Which English should be taught in the ESL classroom?
In ESL classrooms around the world, the choice of which variant of English to teach often reflects the specific linguistic preferences of each country. British and American English are the most commonly taught dialects globally due to their widespread use and influence. The preference for either British or American English in education varies from country to country, with many educational institutions and language centers favoring one over the other based on historical, cultural, or practical ties. Teachers should be aware of these preferences and adapt their teaching accordingly, whether they are using British or American English, to ensure their instruction aligns with local educational standards and student needs.
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How exactly do these forms of English differ?
Same Word - Different Pronunciation
Differences in word for the same object
How exactly do these forms of English differ?
Let's explore some of the significant distinctions between British and American English. The examples provided here are by no means comprehensive, and further research will uncover many more differences.
Spelling Differences
Much of the divergence in spelling can be traced back to Webster, renowned for his dictionary. American English tends to spell words phonetically, resulting in notable differences like 'color' (AmE) versus 'colour' (BrE).
Grammar elements like prepositions and modal verbs often differ between British and American English. For instance, an American student might use 'gotten' in an essay, while a British student would use 'got.' Prepositions such as 'on,' 'in,' and 'at' are also used differently by Brits and Americans. For students planning to pursue higher education in countries that primarily use either American or British English, mastering the specific grammar and spelling nuances is crucial.
Also read: Is grammar knowledge important when teaching English?
Same Word - Different Pronunciation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" is a song written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin for the 1937 film Shall We Dance, where it was introduced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as part of a celebrated dance duet on roller skates.
The song is most famous for its "You like to-may-to /t??me?t?/ / And I like to-mah-to /t??m??t?/" and other verses comparing British and American English pronunciations.
Differences in word for the same object
There are many examples of this type, such as:
Source thoughtco.com
Other considerations
As depicted in the map above, English primarily exists in two varieties. British English is prevalent in many regions globally, a legacy of the expansive British Empire. However, American English is gradually gaining prominence in certain parts of Asia and South America due to its cultural influence. When hired to teach English by a school or organization, they may specify the type of English to be taught, potentially favoring native speakers of that version. However, it's crucial to communicate English naturally and avoid adopting a dialect with which you are not familiar.
Also read: What not to do as an ESL teacher?
