An aside to the "slough" controversy: I happen to live on Hammer's Slough, and everyone here pronounces it slew (as in George slew the dragon).

Ok forgive me for this being a bit off topic but the 'slough' discussion just highlights how English must be one of the most difficult languages to learn for non-speakers given the huge inconsistencies there are, 'ough' which has numerous pronunciations being a prime example (through, bough, rough, dough, ought, cough etc).<BR>Back on topic, I did find when I visited the US after a few days I was automatically adding R's where I wouldn't normally with my Australian accent (eg, on the end of 'water'). I do think some accents are much easier to pick up than others.<BR>

Lucy, <BR><BR>You forgot 'lough', pronounced like the Scottish 'loch'. (Lough is the Irish version of 'loch'.)