[Raellus]

I agree that it's a matter of exposure. Most Americans only hear a British accent in movies, and often it's an American actor's version of a British accent they're hearing (think Johnny Depp in Pirates...)

I went to a British high school for three years so I can fake it pretty well. I also like watching shows on BBC America. I can also tell when a Brit or Scott or Irishman or Welshman or Australian or New Zealander or South African is doing an American accent. Band of Brothers is a good example. I knew that most of those actors were British before I watched or read any of the "making of" stuff.

It's all a matter of exposure.