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Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, often referred to as SVU, is a popular American television series that focuses on the investigation and prosecution of sexually-based offenses. Although the show is set in New York City, it has a significant following in the UK, where it is broadcast on several channels. In this post, we will explore some of the British English used in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
British accents
Despite the show’s setting in the United States, several of the characters in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit have British accents. For example, the character of Dr. Huang, played by B.D. Wong, is originally from Hong Kong but was raised in the UK. His accent is often referred to as “BBC English” due to its precise and formal nature.
Legal terminology
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is a show that is heavily focused on the legal process, and as such, it features a great deal of legal terminology. Many of these terms are shared between American and British English, such as “prosecutor,” “jury,” and “verdict.” However, there are also some differences in legal terminology between the two countries. For example, in the UK, a prosecutor is referred to as a “crown prosecutor” or “Crown Prosecution Service.”
Slang and colloquialisms
Like any show set in a particular region, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit features its share of local slang and colloquialisms. Some of these terms are specific to New York City, such as “five-o” for police officers, while others are more broadly used across the United States, such as “perp” for perpetrator. However, there are also some British English terms that are occasionally used in the show, such as “nutter” for someone who is mentally ill.
Cultural references
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit often references American culture, particularly in terms of popular music and television shows. However, the show occasionally references British culture as well. For example, in one episode, a character mentions the British rock band Oasis, while in another, a character refers to the British author Charles Dickens.
British guest stars
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has featured several British actors in guest-starring roles throughout its run. These actors include Idris Elba, who played a detective in several episodes, and Emily Mortimer, who played a journalist investigating the SVU team. These guest stars bring their own unique accents and perspectives to the show, further highlighting the international nature of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
In conclusion, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit may be set in the United States, but it features a significant amount of British English and cultural references. From the British accents of some of the characters to the legal terminology and occasional use of slang and colloquialisms, the show reflects the global nature of its audience and the entertainment industry as a whole. These elements add to the show’s richness and complexity, helping to make Law & Order: Special Victims Unit a beloved and enduring series.
