British and American English in World Englishes l Differences between British and American English l BS English Subject World Englishes Semester 5 Punjab University

When the British reached these areas at sea during the 16th and 17th centuries, they really brought the language to America. Spelling had not yet been fixed at that time. It required the earliest dictionaries to describe how these terms arose. In the UK, the dictionary was produced by academics from London. The lexicographer was, meantime, a guy called Noah Webster in the United States. He allegedly altered how the phrases were written to distinguish the American version from the British as a means of displaying the cultural independence of his home country.

In terms of speech, there were real distinctions between American and British English when the first immigrants arrived in America. These tribes talked with rhotic talk, where the 'r' sounds of the words are pronounced. In the meanwhile, the upper classes in the UK sought to differentiate the way they spoke from the ordinary masses, softening their 'r' sound pronunciation. Since the wealthy were even then regarded to be trendy, others started to imitate their language until it was ultimately the common manner of speaking in southern England.


Differences in spelling
There are several spelling changes between British and American English. The common ones are shown in the following.
British words are spelled as “favorite” and “color” in American English these words are spelled as “favourite “ and ''colour”.

Differences in vocabulary
The Americans and the British also have terms that vary. The following includes several common items with multiple names, depending on the English version you choose.
British words trousers, flat, biscuit known in American Language pants, apartment and cookie.

Differences in grammar
Apart from orthographic and vocabulary, several grammatical distinctions exist between British and American English. For example, collective nouns are considered singular in American English (e.g. The band is playing). Collective names, however, may either be single or plural in British English, but the plural form is frequently employed (e.g. The band are playing).

The English will also employ more formal speeches, such as 'shall,' whereas Americans choose 'will' or 'should' more informally.

Americans continue, however, to use 'gotten' as the past part of 'get,' a component the British have long ago abandoned to 'got.'

'Needn't,' frequently used in British English, is uncommon when used in American English at all. Instead, it's 'not needed.

Conclusion:

English is the second-most commonly spoken native tongue worldwide and an official language in 53 nations. It originally originated in Britain—or, more specifically, in the British Isles—but the bulk of its speakers reside in the United States. English is the primary language for worldwide communication and the most popular language among foreign-language learners. Like every language, English has numerous variations. The best-known variants are British and American English.

BS English Semester 5 

Subject: World Englishes Course Outlines Punjab University

• English As An International Language: An Overview  
• Language Variations and Discourse; Language Variety and Culture Language
• English in the World -Its Spread, Functions, and Status
• The Three Circles of English In World Englishes 
• Some Features of New Englishes
• British and American English in World Englishes 
• English in South East Asia in World Englishes 
• Pakistani English in World Englishes
• Indian English in World Englishes 
• The Future of English