There is only one English language TV channel here in China CCTV9 and over the years I have noticed that the newsreaders are developing a more and more BBC type recieved English accent. Many would not be out of place in an Eton common room.

Whereas in the UK it is regional accents that are more likely to be heard today but not regional words/phrases. I was smiling to myself at the thought of a newscast being delivered in pure Geordie, Brummie, Scouse, Lowland, Highland, West Coast or East Coast Scottish with all the phrases that are common in those languages.

I can usualy tell with who a Chinese has studied English, very quickly you can hear the British English and American English accents and pronunciation. A friend's wife who is from Shanghai has the lovliest Scottish accent and phrasing, a result of 5 years at Strathclyde Uni.

I can now also tell if a person is from Guangzhou area, Beijing or even Shanghai by the accent and pronunciation of their Chinese.

Having worked overseas for many years I find languages and pronunciation very interesting as well as the roots of the language.

Sadly my wife Jade has picked up bad Anglo-Saxon from me and knows how to intone the words for various affects ;-)