The Differences Between American, British, And Australian English
Australia, Great Britain, and America all speak the same language, but you simply have to visit each country to realize that, while they all Speak English, it is far from a universal language. The English spoken in Great Britain, America, and Australia has many similarities, but a surprising number of differences as well. The main reason for this is the vast distance between each country. Here are some of the common differences you will find between these three versions of English.
Pronunciation Differences
Pronunciation between the three types of English is very dissimilar. In American English the “r” at the end of the word almost always affects its pronunciation, whereas in Australian and British English the “r” is often silent. Also, the emphasis placed on the syllables of the word varies from British, Australian, and American English. In Britain, the world adult has the emphasis on the first syllable, whereas in America it is placed on the second half of the word. Australian English is unique in the fact that many words have sounds that are eliminated. Instead of saying good day, the Australian speaker says g’day. The main pronunciation difference between the three, however, is the pronunciation of the vowel sounds.
Differences in Spelling
Not only do the three types of English sound different, but they are also spelled differently. In some ways, the spelling reflects the difference in pronunciation. For instance, Americans use the world airplane to refer to a flying mode of transportation. In Great Britain, the word is aeroplane, and it is pronounced with an audible “o” sound. Another common difference in spelling is aluminium, which is the UK spelling, and aluminum, the US spelling. Again, the difference shows the difference in pronunciation of the two words. In this instance the Australian spelling is the same as the UK spelling.
Another common spelling difference between UK English and American English is the use of -our verses -or at the end of the word. For instance, in the UK, colour, flavour, honour, and similar words all end in -our, whereas in America they are spelled with the -or ending (color, flavor, honor). In Australia, the -our spelling is almost universal.
Similarly, the endings -re and -re are different between the different English dialects. In America you will go to the theater or fitness center, whereas in Britain you will visit the theatre or fitness centre. Again, Australian English follows the British pattern.
There are other common spelling differences as well. For instance, in American English, words that sound as though they end with an -ize will always end in an -ize. However, in UK English, they typically end in ise (i.e. realize, realise). Also, British English often doubles consonants when adding a suffix when American English does not, such as in the world traveller.
Interestingly, the three languages also have distinct vocabularies. For instance, the “hood” of a car is called the “bonnet” in Australia and Britain. Australia has several terms that are not used in either of the other countries, such as “bloke” (man) and “arvo” (afternoon). Also, Australians use some phrases that are combinations of British and American terms, such as “rubbish truck.” Rubbish is commonly used in the UK, and truck is commonly used in America.
Grammar Distinctions
Besides spelling and pronunciation differences, British, American, and Australian English all have some subtle grammar differences as well. For instance, in Great Britain, it is perfectly acceptable to use a collective noun (such as army) as a plural word (“the army are coming”), whereas in America collective nouns are almost always singular (“the army is coming”). British English also uses the irregular form of the past participle of several verbs (learnt rather than learned). Also, British English tends to drop the definite article in some situations. For instance, British English speakers may refer to being “in hospital” instead of “in the hospital.” Australian grammar tends to follow British rules.
About the Author
Learning English online
has never been so comfortable and easy.
English Dictionary Software
can help improve your online English learning.
in on at
|
|
Songs in French for Children $2.74 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
|
|
Baby Einstein – My First Signs $19.99 A playful introduction to words and sign language — my street to main street!– Exposes babies to words and sign language– Presents a fun way for parents and little ones to “go exploring”As babies grow, their eye-hand coordination begins to improve as their ability to interact with their surroundings blossoms. It is the perfect time for My First Signs, A playful introduction to 20 common words a… |
|
|
Songs in Spanish for Children $3.41 Martita/De Jerez/Rojas, Songs in Spanish for Children… |
|
|
Talking Hands: A Sign Language Video For Children [VHS] $10.49 Kids gobble cookies, blow bubbles, open and close a box of dress-up items, even sit on the potty to illustrate some of the 31 hand gestures taught throughout this excellent sign language video. Much like a mini video “dictionary,” teaching focuses on word recognition alone–not the alphabet nor on full sentence structure–and covers a smart variety of simple verbs and nouns (based on American Sign… |
|
|
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan $2.99 … |
|
|
Schoolhouse Rock! (Special 30th Anniversary Edition) $10.01 It’s a good bet that any American kid growing up in the ’70s or ’80s learned some elementary lesson from the seminal musical series Schoolhouse Rock!. Airing from 1973 to 1984 (and often revived), the ABC Saturday morning shorts effortlessly introduced kids to grammar, science, multiplication, money, and American history–three minutes at a time. In one smart, comprehensive 2-disc set, all 46 song… |
|
|
Belly Dance For Beginners $6.99 Belly dance is fun, exciting, sensual and suitable for all body types and fitness levels. With this centuries old art form you’ ll improve muscle tone, increase flexibility and range of motion while achieving better posture and a new sense of confidence and self-expression. Taught by world-renowned Egyptian belly dancer, Leila of Egypt, Belly Dance for Beginnersis divided into three sections:… |
|
|
Rosetta Stone Spanish (Latin America) Level 1-5 Set $499.00 Develop your command of the language. From the simple to the complex, gain the confidence to share your ideas and opinions in your new language. Develop the conversational skills to plan adventures, care for your health and move abroad. Talk about government, work, movies, family, and more. Includes everything you need to learn at home and on the go. What Will I Learn This level will help y… |
|
|
Rosetta Stone Spanish (Latin America) Level 1 $179.00 Build a foundation of fundamental vocabulary and essential language structure. Begin to learn and speak with confidence. Master basic conversational skills, including greetings and introductions, simple questions and answers, shopping and much more. What Will I Learn This level will help you: Build vocabulary and language basics Spell and write accurately Speak without a script Retain wha… |
|
|
Franklin Speaking Merriam Webster Spanish English Dictionary (BES-2100) $46.78 FRANKLIN BES-2100 Desktop Speaking Merriam-Webster Spanish/English Dictionary… |
