Lost in Translation: A British Girl in the US

Upon first announcing my decision to study abroad in the US, the reaction from a number of my well-meaning British friends was a startled: “Why?” Not because they were distraught at the prospect of spending four months of their hectic lives without me, or because they thought that living and studying in the land of baseball and red cups would be a waste of time, but more that they were of the belief that the US culture is so similar to that of the UK. This is where they were wrong. Ok, so unpredictable weather and Bieber Fever can (regretfully) be found on both sides of the pond, but I feel the need to describe (for those individuals who believe our two beautiful nations are clones) just a few of the differences I have encountered in my not-quite-three months at William & Mary…

1) After meeting my first few Yanks I quickly realized that the typical British hug/kiss on one cheek (or both if you’re feeling particularly European) when greeting strangers is NOT appropriate in this country, and that instead a polite – if slightly formal (especially on a night-out) – hand-shake is the norm. In my case this is usually complemented with slight accent-translation confusion: “Hi I’m Georgie, nice to meet you… [blank face] Georgie… [still blank face] Like ‘Georgia’ with an ‘E’… [realization of my nationality] Yes, you can call me ‘Hermione Granger’”. This is often followed with an attempt at a British accent. I am yet to find one that doesn’t sound slightly Australian/Indian but I appreciate the effort. The definite conversation-starter factor also certainly has its advantages! Although such difficulties in accent translation seem to be a never-ending source of entertainment to people within earshot, I have subsequently adapted my language to avoid asking for “tom-ah-toes” in Sadler and when spelling my last name saying “zee” instead of the “zed” I had used for twenty years of my life.

2) I had naively thought that learning a new language was not going to be a prominent feature of my study abroad experience, but once again, nothing is as it first appears. Here are just a few examples of words that I have adopted in the States: ‘school’ (instead of ‘uni’), ‘chips’ (crisps), ‘candy’ (sweets), ‘soccer’ (football),  ‘pre-game’ (pre-lash), ‘restroom’ (toilet/loo), ‘pants’ (trousers), ‘bangs’ (fringe), ‘shirt’ (‘top’) and ‘purse’ (handbag – in the UK a purse is what you put your money in). My reaction to hearing a story about a group of girls who “weren’t wearing pants” running down Richmond Road was one of sheer shock until I was enlightened to the fact that ‘pants’ do not mean ‘underwear’ here as they do at home (the girls were apparently dressed up for a ‘Risky Business’ themed mixer, which I also had to Google). In classes I still have to exercise an unnatural level of concentration when writing the date (11/8/11 instead of 8/11/11), dropping ‘u’s (color, favorite etc.) and swapping ‘s’ for ‘z’ at EVERY opportunity (recognize, characterize etc.) Sounds simple enough for someone at such a prestigious institution of higher education surely? Probably just as simple as you would have thought that looking the right way when crossing the road is, but after 10 weeks of near-death experiences I can tell you it’s NOT.

3) The boys. In the UK bow-ties are ONLY even worn when the dress-code requests ‘black tie’. The Frat influence at William & Mary has certainly spread the joy of these small items of clothing to the point where these little chaps even make the odd appearance in classes. I have found myself saying “he’s cute”, which in England would mean “sweet – like a brother”, but in America you would certainly hope that this is not the implication. The exotic species more commonly referred to as “The Footballer” is also a definite novelty…

4) Americans don’t end texts/Facebook messages with kisses (‘xxx’). Before coming over to the States this had become an almost instinctive thing to type before pressing ‘send’ however this act of love/friendship/routine is NOT understood in this neck of the woods. Even now I feel slightly rude leaving out these little characters, but when in Rome…

5) Since arriving in the States I like to think I’ve really tried to immerse myself in the culture. Including the Freshman 15(/30) it would seem… Eating in Sadler has meant that pizza and ice-cream for every meal/concocting a meal of omelette/noodles/pizza/garden burger/cucumber/little fish things has become the norm.

6) Probably the most noticeable and indeed refreshing difference for me in this country is the level of involvement both on and off campus and the sheer friendliness of EVERYONE I’ve met! If you like someone’s shirt/bag/smile, it is appropriate here to tell them! Such a simple act really can make someone’s day and I think us Brits could learn a lot from the American openness! (Telling someone you’re obsessed with them is also totally acceptable).

Despite feeling slightly like an alien on countless occasions in these ten weeks (although technically I am by US Immigration standards!), never once have I felt too embarrassed to seek clarification with fear of rejection by my new friends and I was made to feel at home instantly (including one of my professors insisting that I give the entire class my email address so I could “make some American friends”. 2 months after I got here.) I honestly learn so much about American culture every day and look forward to more AWESOME experiences (some more cultural than others…) and cries of “OHMYGOD you’re BRITISH?!?!?!” very soon.