And this is why we Americans enjoy your channel. We know you are here with us, embracing the experience. Not standing in a corner silently judging our pronunciation of centrifugal.

you should have a shirt that says "will say things in british for money"

You're not fooling anyone Laurence, you are very intelligent with or without the accent.

Even as an American I still learn about new things in my country every day.

It’s been great for me. I’ve lived in Oklahoma for 40 years and I’ve found Okies to be very friendly.Most questions have been about my accent. Still have my Brit accent! One lady thought I had a speech impediment. Had a good laugh about that.

On accents & translation: A buddy of mine is from Sussex and even now, after 15 years, there are times he has to translate what he says for people. He told me over lunch last summer that he had no idea how advantaged he was with his RP accent and how it got him in the door more often than not. He also said he was happy to be married to an American before he came here because women were literally fawning over him at first and it would have been a severe distraction if he was single.

I so appreciate your perspectives in this video. As you've probably discovered, moving from one State to another can be a culture shock on a much smaller scale. While we're all Americans, each State is large enough to have cultures that make them each a bit unique. From what I understand, Britain's Counties are kind of similar--they're all British, but each County is subtly different, often in the most interesting ways. What makes such a move so rewarding IMHO is discovering all those differences, embracing them and learning to get used to the strange but lovely place you've ended up. Whether you've managed to not get lost in the Pond, or merely crossed the Mason-Dixon line as I did 20 years ago, being present and embracing where we are now is a wonderful thing. Thanks so much for your channel. I had a very rough day and your video made me laugh just when I needed it most. :)

Thanks my British friend. Been watching your channel off and on a year now. Always good way to get away from the harsh politics and division and enjoy your wholesome none political take on America

Some things that amaze me about the UK vs US differences: construction terms (spanner vs wrench), cooking terms (which you've mentioned), music terms (valves vs tubes?), and medical pronunciations (respiratory, aluminum vs aluminium, etc).

I'm from the south Jersey shore and was touring Australia 20 years ago. Many times I'd be asked where I was from in the States. However, one time one mate thought I was from Canada and burst out laughing. I've been accused of many things but that was the only time for being Canadian. Truly loved my travels there and all the welcoming Aussies!

As a colonial antipodean, one thing I love about living in the South is how many "Southern Belles" want to tell me how much they love my accent, and how they don't believe me when I try and tell them how beautiful their accent sounds to me. The only thing I will miss forever is middle rasher bacon.

I had a class with a fellow with a British accent, and he told me that his biggest issue was meeting decent girls. He's all like "I have no trouble getting dates but most of the time they're kinda shallow." I'm all like "Yeah your accent is that foot in the door here, you will probably have to wade through a lot more fluff." XD

I'd think a neat clip to make would be an interview with other British folks that are new to America.. folks that do not nessasarily want to become citizens... Are here for jobs or relationship? It would be more serious.. but I think it would be interesting.

I wouldn't mind seeing you do a collaboration with Feli from Germany(Formerly German Girl in America). I know you are both from different countries, but I still think having a similar themes, would allow you both to do an interesting collaboration.

I coach the university judo club at Central Michigan University. Several years ago, we had a couple of fine young Englishmen from Exeter join us. They spent two years with us. They supplied me with an English delicacy called HobNObs on a regular basis. At the end of their study abroad program, one of them went directly home while the other went to Mexico. Tragically, he died when the car he was riding in was hit by a truck in Monterrey, Mexico. He was just 22 at the time of his death. He was a kind and gentle young man and his name was David. Thinking of his death still saddens me to this day, but I am glad that I was able to get to know him.

Your self-deprecating humor is funny as ever! And we love having you over here!

I really like your accent. It sounds so crisp and yet it's intermingled with the dropping of r's and emphasis on different word syllables. I listen to it and the differences catch my attention and hold me to it. I always enjoy hearing it.

"It still astounds me that they found a dictator under a Ford Capri" is a hilarious take on that discovery. I always enjoy your videos.

I have a Cockney friend who has lived in Iowa for years. When he immigrated, people couldn't understand him. He worked very hard to get rid of his accent. Now, people in Iowa can understand him, but when he goes home to London, people think he's an Aussie! He gets asked how long he's been in the UK. When he answers that he was born in London, they don't believe him.

