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As George Bernard Shaw once wrote, "England and America are two countries separated by a common language." And if you've ever followed one of those "Way Out" signs in the London tube in hopes of discovering something psychedelic, only to find an ordinary exit, you understand what this means. Read this blog and you'll be over the moon (ecstatic) delving into such linguistic differences as mind vs watch, badge vs button, and peanuts vs monkeynuts. And if you plan to do a little shopping while over there, you'll definitely want to review this post on English and American differences in women's clothing terminology. So if some British terms have always looked dodgy (suspicious) to you, don't get knackered (worn out). Just consult this blog and suss out (decipher) their meaning. Cheers. (Bye.)

In England alone, an intrepid traveler may overhear hundreds of dialects and accents. What's more extraordinary is how these brogues and drawls have evolved throughout the 20th century. Thanks to the British Library's Sound Archive, you can eavesdrop on English people from across the country without packing your bags. For instance, meet Dick Gilbert. In 1958, when he was 79 years old, he spoke about his experience as a young farm hand. The Sound Archive offers the lexis, phonology, and grammar break-down of Dick's commentary. But more importantly, it allows you to marvel at his voice. With recordings ranging from the 1950s to 1999, the site offers a wealth of samples. Some are downright incomprehensible, some are thoroughly entertaining, but all are fascinating. So listen up; England is speaking to you.