Tag Archives: Top Rated TV Shows

Death in Paradise is a British-French crime drama television series that has been broadcasted on BBC One since 2011. The show takes place on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie, where a British detective investigates a range of crimes with the help of the local police force. One of the defining features of the show is its use of British and Caribbean English, which adds to the show’s cultural richness and authenticity.

Caribbean English
One of the most notable linguistic features of Death in Paradise is its use of Caribbean English. The show is set on a fictional Caribbean island, and many of the characters speak with Caribbean accents and use Caribbean slang and colloquialisms. For example, the phrase “liming” is used to describe socializing or hanging out with friends, while “massive” is used to refer to a group of people.

British English
While the show features Caribbean English, the lead detective, DI Richard Poole, is a British detective who has been sent to Saint Marie to investigate crimes. He speaks with a British accent and uses British English, which contrasts with the Caribbean English spoken by many of the other characters on the show.

French influences
Although Death in Paradise is primarily a British show, it also features French influences due to the fact that the island of Saint Marie is a French territory. Some characters on the show speak French, and French cultural references, such as French cuisine and wine, are frequently mentioned.

Local customs and traditions
One of the most enjoyable aspects of Death in Paradise is its depiction of local customs and traditions. The show often explores aspects of Caribbean culture, such as the celebration of Carnival and the use of spiritual practices like voodoo. These elements add to the show’s authenticity and help to create a sense of place for the viewer.

British guest stars
Like many British television shows, Death in Paradise often features guest stars from the UK. These actors bring their own unique accents and perspectives to the show, adding to its cultural richness. Notable British guest stars have included actors such as Kris Marshall and Ardal O’Hanlon, who have both played the role of the lead detective on the show.

In conclusion, Death in Paradise is a television show that uses a range of British and Caribbean English to create a sense of place and authenticity. The show’s depiction of Caribbean culture, customs, and traditions, as well as its use of British and French language and references, make it a unique and enjoyable viewing experience. Furthermore, the show’s use of British guest stars adds to its cultural richness and demonstrates the collaborative nature of the entertainment industry. Overall, Death in Paradise is a great example of how language and culture can be used to create a truly immersive and enjoyable television viewing experience.

House of the Dragon is a highly anticipated American television series set in the world of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire book series. The show takes place 300 years before the events of the original series and focuses on the rise of House Targaryen in Westeros. While the show is produced in the United States, 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 House of the Dragon.

Accents
One of the most significant ways that British English is featured in House of the Dragon is through the accents of the characters. While the show is set in a fictional world, many of the actors use British accents to give their characters a distinct voice. For example, Olivia Cooke, who plays Alicent Hightower, uses a refined British accent, while Emma D’Arcy, who plays Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, speaks with a more neutral accent.

Old English
Since House of the Dragon is set in a medieval-inspired world, the show also features some Old English language and terminology. For example, the show refers to knights as “ser,” which is a medieval title used in the UK. Additionally, characters use Old English terms such as “maester” to refer to learned scholars and “lord” to refer to a nobleman.

Cultural references
House of the Dragon is set in a fictional world, but it draws heavily on medieval European history and culture, including British history. The show features references to British castles, such as the Tower of London, as well as British customs and traditions, such as the coronation ceremony. These cultural references add depth and richness to the show’s world-building.

Medieval English slang
Like any show set in a particular time period, House of the Dragon features its share of medieval English slang and colloquialisms. Some of these terms are specific to the show’s world, such as “dragonlord” for a Targaryen ruler, while others are borrowed from real-world medieval English, such as “mummers” for traveling performers.

British guest stars
House of the Dragon features several British actors in key roles, including Matt Smith, who plays Prince Daemon Targaryen, and Rhys Ifans, who plays Otto Hightower. These actors bring their own unique British accents and perspectives to the show, adding to its richness and complexity.