As a Scottish person I say "would you like to tickle my sporran" as an icebreaker. It usually works, reactions are a bit mixed.

I was an American Air Force brat who eventually became a sailor in the US Navy. My childhood took me to England for a very short time (one year) and my time in the Navy took me to many different countries, including the UK, England (Portsmouth back in 2005). I’m not sure if it was solely my travels that gave me an interest in the differences between our two countries but I was lucky enough to experience the differences, nonetheless. I’m a pool player and I’ve realized billiards between the nations is markedly different. That being said, you’ve gone through many big and noticeable (and not so noticeable) things between our countries but - correct me if I’m wrong - I don’t think you’ve really touched on the smaller differences and nuances of social interactions between the two countries. What sort of things are acceptable and unacceptable between a group of friends? …a close group of friends? You have a great channel and I’ve watched some of your videos multiple times because they’re so interesting. I really want to know the very little but interesting things that make a difference in our social and work lives between people. Keep it up! You’re awesome.

Only found out about your channel recently. Love it! I'm a fellow Brit and lived here for 16 years. You're spot on about embracing life in the States. It's a great country! Do I miss the UK? Absolutely, however being able to source certain foods, watch British films/shows and have FaceTime with family and friends makes it so much easier to adapt. Thanks for the channel and observations that I'm learning every day.

Idea: Inspired by Gardener's World, how about comparison on flowers (names, popularity, naming people with flower names, usage of flowers in different life events, etc.)?

You seem like a “down to earth, kinda guy” which is ALWAYS a good thing !! I have to admit , that I enjoyed listening to you !!

Laurence - another superb analysis on a subject you have for fairly obvious reasons thought very long and hard about. As you say when we work together our two great nations can create something incredible and long may it continue.

Likely someone said this already. But as an American, I am putty to a seemingly intelligent and sexy British accent. Yes, Tara, we are jealous and hope you enjoy and beware! 😊

I love having my breakfast to a vid from Laurence. It's so soothing with that nice bit of humor I love. I recall living in western pa for two years after growing up in eastern Pa. It felt like I'd moved to a foreign country. I think I felt more at home when we visited Canada than I did there. Love how you embrace it all here.

The intelligence thing. My postdoctoral training was in Chicago. “Anything said with a British accent is Brilliant Until Proven Otherwise.” No matter what rubbish, people will think you learned it from an Oxford don. Your accent would be useful in an academic conference, may I borrow it sometime?

Yes! Love your accent! I'm sure glad you're here.

I learn new slang and vocabulary everyday! Especially nowadays, I feel the younger generation is introducing a lot more vocabulary that have otherwise been unheard of. I’m glad you’re enjoying your time here

Laurence you're a very special person and a very open person. Your videos are always sincere and top notch. Learning is curiosity at its best.

And tea time nearly derailed the whole Alien movie shoot LOL

Love you and your channel. Isn’t it difficult coming up with new things?

I’m from Oxford, England and have lived in the US, mostly Indiana, for 23 years. I usher at a major concert hall here in Carmel and, apart from the comment “I love your accent”, the most frequently asked question I get is “Are you Australian”! Go figure! But I love all the interactions because of my accent! Continue what you’re doing! Love your videos!

My son-in-law is British. The first time he visited the US, one of my co-workers, an Anglophile, about swooned when he spoke. He found it delightful to charm someone just by speaking.

I saw your question and a memory popped into my mind from the movie "I'll Be There." Several pub goers are whining about what will happen to a mansion because it's owner has been "sectioned." One says, "It'll probably be bought by a pop star, or worse, an American!!" then, they all gasp.

A very thoughtful post...nice. I so enjoy your channel and I like learning new things every day too!

We Hoosiers are enamored with all British accents...it's like you're all Dr. Who, or something. Thanks for sharing yours with us.

I didn't think I would like these kind of introspective videos but I actually really do. Getting a more serious look into what it's like to be here is really cool and I like hearing about your journey. Often, I've hoped to one day cross your path (being that we're both north side chicagoans) just to tell you in person how cool and down to earth and educational you are and how you really got me through the pandemic and through work and just a bunch of thanks and praising.

