Divided by a Common Language: A British/American Dictionary PLUS: Amazon.ca: Davies Christopher: Books

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Review

"This is a fascinating collection full of all kinds of surprises." (Minneapolis Star Tribune ) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Book Description

Puzzled by signs warning you to mind the gap in the London Underground? Wondering what will be on your plate if you order toad in the hole from the menu of a London caf? In Divided by a Common Language, Christopher Davies explains these expressions and discusses the many differences in pronunciation, spelling, and vocabulary between British and American English. He compares the customs, manners, and practical details of daily life in the United Kingdom and the United States, and American readers will enjoy his account of American culture as seen through an Englishman's eyes. Davies tops it off with an amusing list of expressions that sound innocent enough in one country but make quite the opposite impression in the other. Two comprehensive glossaries help travelers translate from one variety of English to the other, and additional lists explain the distinctive words of Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Divided by a Common Language is the ideal travel companion for British visitors to the United States and American visitors to the United Kingdom. It is also the perfect book for Britons interested in American culture and Americans enjoying British novels, movies, and television at home. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Customer Reviews

18 Reviews

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
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Average Customer Review

4.3 out of 5 stars (18 customer reviews)

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5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful reference for American or British, Jun 12 2004

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A. Kabinoff "firehawk@gate.net" (Tamarac, FL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Divided by a Common Language: A British/American Dictionary PLUS (Paperback)

This is a wonderful reference for someone on either side of the pond. Christopher Davies goes very in depth, and gives some helpful advice for those stumped by the not-so-subtle differences in what is supposed to be the same language. The only downside to this reference is that it's near obvious that Davies learned his American in the South. There are a few phrases brought forward that I never heard until I'd move to Florida, and have never heard anywhere outside the South. Despite this, I'd recommend this book for those curious about linguistic differences, or someone considering relocating from one side of the pond to the other.

To the Author: You've done wonderful research, however there is one GLARING mistake in this book (unless you were trying to make it "family friendly". To flip someone the bird is actually to give them the middle finger, not to make a V sign. V sign is the
peace sign - a definite counter-gesture to the middle finger.
Thank you for all your hours of hard work. If you're intending on putting forth another edition, I'd be happy to make some contributions.

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2.0 out of 5 stars Interesting but not 100% accurate, Mar 25 2004

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E. Milner (Oregon, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Divided by a Common Language: A British/American Dictionary PLUS (Paperback)

I am an American and I have a very good friend from London. Recently my friend came to visit America, and while he was here I pulled out my copy of this book to see what he thought. While many of the terms were accurate, there were a significant number of entries that were outdated, completely off the mark, or close but not quite applied correctly. I handed my friend a red pen and he proceeded to rewrite some entries. He commented several times that the author "must have never been to England or spoken with actual English people" as there were so many phrases with inaccurate UK definitions or usages.

We did like the pronounciation comparison charts, though, and had a good time saying each of the words and comparing pronounciations. And making fun of the other person where necessary.

Overall I'd say, it's a good reference for an overall picture, but if you plan on incorporating any of the phrases into your vocabulary, have it checked by a native first.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Good yen, but yang required for balance..., Jun 3 2003

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J. Peterman "univ_mama" (Rochester, NY United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Divided by a Common Language: A British/American Dictionary PLUS (Paperback)

Excellent book, much of it in the style of a dictionary. Offers specific phrases to use as alternatives in both American and British cultures. Written by a Brit who now lives in Florida, so it's nice to see the still-British-influenced language he uses in his narrations. And it's written for use in both cultures, not just geared to travels from Britain traveling in America or vice-versa.

I do think this book is perfect in combination with the book "Brit-think Ameri-think" by Jane Walmsley who is (as opposed to Davies) American born but now living in Britain. In her book, she offers the necessary complement to "Divided" by giving her readers a less technical, more anecdotal insight into the attitudes, habits and background of the two cultures (and she's humorous as well).

On its own, this book is very technically good.

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Most recent customer reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, but don't rely on it completely
A lot of the British words listed in this book were very helpful, but some were inaccurate. I showed some of the British words in the book to British people, and they told me... Read more

Published on Oct 3 2002

5.0 out of 5 stars Humor is a gift of language--
This is sheer enjoyment for readers, writers, editors, and crossword puzzle enthusiasts.