In conclusion, House of the Dragon is a show that draws heavily on medieval European history and culture, including British history and language. From the British accents of the characters to the Old English terminology and cultural references, the show reflects the global nature of its audience and the entertainment industry as a whole. These elements add to the show’s depth and complexity, helping to make House of the Dragon a highly anticipated and beloved series.

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.

Succession is a critically acclaimed television series that premiered in 2018 on HBO. The show revolves around the dysfunctional Roy family, a wealthy and powerful media dynasty, and their struggle for control of the family business, Waystar Royco. While the show is set in the United States, it features a mix of British and American actors and is heavily influenced by British language and culture. In this post, we will explore some of the British English used in Succession.

British accents
Several of the main characters in Succession have British accents, including Tom Wambsgans, played by Matthew Macfadyen, and Siobhan “Shiv” Roy, played by Sarah Snook. These accents add to the show’s international flavour and help to differentiate the Roy family from other wealthy American families depicted in popular culture. The accents also reflect the fact that the show’s creator, Jesse Armstrong, is British.

Class differences
Succession is a show about wealth and power, and it often explores the class differences between the characters. Many of the British characters, such as Tom and his British relatives, are portrayed as being from a lower social class than the American Roys. This is highlighted in Tom’s insecurity and desire to impress his American in-laws, as well as in the snobbishness of some of the American characters towards their British counterparts.

Vocabulary
Succession is a show that relies heavily on dialogue, and the characters often use words and phrases that are more commonly used in British English than in American English. For example, characters use words such as “bollocks” (testicles) and “fancy” (like or want) more frequently than American characters would. These words add to the show’s international flavour and help to establish the British influence on the series.

Humour
Succession is a darkly comedic show, and the British influence can be seen in the show’s humour. The show often uses understated, dry humour that is more common in British comedy than in American comedy. This can be seen in the character of Tom, who often makes sarcastic remarks and witty one-liners.

Cultural references
Finally, Succession is a show that is heavily influenced by British culture, and this is reflected in the cultural references made throughout the series. For example, in one episode, a character references the British sitcom Only Fools and Horses, while in another, a character reads a biography of British politician Margaret Thatcher. These references add to the show’s international flavour and help to establish the British influence on the series.

In conclusion, Succession is a show that is heavily influenced by British language and culture. From the British accents of some of the main characters to the use of British vocabulary and humour, the show reflects the international flavour of its creators and cast. These elements add to the show’s complexity and help to establish its unique tone and style.

C.B. Strike is a British detective series written by Robert Galbraith, the pseudonym of J.K. Rowling. The series features private detective Cormoran Strike and his assistant Robin Ellacott, as they solve complex cases in London.

One of the striking (pun intended) aspects of the series is the use of British English. While the language is not drastically different from American English, there are several nuances and colloquialisms that may be unfamiliar to non-British readers. In this post, we will explore some of the British English used in the C.B. Strike series.

Tea
Tea is a quintessentially British beverage, and it features heavily in the C.B. Strike series. In the first book, The Cuckoo’s Calling, Cormoran Strike offers Robin a cup of tea when she arrives for her job interview. Later in the series, characters are often seen drinking tea or offering it to others. However, it’s not just the act of drinking tea that is uniquely British – it’s the way they make it. British tea is typically served with milk and sugar, and there are even specific words for different levels of milkiness – “builder’s tea” is strong tea with a lot of milk, while “weak tea” has just a splash.

Slang
Like any country, Britain has its own set of slang terms that may be unfamiliar to outsiders. In the C.B. Strike series, characters use slang terms such as “knackered” (tired), “bloody” (an expletive), and “naff” (uncool or boring). These words may not be commonly used in American English, but they add a layer of authenticity to the dialogue and help to establish the British setting.

Swearing
British English is also known for its colourful swearing, and the C.B. Strike series is no exception. Characters frequently use words such as “bollocks” (testicles), “arse” (butt), and “bugger” (a mild expletive). While these words may be considered vulgar in some contexts, they are generally more accepted in British culture than in American culture.