And yes I'm proud that our two countries make movies together so we would continue our connection to each as brothers from across the sea. .🇺🇸🇬🇧😎👍

'Ello, mate! I've been here for 30 years, Laurence. I like your answers. They are very similar to what mine might be.

100% agree. Scot living in Chicago for 4 years. Not been back to blighty for 2 years because of Covid. Going to be interesting to visit in 2022.

When I moved to a tiny town in Missouri (which is too small to have a traffic light) I got an account at the local bank. Surprisingly a lady there was from England. She met her husband when he was stationed there. When he came back, she came with him. A friend from back in Britain sent a few of his friends here. They were on a motorcycle tour of America. It was a sort of town event, & many people gathered at our BBQ restaurant to talk to them. I never expected my German to become useful again till I moved here. There's a lot of old order Mennonite (aka just like Amish). It's been useful to buy produce etc. You never know who you might meet! 👍

Thank you, Laurence, for a short and sweet video. Reinforces why I am such a fan. And truth be told, when I am walking around Andersonville I am always on the lookout for you, hoping to get to meet you to say hello. Not in a stalker way, just in a KZfaq fan kind of way. 🙂

SAME! I'm an American living in the UK, NE of England in a pretty small city. Also an introvert, so I absolutely love the built-in conversation starter! FYI, Ridley Scott (Alien's director) was born near where I live in a place called South Shields. It's a town between here, Sunderland, and Newcastle. People from Sunderland are called Mackems, people from Newcastle are called Geordies, and people from South Shields are referred to as Sand Dancers. I understand this is to some a derogatory term, so don't go calling Mr. Scott a sand dancer please.

I tried explaining to a German person how complex and diverse the USA is. It seems hard for Europeans to grasp it. I think they hear so much...that they believe they know us, when we don't really know each other. Thanks for trying! Keep it up!

This video has a great style. A kind of different secret sauce than a lot of your others. Nice shots. Nice mix. Nice flow. Nice sentiments.

I really enjoyed this video. Thank you.

Love your channel....all the best to you sir!

I often ponder how difficult it would be to live in another country because there are so many weird little customs or traditions that are unspoken that locals just know. Not to mention pop culture references! It is a amazing how much a person absorbs about their culture growing up that you just can't learn by moving there as an adult. For example, does Baby Jessica mean anything to you? Or the Snorks? Even the models of cars are called different things. I applaud anyone who makes a life in a new country, it is a very daunting prospect, for sure.

I love how the british are more open to being self deprecating with their humor.. it feels much more relatable to me.

Really glad I found this channel. I'm from York and have been living in Nebraska since 2007. Sometimes I feel like I've become quite a curiosity for the locals around here, but you're right, if you're going to live here, you might as well try to enjoy it. And, to be honest, I wouldn't change it for the world.

As an European living in the States, no one asks where you are from and where your accent is from and if they do is in a pejorative, demeaning way. I miss that about Europe. When I was in another country in Europe people were genuinely fascinated, they wanted to know things. Granted before KZfaq. Now you don’t need to leave the house. You can learn everything on KZfaq, I suppose.

I miss my sister, living in GB because I no longer get Care Packages with Flake and Crunch Bars

Beautiful channel. Wonderful host.

You are a treasure! Thanks for the video.🦧

I would love to see a video of yours that talks about things you would miss if you moved back to the U.K.

Laurence, thanks for pointing out that, when you pronounce 'centrifugal', you put the em-PHA-sis on a different syl-LA-ble than we do. Since you live in the world's 2nd. largest Polish city (Warsaw is #1), do you often stumble across people who you recognize as having a Polish accent?

I love Lawrence's viewpoints and observations. I lived in England for six years in the 80s-early-90s and loved it. That was all before social media and KZfaq, even before I'd ever used email. I always wanted to communicate back to my friends and family in the states and the only means I had were phone calls and writing letters/postcards. That was woefully inadequate, though I tried very hard at it. There is so much to this cross-culture, life-exchange that I love about Lawrence's videos, and I would not have found it, probably, if it weren't for the spot on the Rick Steves radio program I heard by chance a few months ago. Keep up the good videos, Lawrence!

