Mr. Leonhardi In
Particular Seemed To Me, In Some Passages Which He Repeated Out Of
Hamlet, To Have Learnt To Sink His Voice In The True English Manner;
Yet Any One Might Know From His Speaking That He Is Not An
Englishman.
The English place the accent oftener on the adjectives
than they do on the substantive, which, though undoubtedly the most
significant word in any sentence, has frequently less stress laid on
it than you hear laid on mere epithets.
On the stage they pronounce
the syllables and words extremely distinct, so that at the theatres
you may always gain most instruction in English elocution and
pronunciation.
This kingdom is remarkable for running into dialect: even in London
they are said to have one. They say, for example, "it a'nt" instead
of "it is not;" "I don't know," for "I do not know;" "I don't know
him," for "I do not know him;" the latter of which phrases has often
deceived me, as I mistook a negative for an affirmative.
The word "sir," in English, has a great variety of significations.
With the appellation of "sir," an Englishman addresses his king, his
friend, his foe, his servant, and his dog; he makes use of it when
asking a question politely; and a member of Parliament, merely to
fill up a vacancy, when he happens to be at a loss. "Sir?" in an
inquiring tone of voice, signifies what is your desire? "Sir!" in a
humble tone - gracious Sovereign! - "Sir!" in surly tone, a box on the
ear at your service!
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