Since I was taught British English back at school, and am now exposed to American English on a daily basis, I thought I would give you a short breakdown of the basic differences between those two variants of the English language. Actually, this subject came up last week between my boyfriend and me, which is what made me think about it again. So, here is what I remember:
Spelling:
ou versus o
humour/humor, armour/armor, behaviour/behavior
re versus er
centre/center, theatre/theater
l versus ll
fulfil/fulfill, but: fulfilling/fulfilling
sc versus sk
sceptical/skeptical
s versus z
scrutinise/scrutinize, realise/realize
c versus s
licence/license, defence/defense
y versus i/a
tyre/tire, pyjamas/pajamas
ae versus e
paediatrician/pediatrician, encyclopaedia/encyclopedia
Pronunciation:
[a:] versus [ae]
dance, can't
Vocabulary:
pavement/sidewalk
lift/elevator
lorry/truck
marks/grades
tuition/tutoring
flat/apartment
torch/flashlight
jumper/sweater
Can anyone think of other examples? I would love to collect more examples of differences, either in spelling, pronunciation or vocabulary. Simply put your examples int he comments, please! Thanks!
Language ... the bridge of communication, the magic creator of worlds, the brush and paint of authors. Language is magic. It gives us power. It is something you just have to love.
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