Lawrence you are a hoot! You crack me up! Love your show. Love to hear you say squirrel too 😀

What a charming video, Laurence!!

To keep learning is to keep growing.

Being an American is a journey, a state of mind. Born a Brit, you are an American now, realizing your American Dream. You have become my friend from Britain that lives not down the street, but just a few clicks away. I have learned just as much about America as I have learned about Britain from watching your channel.

Your accent is really easy to understand. I’m listening to another Brit (in England) and he was very difficult at first, but I pretty much understand him now.

Yes! “If you’re going to live here, try to enjoy it.” I have the same attitude about marriage.... quit looking around and comparing, you might as well enjoy the one you have! (:

I think the time and distance has given you a new perspective on Britain now. Maybe a new appreciation for England that Americans have? Your intelligence and insight are what makes this a great channel. Thank you

As an American I lived in Southeast England for 20 years and I’m now back in Southern California and get asked here why I moved back here

Dont sell yourself short. You may not be a super genius but you are courageous for uprooting and deciding to live here. Winston Churchill said courage is the quality which guarantees all others. So there IS something special about you. God bless🇺🇲🇬🇧

I've been on many a roadtrip in the states and been interrogated by friendly Americans wanting to know my life story after hearing my accent. Got to the point that I tried not to say much, I didn't like the attention 😂

My wife sublet a room from a lovely older British couple before she met me. Actually about a year after we married and my wife moved out they moved back to the UK to be closer to their grandchildren. Actually before they went we found out they were old mates with a rather famous musician from where they were originally from near Newcastle. (They didn’t go back to Newcastle, the moved to the seaside near Blackpool. (I like to think being in close proximity to Coney Island for a good number of years rubbed off on them, 😂).)

Many years ago, my spouse and I ended up in Spain for almost 5 years. I agree with your philosophy to embrace the culture. Actually, we tried to find another job to extend our stay but it just wasn't to be. And when we came back, we experienced culture shock in reverse. Love your discussions.

I am used to my boyfriend speaking Scottish so hearing you with a British accent is no problem for me.

You’d fit in here so well, do visit (June is best for a first trip to Alaska). We have Russians, Canadians, Oregonians….even saw a New Jersey license plate once! Would love to have you and your wife up to visit. Just remember that where Texas is huge….Alaska is 2.5x bigger so planning your sightseeing time is key!

I am due to move from the UK to Wisconsin any day now. Well, not quite any day now, as we’re holding out until after Christmas. I’ve been enjoying your videos as a way of preparation. 👍

I moved to The States 20+ years ago. I tried to affect the local (Arizonan) accent but people at that time told me not to lose the English accent so I stopped trying but I had to change certain words. Due to several years in Spain, some Spanish words, "tomato", "potato" and similar items were simple for me to Americanise (notice, no "z". Up yours, Spellchecker!) Things like "bonnet" (hood), "shopping trolley" (cart) and a great many other words took time. Sometimes, I cannot remember the English word for some things. I do, however, stick to my guns regarding "acclimatize" rather than the US "acclimate", and a few similar words where in the UK we change the verbal stress of a word according to its usage. (“Advertise” changes to “advertisement” - “advertissment” not “advertisement”) Some words I deliberately had to change in order to be understood, for example, "water". I pronounce it with almost a soft "o" sound but had to change it to a simple harsh sound; something like "wadder" (Yes, Americans like to sound their double "t" like a "d" - "budder" for "butter", etc). If I didn't do this I used to have to defer to my wife for translation. Many a time a waiter and I have had to speak loudly at each other just to get a glass of “wadder”. Initially in America, I was asked if I was from; Ireland (frequently), Australia (often), Scotland, England (strangely, not that often), Canada, New York, even France and Germany a few times! But, all in all, I love it here, and the people. Just wish the politicians were less corrupt and selfish. Sorry for the length of this 'comment', but thanks for the video.

Laurence, I would enjoy a segment from you on the structure differences between Parliament and Congress. Read a book by Winston Churchill a while back which left me curious of how the British system differs.

I love following UK KZfaqrs! Especially when they say 'oregano'!!!!

When you go back to England to visit do find you have consciously readjust your brain to being there or do you slip right back into your Engand self without thinking about it.