Food
British cuisine is often maligned, but it has its own unique flavours and traditions. In the C.B. Strike series, characters eat a variety of British foods such as fish and chips, bangers and mash (sausages and mashed potatoes), and black pudding (a type of blood sausage). These dishes may not be familiar to non-British readers, but they add to the sense of place and help to establish the series’ British setting.

Place names
Finally, the C.B. Strike series is set in London, and the city’s geography plays a large role in the stories. Characters frequently visit different neighbourhoods such as Soho, Mayfair, and Whitechapel, and these names may not be immediately familiar to non-British readers. However, they help to establish the series’ sense of place and add to the overall atmosphere of the books.

In conclusion, the C.B. Strike series uses British English in a way that adds to the authenticity of the setting and the characters. From the way they make their tea to the slang they use, the language helps to establish the series’ uniquely British flavour. While some readers may find the language challenging at first, it ultimately adds to the richness and complexity of the books.

Supernatural is a popular American television series that first premiered in 2005. The show follows the adventures of two brothers, Sam and Dean Winchester, as they hunt supernatural creatures and solve mysteries across the United States. While the show is primarily in American English, there are several instances where British English is used, particularly in relation to the characters and mythology of the show.

One of the most notable instances of British English being used in Supernatural is in the character of Crowley, a demon who serves as a recurring antagonist throughout the series. Crowley is portrayed as a suave and sophisticated villain who often speaks in a British accent. His use of British English helps to emphasize his otherworldly nature, as it sets him apart from the American English-speaking characters.

Another example of British English being used in Supernatural is in the show’s mythology. The series draws heavily on folklore and mythology from various cultures, including British and Irish folklore. For example, one episode features a banshee, a creature from Irish folklore that is known for its high-pitched wailing. Another episode features a leprechaun, a creature from Irish folklore that is known for its mischievous nature.

In addition to these examples, there are also several instances where British English is used in the dialogue of minor characters. For example, in one episode, a British character refers to the Winchesters as “bloody yanks,” a term that is commonly used in British English to refer to Americans. This usage serves to highlight the cultural differences between the American and British characters.

So why does Supernatural use British English in these instances? One possible reason is to emphasize the otherworldly nature of the show’s supernatural creatures. By using British English for demons and other supernatural beings, the show is able to create a sense of foreignness and otherness that sets them apart from the American English-speaking characters.

Another possible reason is to add a layer of authenticity to the show’s portrayal of mythology and folklore. British and Irish folklore have a long and rich tradition that has influenced the supernatural genre for centuries. By drawing on this tradition and using British English in relation to these creatures, the show is able to create a more authentic and believable portrayal of the supernatural world.

In conclusion, while Supernatural is primarily an American English-language show, there are several instances where British English is used. This is most evident in the character of Crowley, who speaks with a British accent and helps to emphasize the otherworldly nature of the show’s demons. Additionally, British English is used in relation to the show’s mythology and folklore, helping to add a layer of authenticity to the portrayal of these supernatural creatures. Overall, the use of British English in Supernatural serves to enhance the show’s otherworldly atmosphere and create a more authentic portrayal of the supernatural world.

True Detective is a popular American television series that first premiered on HBO in 2014. The show has received critical acclaim for its complex plot, atmospheric setting, and standout performances by its cast. While the show is set in Louisiana and primarily features American English, there are also instances where British English is used. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at how British English is used in True Detective.

One of the most notable instances of British English being used in True Detective is in the character of Rust Cohle, played by Matthew McConaughey. Rust is a former detective who hails from Texas, but he spent several years working undercover in Texas and Louisiana. As a result, he has a unique way of speaking that blends elements of both American and British English.

One of the most prominent examples of this is Rust’s use of the word “mate.” This term is more commonly used in British English to refer to a friend or colleague, and is not often heard in American English. However, Rust uses it frequently throughout the series, indicating that his time working undercover in Louisiana has given him a more global perspective on language.

