TEFL Barquisimeto

There are many dialects of english that are spoken in several parts of the world but British english and American english are the two forms that are taught in most esl/efl programs. Differences The differences between British and American english include pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, idioms, and the formatting of dates and numbers. A number of words have completely different meanings in the two dialects or are even unknown or not used in one of the dialects. These small differences can lead to occasional misunderstanding or embarrassment. Many books have been written about the double meanings of words in British and American english. Although these differences can be very funny for native speakers on both sides, it would be prudent for teachers of both dialects to become familiar with these words and to inform their students of their use and the consequences of their misuse. The idioms of British and American english are another subject that students would benefit from knowing the similar meetings for both dialects as people living outside the U.K. and the U.S. are exposed to both forms of english via written, film and internet media. Which is better? British english vs. American english with emphasis on the vs. seems to be a pattern. Each group of speakers has their hardcore patriots who truly believe their version is better than the other and the arguments can get quite heated in both the formal media and informal blog and social media. As an American, I have concerns as to my ability to get a job teaching American english. For the past twenty years I have been married to a British english speaker and have lived in england and consider myself bilingual. I can spell, use the correct vocabulary (proper and slang), grammar and intonation for both British and American english but I am unable to speak in a BBC english accent or any other accent for that matter other than my own native californian. I would have no issues teaching British english but my students would have an American accent. The consensus regarding which is better to learn seems to be to choose the english you will be most exposed to. If you will be living in the U.S. then learn American english. If you will be going to university in the U.K., learn British english. It appears that most key examinations will accept any standard form of english. Another point is to be consistent in your usage, don’t mix spelling or grammar (although with the influx of new vocabulary words and terms this is becoming increasingly difficult). In the end, many students’ biggest concern seems to be that they want to be able to speak english well and to be understood. There are those who argue that British english is somehow innately superior to any other form and that American english is inferior. In foreign countries that need english teachers, their choice may be based on culture or even their current views of the world. Ultimately it is not a teacher’s place to teach students that one is superior to another but to teach the language and be consistent with the form they are asked to teach while being open and able to discuss the differences among them. Sources http://www.antimoon.com/how/pronunc-american-british.htm http://www.ehow.com/about_6470967_american-english-vs_-british-english.html http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_American_and_British_english http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Bernard_Shaw http://www.englishforums.com/english/WhatTeachAmericanenglishBritish-english/hwwgd/post.htm http://www.esl.about.com/b/2010/11/08/american-vs-british.htm http://www.esl.about.com/od/toeflieltscambridge/a/dif_ambrit.htm http://www.learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/british-english-and-american-english http://www.learnenglish.de/FAQspage.htm#Best http://www.matadornetwork.com/abroad/british-and-american-english-how-to-teach-english-you-dont-speak/ http://www.Michigan-proficiency-exams.com/difference-between-british-english-and-american-english.html