When learning a language, there is rarely just one dialect that the learner can choose. The decision they make is very important, since it influences their vocabulary, spelling, accent, grammar, and even more. After all, the difference between Costa Rican Spanish, Chilean Spanish, and Spanish from Spain is huge— sometimes native Spanish speakers have difficulty understanding each other across international borders! As we will soon see, American English and British English are no different.
In English, there is an equally broad range of varieties that the ESL student can choose from. While American English and British English tend to be the most popular, there are many more: Scottish English, Irish English, Australian English, and New Zealand English, just to name a few. And even within the two most popular dialects, there is a wide variety of accents; a New Yorker speaks very differently from a Texan, just as a Londoner would speak differently from a Yorkshireman.
Let’s focus on the main two – the so-called “standard” or “neutral” American English and RP (Received Pronunciation) British English. In Latin America, most ESL learners choose the former, while European learners tend to choose the latter. It is recommended that learners choose one or the other, since mixing them tends to cause confusion among listeners. The only exception may be if you are a film actor from the 1930s, when this habit was common.
Vocabulary Differences in American English and British English
The first thing an ESL learner will find is that for certain terms, different words are used between American English and British English. In Memphis you wear your “sneakers” to the gym, while in Manchester you would use your “trainers.” Someone in Los Angeles might put on a “sweater” on a chilly day, while in Leeds you would throw on a “jumper”. An American would drive their “truck” to Tampa, while a Brit would drive their “lorry” to Liverpool.
This extends to idioms and slang too! A young person in the US might greet their friends with “What’s up”, while some young Brits might say hello by saying “Wagwan” – a loan word from Jamaican Patois. A British person might finish a sentence with “and Bob’s your uncle!” This causes confusion among Americans who don’t know that this phrase means “and there you go!” Paying close attention to these differences in vocabulary is invaluable for the ESL learner who wants to sound like a native speaker.
Spelling Differences in American English and British English
When it comes to reading and writing, there are a few differences between American English and British English. Notably, British spelling uses ou in words like honour and colour, while an American would consider the u to be unnecessary. A Brit would also write centre and theatre, while an American would transpose the r and e to get center and theater. British -ise and -ce become American -ize and -se, and so on.
Pronunciation Differences
ESL learners are the most aware of differences in pronunciation between the two dialects, although they cannot always identify them. The main differences are in the pronunciation of r after a vowel (Americans pronounce it, Brits don’t), the pronunciation of t between a stressed vowel and a weak vowel (Americans pronounce it like a fast /d/, while Brits pronounce it as /t/), and intonation (Americans tend to use “upspeak” while the British are more fond of a high falling intonation).
Humo(u)r Differences
Even humor (or “humour”, as they say in the UK) differs between these two varieties. Americans, being generally more sincere by nature, prefer physical comedy and absurd jokes, and tend to leave the punchline very clear for the listener. Britons, however, are masters of sarcasm and nuance, with witty double entendres and self-deprecation being mainstays of British comedy. Americans sometimes consider British humor to be pretentious and difficult to understand, while Brits consider American humor to be overly simplistic and childish. Whichever ESL learners prefer, interacting with jokes and humor in both dialects is important for them to get a deeper understanding of the English language.
Why is it important for an ESL learner to be aware of these differences? We are lucky enough to live in a time where there is a staggering amount of English learning resources available online, and many enterprising ESL learners search for these resources as a way of supplementing their regular classes. However, some of these materials are made by American teachers, while others are made by British teachers. By being aware of the differences between American English and British English, a student will be able to interact with the materials without getting confused if the voice on the recording pronounces words differently than they are used to.
Exposure to hearing different accents of English is also highly beneficial to ESL learners. Here at Craving, we have a team of excellent teachers who hail from numerous English-speaking countries, such as the US, the UK, Canada, South Africa, Belize, and more. Students at Craving are exposed to a wide range of accents and cultural perspectives, both with their regular teacher and with other teachers that they interact with. Why not sign up for a free trial class to get started?
Understanding the nuances between American and British English is essential for ESL learners. By being aware of the differences in vocabulary, spelling, pronunciation, and cultural intricacies, learners can effectively communicate and comprehend English in various contexts. Whether you choose to focus on American or British English, remember that both dialects are rich and diverse. Embrace the differences, learn to adapt, and most importantly, have fun with the language!