Jalan
I often hear the phrase "She speaks perfect English". What is perfect English? There are so many dialects and accents within the English language. Which one is correct and perfect and where in the United States is it spoken?
Aug 4, 2010 7:11 AM
Answers · 5
2
It's merely a matter of opinion. I think there is no such thing as a "perfect English" as there are a number of acceptable variations of English. I think the person is trying to say "she speaks English perfectly" (ie. without errors), but has re-worded the phrase oddly. I have seen notices by English tutors claiming they speak "perfect English". Cringe. PS. Why did you assume it would be spoken in the US? ;) (heh, teasing)
August 4, 2010
1
@ Jalan: It just means the person has flawless English, ie, they speak it like a native person. One dialect is not more "perfect" or "correct" than the other, despite the opinions of some. :-) @ Peachey: I think we're encountering more dialectal variations between what you're used to hearing and what I'm used to hearing. :-) It's perfectly OK to say "she speaks perfect English." You'll see it in personnel reviews, books, discussions, etc. It's just like saying "fluent English" instead of "English fluently." @ roi g: Yes, cowboy. :-)
August 4, 2010
Just wanna add something: perfect english inludes also, besides no mistakes, perfect pronouciation. 'Coz pronouciation is really important, you can assume one's native English speaker if he has a perfect pronociation while he's merely intermediate, moreover; one's able to master English perfectly but will never be considered as native speaker or even close because of his bad pronouciation.. That's what I think. Good luck, Al Salam,
August 5, 2010
'Perfect' refers here to speaking fluently, flawlessly impeccable English. Doing the least of grammar mistakes, using rich vocabulary etc are signs of speaking perfect English. The accents and dialects don't determine your fluency, you can be fluent using any accent, whether Australian,British or American. However the perfection of mastering a language remains a relative issue. It is a matter of opinion as Peachey states.
August 4, 2010
in addition it means that "she speak english fluently" cowboy...
August 4, 2010
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