Which version of English should I learn: British or American? Which language to learn: British or American.

The difficulty of learning English is that you have to learn two versions: British and American. When using written English, it is important to stick to one spelling throughout the entire document. But also in oral speech You can get into trouble by not distinguishing between the meaning and pronunciation of words and phrases used in America and Great Britain. To avoid confusion American English with British, you need to know the main differences.

So let's start with spelling some English words. First of all, it should be noted that in British English most words retain the features of the languages ​​from which they came into English, while in American English their spelling is influenced by pronunciation.

So, for example, words ending with ‘-tre" in British English end with '-ter" in American English: theater, center - theater, center.

Words that end in '- our' in British English end in '- or' in American English: colour, labor - color, labor.

In British English, some words are longer than in American English, due to the fact that US residents adapt borrowed words: catalogue, program - catalog, program.

In the British version, verbs can end in ‘-ize’ or ‘-ise’; in America they only write ‘-ize’: apologize or apologise, organize or organize, recognize or recognize - apologize, organize, recognize.

Words that end in '-yse' in British have the ending '-yze' in American: analyze, paralyse - analyze, paralyze.

According to the rules of spelling in the British version, verbs ending in a vowel +l double the final consonant when adding the endings -ing or -ed; in the American version this rule is not present: travel - travelled - travelling - traveler; fuel - fuelled - fueling; travel - traveled - traveling - traveler - fuel - fueled - fueling

Some words from the field of medicine in British English are distinguished by the fact that they are written with 'ae" and 'oe", and in American English only with 'e': leukaemia, manoeuvre, oestrogen, paediatric - leukemia, maneuver, estrogen, pediatric.

One word - two pronunciations

There are words that are spelled the same in both British and American, but the British and Americans pronounce them differently. The transcription and pronunciation of such words must be memorized so as not to mix American and British English during communication. For example, the verb "Ask" is pronounced [æsk] in American and [ɑːsk] in British. Other most famous differences are presented in the table below.

Differences in grammar

It should be noted that Americans do not respect grammatical rules too much. Thus, when talking about an action that ended not long ago, they do not bother to use Present Perfect, replacing it with a time like Past Simple. The British use Perfect everywhere.

Did you do your homework yet? I already did it - that's what the Americans say.

Slight differences between British and American English are observed in the formation of the II and III forms of some irregular verbs.

BrE: learnt, dreamt, burnt, leant.

AmE: learned, dreamed, burned, leaned

Expression have got meaning to have is more often used by the British, while Americans simply use verb have. Also, residents of Foggy Albion more often use dividing questions in their speech, while Americans do this very rarely.

The options for using prepositions are also different: the British say in a team, Americans - on a team, at the weekend (BrE) - on the weekend (AmE), write TO smb (BrE) - write smb (AmE).

Vocabulary

Sometimes the same single word or construction in British English can be translated differently into American English. In the table below you can see the most striking examples.

Conclusion

We found out how British English differs from American English. Now the question arises: which option should be preferred? You need to know both options. Knowing American English will help you understand everyone, and knowing British English will help everyone understand you correctly.

Almost everyone who started studying foreign language, I was faced with the question - British English or American English, which language should I learn? Some believe that it is necessary to know the classic British version, while others argue that the American version is not only modern, but also easy to learn. Especially this question relevant for beginners. In this article we will try to understand which option is more preferable and is suitable for you in a particular situation. Since there are certain differences in pronunciation and grammar.

Before you make your choice and start learning, you need to find out what advantages both languages ​​have.

Before talking about the American language as an independent unit, we should remember how the division of languages ​​occurred. After the discovery of America by Columbus, Europeans began to explore this continent. Representatives different languages needed one thing that everyone could understand. The choice was made in favor of the language Foggy Albion. Neither the Queen nor members of the intelligentsia visited the open mainland. Merchants, the bourgeoisie, as well as all those who needed to hide from persecution sought to get here. Naturally, in such a diverse society there could be no talk of prim British vocabulary with its complex grammar. In addition, Spaniards and French began to move to America, bringing something of their own to the refined vocabulary of the British. Thus, one of the most changing and simplified languages ​​arose. Here is the answer to the question of what is the difference between these dialects.