Another example of British English being used in True Detective is in the dialogue between Rust and his partner, Martin Hart (played by Woody Harrelson). In one scene, the two men are discussing their investigation and Rust says, “It’s not my first rodeo, Martin.” This phrase is a common idiom in American English, but Rust’s delivery of it has a slightly British inflection.

In addition to these examples, there are also several instances where British English is used in the dialogue of minor characters. For example, in one episode, a British woman is briefly interviewed by the detectives. She speaks with a distinct British accent and uses several British idioms, such as saying she’s “chuffed to bits” to be speaking with the detectives.

So why does True Detective use British English in these instances? One possible reason is to help differentiate the character of Rust Cohle from the other characters in the show. Rust is a complex and mysterious character who often operates outside of the traditional confines of law enforcement. By giving him a unique way of speaking that blends American and British English, the show is able to highlight his outsider status and his unconventional approach to solving crimes.

Another possible reason is to add a layer of realism to the show’s portrayal of the Louisiana criminal justice system. Louisiana has a long history of British and French colonial influence, and it’s possible that some British English terms and phrases have become a part of the region’s dialect over time. By including these elements in the dialogue, the show is able to create a more authentic portrayal of the Louisiana setting.

In conclusion, while True Detective is primarily an American English-language show, there are several instances where British English is used. This is most evident in the character of Rust Cohle, who has a unique way of speaking that blends elements of both American and British English. The use of British English in the show helps to differentiate Rust from the other characters and adds a layer of realism to the show’s portrayal of the Louisiana setting.

New Amsterdam was founded by the Dutch in 1626 on the southern tip of Manhattan Island in what is now New York City. However, it was taken over by the British in 1664 and renamed New York. Despite this change in rulership, Dutch influence persisted in the city’s language for many years.

The Dutch language was spoken in New Amsterdam from its founding until its takeover by the British. Even after the British took control, Dutch continued to be spoken in the city for many years. In fact, Dutch was still being used in some parts of the city as late as the early 19th century. This was due to the fact that the Dutch settlers who had originally founded the city remained there and continued to speak their language.

As the British took over, they brought their own language and culture to the area. English became the official language of the colony, and it quickly began to replace Dutch as the language of government, education, and trade. However, Dutch continued to be spoken in some areas and by some individuals.

The influence of the Dutch language on New York English can still be seen today. Many words and phrases used in everyday conversation in New York have their roots in Dutch. For example, the word “stoop” comes from the Dutch word “stoep,” which means a step or doorstep. “Boss” comes from the Dutch word “baas,” which means master or boss. “Yankee” comes from the Dutch name “Jan Kees,” which was a common name among the Dutch settlers.

Additionally, the Dutch language also influenced the pronunciation of English in New York. For example, the Dutch “g” sound is similar to the “h” sound in English. This is why New Yorkers often drop the “h” sound at the beginning of words, such as saying “ouse” instead of “house.”

The influence of the Dutch language on New York English can also be seen in place names. Many places in New York City have Dutch names, such as Harlem (which comes from the Dutch “Haarlem”), Brooklyn (which comes from the Dutch “Breukelen”), and Coney Island (which comes from the Dutch “Konijn Eiland,” meaning “rabbit island”).

In conclusion, while the British takeover of New Amsterdam led to English becoming the official language of the colony, the Dutch language continued to have a lasting impact on the language and culture of the city. The influence of Dutch can still be seen in the English spoken in New York today, from everyday words and phrases to place names. The legacy of New Amsterdam lives on through the language of the city, and serves as a reminder of the diverse history and culture of the United States.

Better British languages refer to the efforts to improve and promote the use of British languages, including Welsh, Scots, Irish Gaelic, Cornish, and Manx. These languages have a long and complex history, and they have faced numerous challenges over the years, including efforts to suppress or eradicate them. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in these languages, with many people working to preserve and promote them.

