Beckham adjusts ... linguistically:

After the family the most important thing is the foot... is the soccer."

Old habits die hard for LA Galaxy new boy David Beckham. [BBC SPORT | Fun and Games | Quotes of the Week]

Interestingly, Beckham was mentioned in the report on Cultural Diplomacy I discussed the other day. He will have to adjust to the reality of Shaw's remark that England and America (sic) are countries separated by a common language.

I wonder if it is the case that the dominant 'ball propelled by foot' 'inflated ball driven by foot' game in any country is called 'football'?

Aside: Separated by a common language is the title of a very nice blog on differences between American and British Englishes written by Lynne Murphy.

Related entries:

• It's a small(ish) world
• Mind the gap