Advantages of American English

Which one should you learn – British English or American English? Naturally, each of us is attracted by the lightness, modernity and accessibility of the American model. Just as Europeans many centuries ago, when moving to a new continent, sought to simplify their lives, so we are following their example. Bright idioms, slang - these are all the ways in which the American language differs from its progenitor - the prim English language. The genes of their ancestors are so strong among the inhabitants of America that they are still too lazy to understand the rules and nuances of speech. Abbreviated words and phrases, distortion of established expressions - everything that terrifies the natives of England.

So, the main advantages of the American model:

• simplified grammar. In the American version there are only three simple tenses - Past, Present, Future. For Americans it costs nothing instead Past Perfect use Past Simple. Moreover, the latter can be replaced by Present Perfect. In England such liberties are unacceptable. These are very significant differences between dialects.
• slang. Helps make speech more lively and convey your thoughts to your interlocutor faster.
• idioms. Despite the fact that there are plenty of these parts of speech in the British language, American ones are distinguished by their brevity and conciseness. For example, start comparing some expressions - hit the books – learn a lot (American version).
• trends of other languages. If you carefully monitor the speech of an American, you will notice that suffixes and words from Spanish and French are used quite often. For example, tutor - tutor or adios - goodbye. And you must agree that the resulting mixture of several languages ​​has its own charm, which we are happy to learn.

The advantages of classical English

First of all, British English is the foundation, the foundation. Knowing this option, you will have no problem in the future learning any interpretation of it, be it American or Singaporean.

Despite the fact that the American version is quite common in the world, classical English is more valuable in narrow circles. Believe me, on international conferences or business negotiations British English is not only more preferable, but also more appropriate, which cannot be said about American pronunciation.

If you can master the difficult grammar of classical English, the American version will seem like heaven to you in the future. After all, everyone knows that constructions in the British language are quite difficult to learn.

It would seem that the British are more restrained in their emotions than the Americans, however, the British language has much more intonation than it seems at first glance. Their speech is more variable in tone, ranging from outdated expressions to up-to-date vocabulary.

IN educational institutions Russia is studying the British version. Therefore, if you know at least some basics, it will be easier for you to learn English for beginners and advanced in the future.

Comparing the pronunciation of the English and American versions, you will notice that the latter is harsher. The British language is viscous, soft, melodious and sounds more pleasant. Even US residents recognize the superior tonality of this version. And the British celebrate their victory.

As for literature, if you know the British language, you can read American authors without any problems. The exception is modern works, for example, Chaka Palahniuk. In this case, readers need to know the slang. Therefore, you will have to start learning modern American expressions.

All dialects of English are very similar to each other. This applies to both vocabulary and grammar. That is why, when going on a trip to an English-speaking country, you don’t have to worry that local residents won't understand you.

Varieties of British English

To date, three variations have emerged within the British model:

• The first option is aristocratic. It is spoken by representatives of the royal family and Parliament. Its use is appropriate at meetings and important receptions. This variety is called conservative.
• The second option is the language of society. He answers everyone accepted standards and is called received pronunciation (RP). You can also find something else - the BBC language. It is intended primarily for the press.
• The third variety is advanced. This is an advanced version spoken by young people. Advanced is mobile and constantly in dynamics. You can find a lot of slang, newfangled words and colorful idioms in it. Something this variety similar to American model, because it has simplified grammar and American sound.

English with a native speaker via Skype

In the age of computer technology, learning English with a native speaker using Skype is becoming increasingly popular. This is a good option that will help you quickly master all the intricacies of the language and “speak.” A native speaker, be it a resident of England or America, will teach you the current language and indicate how to pronounce this or that construction. With its help you can master words and phrases from real life. This way, you can avoid memorizing outdated phrases that no one needs. Current vocabulary is the basis for learning not only English, but also any other language.

