American/ British English usage?

[irmamar]

Escrito originalmente por Here4good

Hi irmamar,
Yes, I think proximity of the country has a lot to do with it and it's logical to think that a Spaniard will have more contact with Br Eng.
However, I can assure you that every few months someone will ask me to confirm their opinion of American English being "not so good" as Br Eng., that they (Americans) don't speak very well, and to crown it all the student will say that it's not very good English because "I can't understand it" They don't seem to realise there are different regional as well as country accents, that millions of people speak American English and are doing very well in life, that one country is not "better" than another.
Likewise there are many people who only accept the British Council, where undoubtably the teaching is good, as the place to learn English much as they select clothes from Burbury or Aldolfo Dominguez, just for the name
There are hundreds of good teachers an academies in Spain and you don't need to be rich to learn English.

No es un ataque contra tí irmamar, sólo te cuento lo que pasa

Ya lo sé, no te preocupes. Y sé que hay mucha tontería, también. Aunque estoy empezando a pensar que el acento americano es más fácil de entender que el británico.

[pjt33]

Escrito originalmente por irmamar

Ya lo sé, no te preocupes. Y sé que hay mucha tontería, también. Aunque estoy empezando a pensar que el acento americano es más fácil de entender que el británico.

Lo dices como si hubiera sólo un acento americano y uno británico...

[poli]

Escrito originalmente por pjt33

Lo dices como si hubiera sólo un acento americano y uno británico...

A last truth! There are American accents I have trouble understanding.
Just 100 miles south of where I live, the accent is identifialbly different. Within London accents vary quite a bit.

[bobjenkins]

Escrito originalmente por poli

A last truth! There are American accents I have trouble understanding.
Just 100 miles south of where I live, the accent is identifialbly different. Within London accents vary quite a bit.

He empezado un hilo para que los hablemos. Comparte un acento que se hable en tu ubicación

[chileno]

I don't know why, but I have always disliked that lastly. Yes, finally would have been a good choice instead.

What's wrong with at last=por fin?

To my knowledge, it is ok to end a list with,",... at last (whatever else is the last item)"

I guess it isn't so in English.

[xchic]

Escrito originalmente por poli

A last truth! There are American accents I have trouble understanding.
Just 100 miles south of where I live, the accent is identifialbly different. Within London accents vary quite a bit.

As there are many British accents I have trouble with!

I remember as a child, visiting a friend's grandmother in the next village 5 miles away. I couldn't understand a word she said!

The Liverpool accent isn't too bad - but a geordie might as well be speaking a different language!

For such a tiny country, the range of accents is incredible!

[irmamar]

Escrito originalmente por pjt33

Lo dices como si hubiera sólo un acento americano y uno británico...

A buen entendedor, pocas palabras bastan.

[Here4good]

Escrito originalmente por chileno

I don't know why, but I have always disliked that lastly. Yes, finally would have been a good choice instead.

What's wrong with at last=por fin?

To my knowledge, it is ok to end a list with,",... at last (whatever else is the last item)"

I guess it isn't so in English.

Here's an explanation from Practical English Usage by Michael Swan

At last suggests - very strongly - the idea of impatience or inconvenience resulting from a long wait or delay
James has paid me that money at last

[Here4good]

Escrito originalmente por irmamar

Ya lo sé, no te preocupes. Y sé que hay mucha tontería, también. Aunque estoy empezando a pensar que el acento americano es más fácil de entender que el británico.

Sí, tal vez más que esnobísmo es tontería

[Charles]

I have never heard "firstly". "Lastly"...yes but it is not common. If it is used it would often be used for emphasis, with feeling, as in the verbal listing of grievances or demands in a confrontation or argument.

First, I want you to tell her you are sorry!
Second, I want you to pay for the damage!
Lastly, don't ever kick a ball in the house again!

I would use third or last or finally. Lastly is OK but it is like a coat and tie with barbecue and beer.