Course TESOL Agencies

British vs American EnglishThere are several notable differences in the usage of American and British english. The major differences include vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation. These differences can deviate widely between the two english languages. The major cause for the deviation is mostly geographical but also has some political and emigrational influences. American english incorporated characteristics of groups immigrating to America and native people in their vocabulary and pronunciation. This has caused the two languages to diverge over time. Usages of vocabulary differences are most apparent when viewing British and American english. One word or Phrase can have completely different means depending on the version of english being spoken. In some cases a word might not even be used by the British or American speakers. In American english Native American words have been integrated and would not be used or recognized by British english speakers. The commonly used phrase “We should have a Pow Wow.” might not be understood at all by a British speaker because of the Native American Influence on American english. This can drastically effect the communication of information like directions as well. A good example of this can be seen when trying to explain the location of an apartment. A person speaking British english would say, “ I live on the 6th floor flat number 9.” An American would say “I live on the 5 floor, apartment 9.” This shows the difference in word usage as well as the difference in ground floor and 1st floor in the english language. Words like rubbish and bin are used in both versions of english and although similar have different usages. An American would say, “take out the trash”, were as an Englishman would say, “take out the bin”. In this case both words have similar meanings but two completely different usages. Applying the correct word in the correct context can be tricky in either version of english. Another difference between American and British english can clearly be seen in the spelling of words. This can be very complicated when trying to correctly spell words when corresponding in english. A person spelling in British english and writing to an American or someone that has learned American english could possible give the wrong impression. This could be important when applying for a new job. An example of this would be “I designed colour poster for Labour Unions.” If the person was writing to American this sentence would be misspelled and the applicant could possibly run the risk of being seen as uneducated. How words are pronounced can also differ between versions of english. Words can be pronounced extremely different between the two. The pronunciation of the alloy metal Aluminum is probably the most used example. To the untrained ear the two versions of the word could sound like two totally different words. This can be true with many commonly used words like garage, Lychee, resource, vase, tomato, herb, are all common examples of differences in pronunciation. Words like these are just a few of many word pronounced differently between the english languages. Words like filet show the differences in linguistic influences in pronunciation. Americans will say fil-ay due to french influence where as a British english speaker will pronounce the word fil-et. The french influence on American english effects many words and can be seen in many of the grammar rules involved in pronunciation. In some cases in the united states such as Louisiana the french language is even more prevalent in controlling American pronunciation. english has several different dialects. This can clearly be seen when studying the common differences between British and American english. Over time, changes in pronunciation, spelling and vocabulary have created variations in the ways that english speakers use their language. The two languages share many similarities and communication between the two is normally easy but the differences can have drastic effects as well. Understanding what version of english is being spoken and how to communicate with them correctly is an important part of understanding the english language.