Why is there a difference between British English and American English ? For me, I think both are the same...?

Answer 1

In basics, they're the same. Brits can make themselves understood here, and we can make ourselves understood over there. But there are a LOT of differences in language and culture!

The boot of a car is the trunk, and rubbers for Brits are oftentimes rain boots. A bobby is a police officer. Get what I'm trying to communicate? The words are the same, but the meanings attached to the slang usage aren't the same at all.

The reason for the differences is that America as a country has a different culture and some different values. Britain has royalty and parliament, we have a president and our legislature. We may have started as a colony, but America has our own identity and our own slang terms to prove it.

Answer 2

For starters, we have accents. To Americans, it is the British with the accents (and a lovely, beautful accent it is, too). To the British, we Americans are the ones with the accents. There are different phrases as well. Also, certain phrases to the British mean something altogether different to Americans, and visa versa. Then with the British, there are different dialects of the same language (i.e., Cockney). With American English, we have the New York Bronx dialect, the standard American spoken English, and the Southern dialect. Hey, if we all speak the same language, then what does it matter?

Answer 3

I think they are pretty much the same too, but they do have different words for some things. I think those who speak the British version tend to think that it is the more "proper version" and American English is a lot of slang. When I went on a class trip to England about 12 years ago, we went into this one little store and outside on the front door they had posted a sign that said, "Sorry, American isn't spoken here, but English is". LOL!!

Answer 4

The same? Hardly. They have different spellings, different pronunciations, and in some cases, different grammar. They are different because the two groups of people developed separately. Different parts of the UK have different English dialects, too. It's not just a difference between UK and US English. Different regions develop their own distinctive accents, as well as slang. Slang often becomes an accepted part of the language, as well. Influences from neighbouring countries also change the language, particularly because of borrowed words. They certainly aren't the same, but they are almost the same. They are still the same language, just with different regional variations.

Answer 5

The British and the Americans follow different patterns in spellings. I've noticed that americans have easier and more logical rules for spellings while the British have more formal and traditional rules for spelling.

It does matter. I once sent out a correspondence with the word "mould" to an american client. They took objection as they thought the spelling should've been mold. I was zapped, as i really didnt know the difference. Checked the dictionary, they were bang same, just their usages were different in Britian and America.

Answer 6

i imagine some human beings have lost the plot with this. the differences are minor. I say that in as a lot as i have had a great number of conversations with individuals and not at all once have they or I been perplexed. positive there are some variations in spellings and pronunciation. lots of the words we use have diverse meanings, yet so what? maximum of those are common expertise so it really is not any longer a difficulty. one element i am going to communicate about notwithstanding, Ther individual who said that The English have tonnes and u.s. has much has been deceptive with that. In England we use both tonnes and much as they're diverse measurements of weight a million Tonne = 1000kg that is metric a million Ton = 2240 lb that is imperial

Answer 7

They both speak english, but language is complex and there are differences besides spelling. As far as the syntax (the order of the words) the Brits are more proper and refined. Their tone is more suggestive, inviting. Yanks say "It's raining outside" The Brits say "Why, it is rather rainy outside, isn't it?" The Brits have more courteous semantics(proper usage), but Yanks are more direct. Answering the phone the Brits say "Hello, are you there?" Whereas Yanks say "hello." Brits go easy on the reflections, which makes them sound softer. Yanks sound like they are barking. "Would you like a spot of tea?" as opposed to "Want some tea?"

Yanks say "See ya" and Brits say "Cheers"

Answer 8

You don't know them very well then. There are many MANY differences in spelling and pronunciation between american and english.

Answer 9

If you are American I would have to assume you have never heard a Brit talk. If you are a Brit I would have to assume you have never heard an Americam talk. If you had you would not be asking this question.

Answer 10

and it's the accent,when i came to canada they made me take speech classes because they didn't like my "english" for example i pronounced 33 firty free,face cloth-flannel etc..,now when i look back kind of ironic when your english isn't english enough,i love the accent!