One of the key goals of the Better British languages movement is to increase awareness and understanding of these languages, both within the UK and around the world. This includes promoting the use of these languages in education, media, and public life, as well as supporting initiatives to preserve and document these languages for future generations. Many organizations and individuals are also working to develop new resources and technologies to support the learning and use of these languages, such as language learning apps, online dictionaries, and community-based language courses.

Another important aspect of the Better British languages movement is the promotion of cultural heritage and identity. British languages are a vital part of the cultural heritage of the UK, and they play an important role in shaping the identities of many communities and individuals. By promoting and preserving these languages, the Better British languages movement is helping to celebrate and honor this rich cultural heritage and ensure that it is passed on to future generations.

In addition to promoting and preserving British languages, the Better British languages movement is also working to address some of the challenges facing these languages. One of the biggest challenges is the decline in the number of people who speak these languages fluently. Many British languages have suffered from a lack of investment in language education and support, and this has led to a decline in the number of people who are able to speak these languages fluently. To address this issue, the Better British languages movement is working to increase support for language education and provide resources to help people learn and use these languages.

Finally, the Better British languages movement is also working to promote the use of these languages in public life and policy. This includes efforts to increase the use of these languages in government, media, and public spaces, as well as initiatives to promote the use of these languages in business and commerce. By promoting the use of these languages in public life, the Better British languages movement is helping to ensure that these languages continue to be an important part of the cultural fabric of the UK.

Overall, the Better British languages movement is a vital effort to promote and preserve the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the UK. By working to increase awareness and understanding of these languages, promoting cultural heritage and identity, addressing the challenges facing these languages, and promoting the use of these languages in public life and policy, the Better British languages movement is helping to ensure that these languages continue to thrive and enrich the lives of people throughout the UK and beyond.

The Sopranos is a television series that first aired on HBO in the United States in 1999. It quickly became a cultural phenomenon, attracting a loyal following and critical acclaim for its gripping storyline, complex characters, and exploration of themes such as family, power, and morality. While the series is set in New Jersey and primarily features characters who speak English, there are several instances in which characters speak in other languages, including British languages.

One of the most notable examples of British languages in The Sopranos occurs in season four, when the character of Furio Giunta, a member of the Neapolitan mafia who has been sent to the United States to work for the Soprano crime family, speaks in his native Italian. While Italian is not a British language, it is closely related to several British languages, including Spanish and Portuguese, which are both Romance languages.

In addition to Italian, there are also several instances in which characters speak in other British languages in The Sopranos. For example, in season six, the character of Phil Leotardo, a high-ranking member of the Lupertazzi crime family, speaks in his native Neapolitan dialect. Neapolitan is a dialect of Italian that is spoken in the southern region of Campania, where Naples is located.

Another example of a British language in The Sopranos is Yiddish, which is spoken by several characters in the series. Yiddish is a Germanic language that is primarily spoken by Ashkenazi Jews and is closely related to German and Dutch. In The Sopranos, Yiddish is primarily spoken by the character of Hesh Rabkin, a music industry mogul who is a close associate of the Soprano family.

Finally, there are also several instances in which characters speak in Irish Gaelic in The Sopranos. While Irish Gaelic is not a language that is commonly spoken in the United States, it is an important part of the cultural heritage of many Irish Americans, including several of the characters in The Sopranos. In one memorable scene from the series, the character of Tony Soprano attends a wake for a fellow mobster, where he hears a traditional Irish song being sung in Gaelic.

Overall, while The Sopranos is primarily a series that is set in the United States and features characters who speak English, it also includes several instances of British languages, including Italian, Neapolitan, Yiddish, and Irish Gaelic. These languages add depth and complexity to the series, and they help to illustrate the rich cultural heritage of the characters and the communities they come from. They also serve as a reminder that language is a powerful tool for expressing identity and cultural heritage, and that it can play an important role in shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.