunsprite said when ever I meet someone with a new or interesting accent I always want to hear about where they are comming from. I dont know your story but Im kind assuming from your orrigional post that you moved here to get married? Honey you are doing very well, much much better than I would do if I went to another country and tried to learn their language. :hugz: to you hon.

[Starman_19]

I agree with sun sprite. There are words in this country you will never find in a dictionary and someone on the opposite coast has never heard of the word LMAO Its really kinda crazy. From your typing though your english sounds pretty damn good (probably even better than mine) :lol: And like sunsprite said when ever I meet someone with a new or interesting accent I always want to hear about where they are comming from. I dont know your story but Im kind assuming from your orrigional post that you moved here to get married? Honey you are doing very well, much much better than I would do if I went to another country and tried to learn their language. :hugz: to you hon.

I came to the US to see a friend and things happened from there. We got married. I'm now in the process of getting my\our papers in order so I can become a legal citizen. It's a pain in the "noisemaker" to wait. Some papers have been approved so we're moving slowly forward. Sometimes I feel :spaceman: and about to loose my mind. Thanks to dancingwind , I'm still somewhat :lol: we're trying to have us much fun as we can to pas time.

[Willow Rosette]

I came to the US to see a friend and things happened from there. We got married. I'm now in the process of getting my\our papers in order so I can become a legal citizen. It's a pain in the "noisemaker" to wait. Some papers have been approved so we're moving slowly forward. Sometimes I feel :spaceman: and about to loose my mind. Thanks to dancingwind , I'm still somewhat :lol: we're trying to have us much fun as we can to pas time.

Oh that is soooo romantic.

[Tanya]

Well, don't think it doesn't bite on the other end. My American English is a source of constant amusement to Australians over here. As 'fall' settles in on this side of the planet the question of the week seems to be... "Have Americans ever heard of 'autumn'"

To which I answer "Yes... but "fall" has only one syllable... and people who invented "bickie", "cossie" and "brekkie" should understand the appeal of using the word choice that is shorter and easier to say."

There is also the Australian tendancy (particularly in the young) to end their sentances with a raised inflection.. for a while I thought they were asking me questions all the time....

[Glory]

There is also the Australian tendancy (particularly in the young) to end their sentances with a raised inflection.. for a while I thought they were asking me questions all the time....

Oh god, yeah, we get that in NZ too, particularly in young girls? Like they're always asking for approval? You know??

:hahugh:

Anyway, to the original poster... :hugz: Give it time. There will always be hiccups and moments of miscommunication. But it WILL get better for you, I promise.

[LadyAquamarina]

I applaud you for trying. I remember how hard it was for me to learn another language. I understand how frustrating it is.