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English is a global language. It is used in almost all the countries of the world, as an official language, as a second or foreign language. In many countries where English is a foreign language it has undergone some changes concerning the spelling, pronunciation, meaning. And as a result of this, English got different variations and dialects (e. g. Spanglish, Hinglish…). During my experience as an English teacher I have come across with many words, the pronunciation and spelling of which can be of two types, and my students always ask me why this or that word has two types of pronunciation or spelling. So, every student must know that there are 2 variations of English (not to be mixed with dialects): British English and American English. Though the USA and UK have much in common, there are enough differences between their two versions of the English language that someone may not always understand exactly what someone from the other country is saying. Not only are there 160 distinct dialects of the English language, but there's also different spelling and even words, used to describe one or other thing. Most words ending in an unstressed -our in British English (e.g., colour, flavour, behaviour) end in -or in American English (color, flavor, behavior). In British English, some words from French, Latin or Greek end with a consonant followed by an unstressed -re (pronounced /ə(r)/). In American English, most of these words have the ending -er The difference is most common for words ending -bre or -tre: British spellings calibre, centre, fibre). American spelling avoids -ise endings in words like organize, realize and recognize. British spelling mostly uses -ise, while -ize is sometimes used (organise/organize, realise/realize, recognise/recognize). The spelling examples are numerous, and in mainly all examples American version is more simple and adapted to easy spelling and pronouncing. Such an example is dropping “e” before the ending in many words. British prefers ageing, American usually aging. There are words which don’t even exist in the American vocabulary or word stock. Note the example: Put on your anorak. Check the pillar box, and see if my business partner sent over the hire purchase. Would the average American understand these commands? Probably not! Here’s the translation: Put on your jacket. Check the mailbox, and see if my business partner sent over the installment plan. Other words exist in both languages, but they mean different things. For example, if you requested a caretaker in England, you might be introduced to someone holding a broom and dustpan. There, a caretaker is a person who cleans and maintains a building. To Americans, a caretaker is someone who takes care of someone, such as a child or sick person, or who looks after a property while the owner is away. Other Briticisms are famous. Have you learned what a lift is? Would you go for a ride in a lorry? In British English, you have to use the present perfect for recent actions that affect the present. I’ve broken your vase. Will you forgive me? American English accepts the present perfect as correct, but it also offers a second possibility—the simple past. I broke your vase. Will you forgive me? Anybody who wants to study general English must know these variations in order not to misunderstand or be misunderstood among people. Anyways, whatever variation you choose to learn you must be acquainted with the other too, to be more aware or the language.
