Reply
Wed 26 Nov, 2003 10:51 am
Roberta and others - I'd like your opinions. I'm British but writing a guidebook in American English. However it needs to feel 'not too American' for British buyers! So I'm trying to use culture-neutral terms. Instead of fall, I would like to use autumn. Is this regarded as terribly British, or would it be OK for American readers? Would they even notice it?
Gut reactions gratefully received!
Yeah, that would be ok with Americans. I would opine that Americans almost always say "fall," and always understand "autumn."
I have to agree with Setanta that although we might say Fall that we actually do mean and would certainly understand Autumn as one in the same. Something not seperated by us for once.
I see it as something generational. Younger Americans seem more likely to use Fall and understand Fall. Older Americans say Fall and understand Autumn.
Of course, I couldn't begin to define the line between young and old. Just a traveller's perception.
Hmmm, interesting, thanks for your input everyone. If autumn sounds at all jarring, especially to the younger travellers, I will use fall. It doesn't really matter. English readers understand fall but say autumn - exactly the same scenario back to front. My editors will have the final say but they are very British, hardly been over the Big Pond at all! In which case they will assume all Americans say fall.
I believe that those involved with astronomy and/or celestial navigation, for whom the term autumnal equinox often comes up, are more apt to use autumn regardless of generation.
good point flyboy... this is a guidebook for people interested in the culture and etiquette - probably business people or students - intelligent readers. I'll try using autumn and see if they come back on me like a ton of brix, saying 'didn't you know AMERICANS SAY FALL?' in a patronizing way!
Hi Clary, This American views fall and autumn as interchangeable. If I were the editor, I'd be more inclined to use the word "autumn" simply because it has only one meaning. "Fall" could be misunderstood. However, I see nothing wrong with varying things a bit. Sometimes fall, sometimes autumn.
This is interesting.
I bet lots of young Australians would not understand fall. But I do, easily.
Hmmmmm.....
It's another term for autumn, just less known. Hee hee...I think it derives from gnomish.
You know, the language of the gnomes. Here are some gnomes to look at:
http://www.foundus.com/jani/gnomes/gnopic1.htm
oh, those gnomes - toss...... heehee.....
Stumble It!
Tweet This
Bookmark on Delicious
Share on Facebook
Share on MySpace