It would seem that Whilst is used within the UK... is it used in Australia or elsewhere?
I ask as I used it in the speech of a character from Australia that had been living in England for several years....
I'm not a Brit and I defininitely notice when people use whilst or learnt or a number of other words that I think of as British. In my Trespasser series, I write from the POV of a Brit character who has lived in the US for a while and is trying to assimilate. That's a cheat so that I don't have to get the speech mannerisms perfect.
It seems no thread is safe in Lush. *sigh*
I don't use the word 'whilst' in writing or in conversation.
I don't hear it being used in my circle of friends, on television, or with colleagues .
However, it doesn't bother me when reading it in a story. It makes sense, and I read on.
I automatically think to myself that the author must be from the UK (unless of course the story is taking place there ... then duh).
Then I start reading it (in my head) with an accent.
Yeah, I'm strange like that.
I personally think that these peculiarities in the english language are great. I don´t think the "whilst" is archaic - to me it should be considered like a "wild card" to use whenever you want your listener or reader to be caught a little off guard. Coming from a latin based language like portuguese, spanish, french - sometimes the english language can be a bit of a drag in its simple yet deranged complexity (if that made any sense at all).
I feel that these few interchangables are to be considered like diferent spices to be added (to taste) every once in while - thusly adding some diferent flavors to your everyday dish.
Also, it just shows your listeners or readers that you know and appreciate/respect the language in all its little details... and that is sexy!
Hey,I want to try..... Whilst thou be posting a new thread soon? Did I use it correctly?
I have come to no real conclusion whilst reading through this discussion. While some may be shocked to learn of my lack of commitment on the matter, I would argue that the discussion itself should be seen for what it is: a celebration of that most wonderful attribute of the English language: it's flexibility.
Whilst is british for while
just as:
Arse for ass
and
Mum for mom