The British will help you master the grammar course without much difficulty. It will teach you how to construct sentences correctly, which will allow you to quickly understand the spoken dialect.

A tutor will help you get rid of your accent, teach you clear pronunciation, and tell you how to pronounce words correctly. With its help you can eradicate the admixture of Spanish or American language.

A native speaker will help you fully immerse yourself in the language environment and understand what English sounds like. Once you learn to understand the speech of a tutor, you will understand the speech of other native speakers without any obstacles.

American English lessons

The Voice of America radio program has developed a course with which you can gradually learn American English in a fairly short period of time. Its name is English USA - That's what they say in America. It is designed for two years of study and includes 104 lessons. There is no transcription here, but there is everyday vocabulary. The main goal of the training is practical mastery of the American version of English.

Each lesson offers dialogue. In it, students follow radio journalist Martin Lerner as he travels across America. He meets with many Americans who come from different backgrounds and different professions. The journalist conducts a dialogue using everyday expressions.

Also present in the lessons is presenter Anna Filippova, who invites her students to take part in the conversation and also helps them practice using idiomatic constructions. The main focus of the lessons is repetition of constructions from colloquial speech which will help you better master and understand the language.

Having looked at the merits of one and the other option, most likely, you have already decided which English you want to learn more. Here are some interesting facts:

• The similarity between American and classical English reaches up to 98%. In fact, very of great importance doesn't matter which option you choose. Knowing one of the varieties, you will be able to communicate without barriers, both with residents of England and with residents of America or Australia.
• Native speakers note that a mixture of American and British languages. It has already been given a name - “international English language" It is an emotionally neutral language that contains a minimum number of idioms and slang. However, it is mainly used by residents of non-English speaking countries.

Teachers and philologists say that it is better to start learning English from classical British, gradually adding idioms and slang to it.

As can be seen from the above, no matter what option you choose, in any case it will be useful to you in the future. But first of all, focus on the goals you are pursuing. If you want to go to rainy England, learn British, and if you want to go to America, learn American. It would be a good idea to listen to audio recordings in both languages. Decide which speech you like best. One of the keys to successful learning is a love of language. If you studied the classical dialect at school or university, it would be more advisable to continue studying it.

Well, I’ll express my opinion about English languages. At school, and even at the Institute, we were taught the so-called British version English - which I call for myself as the “Russian version of English”. I say this because my school teachers had never been abroad and had never even met a living Englishman - and their pronunciation was appropriate, that is, Russian. At the institute, the teachers already spoke a couple of levels higher - but still - the Russian accent was present, this was felt after we had 3 American teachers in the 4th year - and there was something to compare with. This was felt in all respects - both in the tempo of speech, and in other intonation, and in the very pronunciation (of sounds). Those Americans who taught us were very easy to understand, they said on Standard American, after all, they are teachers, and not heroin dealers from Harlem. It was later in life that I met, for example, guys from Texas who were difficult to understand - they spoke through their noses, swallowed sounds, cut off endings. But nevertheless, I understood them too. that is, there is Standard American, and there is Southern American/Midwestern and a bunch of others. Take, for example, how blacks talk - that’s also a different story (I won’t go into detail about blacks; I judge them only from films).

