AMERICAN ENGLISH BRITISH ENGLISH
American English developed from the English brought to the Origin:**
American continent by British colonists in the 17th century. As the British English developed from Old English, which was influenced
colonies grew and expanded, the language began to evolve by Latin, Old Norse, and later Norman French following the
differently from British English, influenced by indigenous conquest of 1066. Over the centuries, the language has evolved
languages as well as the languages of immigrants from different and diversified into different regions of the United Kingdom.
parts of the world.
* Dialects:** Dialects:**
There are several dialects within American English, which vary by British English has a wide variety of dialects. Some of the most
region. Some of the best known are: notable are:
1. **Northeastern English:** Includes accents such as New 1. **Southeastern English:** Includes the London (Cockney)
England. accent and its variations.
2. **Midwestern English:** Known for its clear and neutral 2. **Scottish English:** With its own characteristics and regional
pronunciation. variations.
3. **Southern English:** Known for its distinctive accent and 3. **Welsh English:** With influences from Welsh and its own
certain grammatical features. pronunciation.
4. **Californian English:** Influenced by pop culture and linguistic 4. **Northwest English:** Includes accents from places like
diversity. Manchester and Liverpool.
Importance:** Importance:**
American English is one of the most spoken languages in the British English is considered the standard form of the language in
world and has a great cultural, economic and political impact. It is much of the English-speaking world. It is the official language in
the predominant language in international business, science, many countries and is fundamental in literature, education and the
technology and entertainment, making it an essential tool for media. British culture has had a significant impact on the arts,
global communication. science and global politics.
**Examples:** **Examples:**
1. **Different words:** Some words have different meanings or 1. **Different words:** Some words are different in British and
forms in American and British English. For example: American English:
- "Truck" instead of "lorry." - "Lift" instead of "elevator".
- "Apartment" instead of "flat". - "Biscuit" instead of "cookie".
Pronunciation:** Pronunciation also varies; For example, the letter **Pronunciation:** The pronunciation of some vowels and
"r" is more pronounced in American English. consonants can be quite different; For example, the "a" in "bath" is
pronounced like a long "a" in British English.
. **Idiomatic expressions:** Phrases like "It's raining cats and Idiomatic expressions:** There are certain expressions that are
dogs" can vary in use and understanding. more common in British English. For example, "I couldn't care
less" is a typical phrase that is used a lot.
