The Englishes
English is the world's international language. It is the international language for pilots and flight control centers. It is the international language for business. It is the most predominant language on the Internet. To be more specific, it is American English that is the world's international English. It is American English that is the international language for pilots and flight control centers. It is American English that is the predominant language on the Internet, and it is American English that is the international language for business.
American English? Isn't English English?
There are many types of English. I believe the most popular are: American English, Australian English, British English, and Canadian English. Certainly, one can understand each type. However, certainly idioms (expressions, sayings) may be confusing, and certainly certain words have different meanings within the different Englishes. Pronunciations and spellings also differ.
British English
British and American English differences are common in multi-cultural workplaces. Many countries learn British English in schools as opposed to American English. India's long relationship with Britain and other former British colonies is another reason why British English is quite common.
Spelling differs between these two versions. The most common difference - American spelling uses z in places where the British use s. The following table lists some examples.
There are other differences. The following pages from Wikipedia list some of the important differences:
Canadian English
Canadian English is a nice mixture of British English, American English, some French, and like all languages, includes some unique words of its own. Canadian spellings are derived from a combination of the French and British influences. The following table lists some of these.
Wikipedia's Canadian English provides a wonderful introduction to the specifics of Canadian English.
To wet your appetite, here are some Candian words or expressions found in the above-referenced Wikipedia article:
Australian English
I love Australian English. Some of their phrases and expressions are so beautiful. The Wikipedia Australian English article provides an introduction to this variation of English. From this Website,
Australian English is a mixture of British and American English, some Irish influence, and a strong influence of New Zealand English.
Which English Do You Speak?
According to the Wikipedia article about English , there are 45 English dialects. The following table lists these dialects.
American English? Isn't English English?
There are many types of English. I believe the most popular are: American English, Australian English, British English, and Canadian English. Certainly, one can understand each type. However, certainly idioms (expressions, sayings) may be confusing, and certainly certain words have different meanings within the different Englishes. Pronunciations and spellings also differ.
British English
British and American English differences are common in multi-cultural workplaces. Many countries learn British English in schools as opposed to American English. India's long relationship with Britain and other former British colonies is another reason why British English is quite common.
Spelling differs between these two versions. The most common difference - American spelling uses z in places where the British use s. The following table lists some examples.
| American Spelling | British Spelling |
|---|---|
| analyze | analyse |
| generalize | generalise |
| organization | organisation |
| prioritization | prioritisation |
| recognize | recognise |
There are other differences. The following pages from Wikipedia list some of the important differences:
- List of American Words Not Used in British English
- List of Words That Have Different Meanings in British and American English
- List of British Words Not Used in American English
Canadian English
Canadian English is a nice mixture of British English, American English, some French, and like all languages, includes some unique words of its own. Canadian spellings are derived from a combination of the French and British influences. The following table lists some of these.
| American Spelling | British Spelling |
| center | centre |
| check | cheque |
| color | colour |
| generalize | generalise |
| recognize | recognise |
Wikipedia's Canadian English provides a wonderful introduction to the specifics of Canadian English.
To wet your appetite, here are some Candian words or expressions found in the above-referenced Wikipedia article:
- garburator - garbage disposal unit
- Kraft dinner - Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
- whitener - powdered, non-dairy additive for coffee and tea
Australian English
I love Australian English. Some of their phrases and expressions are so beautiful. The Wikipedia Australian English article provides an introduction to this variation of English. From this Website,
"The much-quoted line 'Throw another shrimp on the barbie' was a phrase that has never been used by Australians, but was an American invention for use in a US advertisement for tourism to Australia. 'Shrimp' is an international English term — they are called prawns in Australia."
Which English Do You Speak?
According to the Wikipedia article about English , there are 45 English dialects. The following table lists these dialects.
| Region | Dialect |
| British Isles | British English |
| | English English |
| | Highland English |
| | Mid Ulster English |
| | Scottish English |
| | Welsh English |
| | Manx English |
| | Irish English |
| | |
| United States | African American Vernacular English |
| | American English |
| | Appalachian English |
| | Baltimorese |
| | Boston English |
| | California English |
| | General American |
| | North Central American English |
| | Hawaiian English |
| | Southern American English |
| | Spanglish |
| | Chicano English |
| | |
| Canada | Canadian English |
| | Newfoundland English |
| | Quebec English |
| | |
| Oceania | Australian English |
| | New Zealand English |
| | |
| Asia | Hong Kong English |
| | Indian English |
| | Malaysian English |
| | Philippine English |
| | Singaporean English |
| | Sri Lankan English |
| | |
| Other Countries | Bermudian English |
| | Caribbean English |
| | Jamaican English |
| | Liberian English |
| | Malawian English |
| | South African English |
| | |
| Miscellaneous | Basic English |
| | Commonwealth English |
| | Globish |
| | International English |
| | Plain English |
| | Simplified English |
| | Special English |
| | Standard English |
posted by Alan | 8:14 AM
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