I've wondered this, because I haven't seen a British person in America yet to my knowledge, so it can't be the most common. But it's really cool and interesting, and your channel gives a lot of insight.

Your videos are awesome

The opposite is also true. I wish I had taken in more experiences while I was stationed in the UK . Keep up the good work!

I think if you lived in one of the original 13 colonies you'd feel more at home, bucks county in Pennsylvania for example the area near Washington's crossing looks like some of the English countryside I've seen in British tv shows, the scenic ride along the Delaware is really nice.

What blew my mind was learning a good portion of the cast of The Walking Dead on AMC are British. Its strange to hear them talk when not on set.

I grew up in Chicago in the '50s and '60s and I was surrounded by accents of all kinds, especially from older people in my family and friends' older relatives which led me to believe that everyone developed an accent when they got old...kind of like gray hair and arthritis. 😁 I confess to being one of those Americans who thinks a British accent makes you sound more intelligent..LOL.. and I wonder how Brits feel about OUR accents and what we've done to the language. Love your videos! 😘

Thanks Lawrence. Enjoyed the video, especially as I was a Brit and have lived in the US for almost 30 years. However I would take issue that Richard III was indeed not a person to invite to tea but he was no worse than the rest of the Plantagenets. Yes Princes in the Tower and all that but the rest of the Plantagenets did some very nasty things as well ( I wont elaborate). Richard was slain at the Battle of Bosworth Field , making him the last English king to die in battle. He was a short man but very brave, fighting without his horse until his demise. There is a conspiracy theory that Shakespeare colluded with the Tudors (Elizabeth) to cast him as the most evil of men to enforce the Tudor dynasty as beyond righteousness and reproach, casting the Plantagenets as the villains. Who knows!! 😃

Garage, one of the first words I changed in my vocabulary. Since living in the US for around 13 years.

Love your channel. Wish you would do a video discussing whether Bill Bryson is a Brit or Yankee.

The accent thing was a huge help when I lived in England lol. All of sudden your interesting

Laurence, I am an American who really enjoys your videos. I like your comment at the end of this video about how when Brits and Americans work together, greatness can often be the result. The rock group "Foreigner" is a good example of this, among many. Keep up the good work!

Funny guy! As the son of a Greek woman who came to America with my American GI father when she was 24 and a husband to a Canadian who has been living in the US since we married. Your channel has been quite entertaining. You bring up items that as a family we have already experienced. Let me encourage you to continue with a 1960s American colloquial idiom, "Keep on keeping on!"

This small town in Indiana also has Brits here, a mother and son. I've also run into a number of traveling Brits, Aussies, and South Africans. Most of the people I know here can't tell those accents apart. Being from Florida I usually feel like an alien here!

I served alongside some British chaps in Iraq. Very funny and light hearted guys to hang out with

Star Wars, also a joint British and American production! Filmed in England. A lot of British cast and crew. Dearth Vader was a British actor with an Americans voice!

An interesting a very interesting point Lawrence and interestingly enough I have noticed that many Americans can't really differentiate between regional British accents because as you know Britain does have some very complex regional accents. P I for very I for one and very very happy that you are living on the side of the pond.

Hello Lawrence. I enjoyed your thoughtful reflection on living in America. I can just imagine the people in Indiana cornering you about your accent and asking you to say all sorts of words. Did they take you out to a cornfield?!🤣

A British-American collaboration also produced Foreigner, but that was yesterday, and yesterday’s gone.

I am from Bangladesh but I speake with British accent (Cockney/ Londoner accent) though I have been living here in the United States! I love British Accent. 🇧🇩🇺🇸

I get it... I have dual citizenship American and Canadian. I was raised in the states but lived in Newfoundland Canada for 24 years. Then moved back to the states. I still use phrases and words that are Canadian which are more like British. All I can say is just because we all speak English sometimes they have a whole new meaning.

Omg I’ve felt like the only one since I moved here just over a year ago! So good to hear a Brit accent again! 😅

As an American, I highly recommend that you try out bass fishing as a hobby. It's relatively cheap to do and you also have really good opportunity to do it successfully here in America,even in urban waterways,you'd be surprised what you'll catch in the middle of a city. Plus it would make some killer video content