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Teachers

Americanisms Creep into UK Children's Language

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As technology continues to bridge the gap between continents, British children's language is increasingly being influenced by American culture. A recent survey of 10,000 teachers in the UK revealed that Americanisms, such as "candy" instead of "sweets" and "trash" or "garbage" instead of "rubbish," are becoming more common in classrooms. The shift is particularly pronounced among younger children, with 50% of primary teachers reporting that they have heard pupils use these American expressions. This linguistic phenomenon is largely attributed to the influence of YouTube videos, Netflix, and transatlantic social media influencers.

Key Takeaways:

  • 50% of primary teachers reported hearing pupils use American expressions such as "trash" or "garbage", compared to 33.9% of secondary teachers.
  • 65% of primary teachers reported hearing "candy", while only 26% of secondary teachers did.
  • The most common Americanism reported by teachers was "trash" or "garbage" (44%), followed by "candy" (40%).
  • Parents attribute the influence of American culture on children's language to YouTube videos (53%), Netflix (45%), and transatlantic social media influencers.
  • Only 14% of teachers reported hearing the term "apartment", while 9% heard "diaper" and 7% "movie theatre".
  • Linguist Professor Lynne Murphy suggests that language is constantly being renewed, and new words do not displace old ones, but rather add to the existing vocabulary.

Statistics:

  • 50% of primary teachers reported hearing pupils use American expressions such as "trash" or "garbage".
  • 65% of primary teachers reported hearing "candy".
  • 44% of teachers reported hearing the term "trash" or "garbage".
  • 40% of teachers reported hearing "candy".
  • 53% of parents attributed the influence of YouTube videos on children's language.
  • 45% of parents attributed the influence of Netflix on children's language.
  • 14% of teachers reported hearing the term "apartment".
  • 9% of teachers reported hearing the term "diaper".

Sources:

  • "Teachers: Americanisms are creeping into children's language", by Georgia Lambert, The Times, no date.
  • Professor Lynne Murphy, "Language is constantly being renewed and new words do not displace old ones", University of Sussex, no date.

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