--- “Are the differences between these variants of English significant?-- Between them is the Atlantic Ocean,” this opinion was expressed above. I won’t argue, I’ll express my opinion. I believe that the differences between Standard American and Standard British are not great - for me they come down to a couple of obvious differences
Br dance-Am dance/ Br girl- Am girl well, plus all these combinations when there is the letter “r” - or/ur/ir/ar. Everything else is trifles. What other differences can you tell me? Do Americans speak through their noses? - well, it happens - but not all. Differences in grammar are minor. According to? May the British understand you perfectly - it doesn’t matter what you say - pavement or sidewalk.
As for films, standard American predominates in our country. most films American and English Hardly ever.
Question - “Will it be normal to study both options mixed?” - Yes, it’s normal - because until you start working with native speakers or live for a long time somewhere in the UK, the accent will be appropriate, namely Standard Russian British :) - and not some kind of British or American
But what, for example, when taking the FCE, is it so important which version you speak?
Now, a few words about Standard British - this is the language of TV, films, radio (like the BBC), all sorts of phonetic courses and textbooks. I can safely say - 50% of the English (if not more) do not speak it. I've been working with them now for a year. I already wrote about my sad experience in another topic.
What can I say if they sometimes don’t understand each other. Those. a person living in London may have some problems understanding a person from Liverpool - the pronunciation varies not only from area to area, but even from city to city. Not to mention all the Scots
a couple of examples of their pronunciation - love, done, come - how will they be read?---correctly--through the usual “o”
money, Monday, one, rough, russian - all through the sound "u". Similar differences - mooore
This created some difficulties in understanding - Come with us, we "ll have some fun - Com visa us, vil "av som fun - at first I was lost, but now it’s normal, I’m used to it :)
As for my own pronunciation, I admit that sometimes I mix American and British into one heap. Having worked with the Americans (just a couple of weeks) - now I can no longer pronounce I can"t in the British manner - probably a psychological barrier :) The Americans laughed and called me you, li"l cunt :)
“Switching from British to American” -hmm- I wouldn’t be able to do that - and why? I'm not translating for Mr. Bush. And everyone understands me without any problems. To the question “how do you like my pronunciation?” They told me “pretty much authentic” - and on this I decided that I would not adapt to their pronunciation.
So which option is better - everyone chooses for himself --- while studying at the institute I really wanted to speak with an American accent - well, I just liked it better and that’s all - but in general, there’s not much difference

Which version of English is better: British or American?

Of course, there is no clear answer to this question, but today we will look at 5 points that need to be taken into account when choosing one of them.

What is British or American English?

Speaking in the most in a general sense, English is the term used to refer to the form of English used in the United States, including all dialects used there. A English is the form of English used in the United Kingdom and all its varieties.

What are the differences between British and American English?

In general, both of these varieties of English are very similar. There are some subtle differences, but they usually do not interfere with communication or understanding. Some of these differences exist...

• in vocabulary: most words are the same, but there are some exceptions. For example, the English say biscuit and the Americans say cookie. However, people from both countries understand each other very well.
• in grammar: most of the verbs and structures are the same, but there are some differences in usage. For example, a British person might say: "Have you had dinner?", and an American would say: "Did you have dinner?"
• in slang: there are several differences here. For example: a British person might say: "Alright, mate?", and an American would say: "OK, buddy?" And, of course, there are a great many varieties of slang in both the US and the UK.
• in spelling: most words are spelled the same, but some words in the American version are simplified in terms of spelling. For example, the British write color And gynecology, while in the American version it is written color And gynecology.
• in pronunciation: the British prefer to pronounce the sound [ə] in words ending with -er (water, later, never). While Americans make a sound [r] more pronounced.

Which option is easier to learn?

It is impossible to say definitively which version of English is the simplest. Much depends on which version you prefer. Any British or American who speaks clearly enough will be equally easy to understand. For example, if you're listening to a BBC or CNN presenter, you probably won't notice much of a difference in accent. Of course, in both countries you may meet people who are difficult to understand.

Which version is recognized as official English?

There is no official version in English. There is Standard English (the type of English you find in newspapers, official letters And legal documents), but it is not an official English language. And linguists classify Standard English as a dialect, just like all other varieties, such as Canadian English, New Zealand English, South African English, Australian English, British English, American English, Scottish English, Irish English.... So no the English version is not superior to another - they are all used equally.

So which version of English should you choose?

In the end, it is up to you to decide which version of English you choose to study. Since the differences between varieties of English are minimal and there is no "official" version of English, it really doesn't matter. Of course, if you are planning to emigrate to the USA, it is better to pay more attention to the American version of English; and if you're planning to travel to Australia, you should probably focus on Australian English. However, if these things are not a problem, then the best thing would be to listen to different versions of English, including non-local ones, to get a feel for this international language.