Is American English better than British English?

Question

in terms of quality, and in terms of being easier to follow?

Answer 1

There's really no difference. I mean, yeah, the British spell color, labor, and some other words with a 'u' (colour, labour, etc.). But that's hardly a significant difference. Beyond that, the only difference is an accent, or a few accents. There is no one particular American accent, but at least 3 or 4 distinct variants, as well as at least two distinct British accents (plus a few others in the U.K.).

With all of that, I'm not sure that any one of them would be easier to follow. I'm sure it just depends on which one a person is more familiar with. And, of course, any of the variants of English would be more understandable with less slang. I'd say proper American English is every bit as understandable as proper British English.

Answer 2

British English. :)

Answer 3

There is no "better" about either type of English. It is only the words chosen and the way things are expressed (and some minor grammar changes). In Europe there is an overwhelming slant towards British English because that is what is largely taught in the schools, however, many companies are asking for American English to be taught because many companies either do business largely with America or they are owned by Americans.

Answer 4

Only to Americans!!!

The point IS, that if you grow up learning a language it can be somewhat confusing when you come across a 'slightly' different version of the same language!! Fortunately, apart from a few words which most people have already figured out, the two languages aren't very different. The spelling issue isn't a problem for most people either!

For ME, British English is the best!! But that's because I'm English, and it's what I grew up with!!

Answer 5

I am English & live in Germany. I have many foreign (not just German) friends who all say that they find English people far easier to understand than Americans. However, learning English or Recieved Pronunciation as it's called, can be more difficult for foreign people as the pronunciation is far stricter.

Answer 6

I think British is better tha american. I learned British english first an America was easier. But many frinds of mine tried first with the american and it was harder to learn for them. I guess that's because British pronunciation is clearer.

Answer 7

British eng is far better than american english.the british accent is so clear and they make use of almost all the letters in a word,whereas the americans prononce as if they have vocal probs.the briish will always remain 1st in terms of quality and just everything

Answer 8

American English dominates and is superior indeed. British English comes off as pompous, arrogant ,and, the English love to climb up on their soapbox and act like they are better than others; they mispronounce many words

Answer 9

I don't know what you mean by quality. They are both the same language with minor variation. The big problem with English is that it is a relatively young language and it lacks vocabulary or sensible rule for spelling and grammar

Answer 10

I prefer British English, I think it is "more correct" and a bit more comprehensible, but, unfortunately, I speak American English (I also like it, but prefer British)