So… Do You Speak American?

What Does American English Actually Sound Like?

We usually think of “American” as a nationality. But what happens when we use the word to describe American English?

We say American English. We call people from the United States Americans. And sometimes, people even talk about “the American language.”

But America is an entire hemisphere, home to dozens of countries and hundreds of languages.

So… why does “American” usually mean just one country?

When American English Became “American”

So, you speak English. Great.

But do you speak American?

Before you start wondering whether you’ve accidentally been speaking the wrong language all these years, let’s take a closer look at what Americans actually sound like.

Because American English doesn’t have just one voice.

From Boston to California

A Boston accent doesn’t sound like a Southern accent. A New Yorker doesn’t necessarily sound like someone from California. Then you have Appalachian English, African American English, Chicano English, and plenty of other varieties that don’t fit neatly into the usual stereotypes.

They are all part of American English.

So what makes them American?

And why do some ways of speaking get treated as more “standard” than others?

Y’all, Youse, You Guys…?

Even something as simple as talking to a group can change depending on where you are.

Same basic idea. Very different flavors.

That’s just one small example of how geography, history, community, and identity shape the way people speak.

Your accent can tell a story before you even say where you’re from.

Let’s Explore It

We’ll take a closer look at the accents, expressions, and varieties that make up American English—and what they can tell us about the people who speak them.

And, of course, we’ll do it in Spanish too.

Practice Spanish & Discover Something New

You will practice Spanish while discussing:

• 🇺🇸 American English and regional accents.
• 🗺️ How geography shapes the way we speak.
• 🗣️ Regional expressions and vocabulary.
• .🎙️ African American English, Chicano English, and other varieties
• 👂 What your accent can reveal about identity and community
• 🤔 Who decides what sounds “standard” or “proper”?
• 🇺🇸 And, of course, the big question: Do you speak American?

📢 Join Us

Bring your Spanish, your curiosity, and your favorite American accent.

Let’s talk.

👥 Group Size Policy

🕗 1 attendee: 07:00 p.m. – 07:45 p.m.
🕗 2 attendees: 07:00 p.m. – 08:00 p.m.
🕗 3+ attendees: 07:00 p.m. – 08:30 p.m.