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DEL.ICIO.USBritish, Americans try to speak same language
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tracy J. Smith/48th BCT
British soldiers John Wilson (right) and Paul Keeble.
Tallil Air Base, Iraq — The Italians control Nasiriyah in southeastern Iraq and have a huge contingent stationed at this base, just outside the city.
Then there are the Americans — The Georgia Army National Guard’s 48th Brigade Combat Team among them — Australians, Japanese, Romanians and of course, the British.
The facilities here are a global smorgasbord. The tactics differ as well. Each nation’s military has its own way of doing things.
“When you approach convoys, everyone has their own SOP (standard operating procedure),” said John Wilson, 35, a warrant officer class 2 from Chelmsford, England. “There are different attitudes toward the local population.
“With the Americans,” said Wilson joking about perceived U.S. aggressiveness, “you gotta dig a hole and get in it.”
And then there are obvious language barriers, especially with the Japanese, Italians and the Romanians. And sometimes, with the Georgia soldiers, too, said the British, poking fun not just at Americanized English but that good ole Southern twang.
“I can’t understand a word they say,” said Colour Sergeant Paul Keeble, 37. “But they all seem friendly. It would be better if they could speak English.”
English humor or a bit of Olde Country snobbery? A Georgia soldier at the table took it all in good stride. You say tomato, I say …
Keeble, a member of the 1st Battalion of the King’s Own Royal Border Regiment, arrived at Tallil at roughly the same time the 48th Brigade moved here from Striker in October.
Before arriving in Iraq, Keeble said he went through a 10-week course in Arabic to help him work with Iraqis in the area. His unit has been helping train the Iraqi Army.
Added Keeble, a continuous clown: “I can speak a little bit of American as well.”
Comments
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By jeanni
January 24, 2006 08:13 AM | Link to this
Great story and I am glad to see that you are back on track with our soldier’s and what they are doing.. Take care guys and see you all in May…
By Gary Jewell
January 24, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this
I was at Tallil from Apr 03 through Mar 04. I’m sure the base has changed quite a bit since the days of burning waste and no AC. I enjoy the stories about the 48th. I was thankful to be in a tame area as opposed to being in the Sunni triangle. Best wishes and return safe!!
By armynurseboy
January 24, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this
That’s okay, half the time I couldn’t understand a damn word the Brits said either….
By "New" to GA
January 24, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this
I’ve been here for 10 years, moved from the midwest, and just the other day I truly thought a couple of people at the store were speaking another language. It was English, but with a sourthern accent I’ve never heard before! Reminds me of the time I met a guy and asked him what country he was from…Chicago. It doesn’t just happen here!
By WOW
January 24, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this
I know the people at work has got to think I have finally lost it. I was sitting here laughing at the british saying they don’t understand us sometimes and we needed to learn to speak English. I truely enjoyed this article. I would like to thank all the troops from all the different countries for your service. It shows we can’t do all this by ourselves, that it takes many different backgrounds to make it work.
By Pat Graydon
January 24, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this
What’s the old saying. Americans and the British are two people divided by a common language. In my brief experience, I’ve noticed there is great disparity between the way English is spoken in various parts of the U.K., including England itself.
By Pat Graydon
January 24, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this
What’s the old saying? Americans and the British are two peoples divided by a common language? In my brief experience, I noticed that there is great disparity in the way English is spoken in various parts of the U.K., including England itself. I guess we can’t help it if they have accents.
By gary haynes
January 25, 2006 08:17 AM | Link to this
It’s amazing how people that unite for a common purpose can accomplish so much. But I would be wrong not to point out that many in this country will not even acknowledge that soldiers from other countries have been in Iraq by our side for a long time.
By Paul Keeble
January 25, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this
I hope no-one has been offended by my remarks in the article above. They were with good old British humour. The 48th have made us feel very welcome during our stay in Tallil with them and have offered us much assistance. I can assure the people of Georgia that your servicemen and women are doing your state proud. God Bless America. God Save The Queen.
PS - I can’t understand the Scottish either!!! And they live even closer to us!!!
By Mick Whitlock
January 26, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this
I think it was Winston Churchill that said, ” Two great nations separated by one common language.” I moved to the USA from England about 20 years ago and I must say it is quite nice here in the Colonies. I wish all the troups fighting for freedom were ever they come from a safe and successful mission.
By Marie
January 27, 2006 07:11 AM | Link to this
Colour Sergeant Paul Keeble, I can’t speak for all Americans because we are nothing if not opinionated…..but I for one was not offended at all…in fact I found this article hilarious and having occasion to do business with some of your fine countrymen I can totally relate. Stay Safe and yes indeed God Save the Queen. PS. Besides how could we get mad at one of the few nations brave enough to stand by its allies!! PSS We usually do not care if we can understand you anyway because everything you say sounds so darn good !!
By Love the Brit Accent
January 27, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this
I love that British accent!!
Paul Keeble - your comment is not offensive to me. I once met a Brit in CA who heard my GA accent and asked what part of England I was native to! I, of couse, had to chuckle on that one - he could hardly accept the fact that I am a 10th generation Georgia (USA) native. Long way from the original Brit ancestors. That Scottish burrrrrr is hard to understand!
Your comment reminded me of the time when some troops were assigned to Transportation Division, Atlanta Army Depot for orientation in transportation matters on their way to duty in Vietmnam One from NJ told a clerk that he couldn’t understand a word we say to which she readily replied - “well, that shows we’re smarter than you - we understand your slang quite well”. Another complained about some of us who talk so fast - yes, some of us do - the reply was you just have to listen fast. There is a difference between accent and drawl. No offense meant and non taken. I still wonder how many of those young men made it home safely.
There is always sport made of the different dialects and speed with which all people speak but it is usually done in good humor. I have heard some real doosies in my travels. However, some people have no sense of humor and always sweat the small stuff. Some are offended by someone saying good morning. Such is life!
It is an interesting world.
Thank you to the Multi-National Force fighting against terrorism. May they succeed and return to their homes soon and safely. We must stand together against evil.
The 48th countdown - three to three & half months left. God keep each of you safe - YOU HAVE DONE WELL AND WE ARE PROUD.