British and American English

Gema BañulsEstela Collado

• American English is the form of English used in the United States. It includes all English dialects used within this country.

• British English is the form of English used in the United Kingdom. It includes all English dialects used within this country.

• Words such as color, favor and honor are spelled with a -U- in British English: colour, favour, honour.

• American English words ending in -ER are switched to -RE in British English.

center > centre• American English words ending in -SE are switched

to -CE in British English. license > licence

American and British spelling differences

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSzcIM37Rr8&feature=related

Most words in American and British English are spelled the same. However, there are a few important differences, like:

- In the U.S., you fill up your car with gas → In the U.K. you fill it up with petrol. (gasolina)

- In San Francisco, one walks on the sidewalk → In London, one walks on the pavement. (acera)

- In New York, one uses a wrench → In Manchester, one uses a spanner. (llave)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwbpY4eNOgE

Different American and British words

More examples…

BRITISH AMERICAN

Lorry Truck

Lift Elevator

Fortnight Two weeks

Holiday Vacation

Postman Mailman

Autumn Fall

Take-away Take-out

Cupboard Closet

Football Soccer

Caravan Trailer

And now…

Corrections: activity 1

British English American English

Trousers Pants

Play Time / Break Time Recess

Car park Parking Lot

Petrol Gasoline

Film Movie

Sweets Candy

Scone Biscuits

Black or white?(coffee) With or without?

Sofa Davenport/Couch

Bill Check (restaurant)

1.Write the words in the box next to the words of the table. Remember that the words of the box are Americanisms.

Corrections: activity 2

a) A: We’d like to hire a car, please. B: Ok. Sign these papers and let’s go out to the car

park. British

b) A: I’ve changed the baby’s diaper. B: Good. Now put her in the stroller, please. American

2. Are the speakers in the following dialogues British or American?

c) A: My mom must be worried about me. B: Why don’t you ring her on your cell phone? Americand) A: Would you like a return ticket, sir? B: No, I’d like a single ticket, please. British

Nappy……........................One-way……………………....Mobile phone……………….Parking lot………………..….Round trip……………………. Mum…………………………….Pushchair…………………..…Rent ……………………………..

3. Replace the American words above with British words and vice versa. Use the words below.

Corrections: activity 3

DiaperSingleCell phoneCar parkReturnMomStrollerHire

END