In Australia we spell 'colour' and a few other things differently to Americans....?

Question

We use 'The Queens' English, so why do I see Americans correcting this spelling( I just saw it), when in our "English Dictionary" it is correct?
I can tell when it is an American asking a question by the spelling, I don't need to correct them

Yes, I was born in Ireland. I grew up and received my education in Australia.

I am a qualified Primary School Teacher, although I don't teach!
Sorry, if I have hurt anyones feelings.

Answer 1

I think Brits and Australians are generally more aware of American standards and procedures than vice versa. As much as I love it there, the US is quite an insular society. They're not very aware of the world outside their borders. I'm from Scotland and was once asked if we had TV here yet.

Answer 2

I do not know why you see Americans correct spelling that is wrong but equally wrong when someone that spells it differently then we do be the one correcting. It isn't just Americans doing this but it happens on both sides.
Really has nothing to do with which country they come from but with the person's doing this rude action. Perhaps through places like Yahoo Answers we are able to address concerns like this so misunderstandings like this can be removed which will lead to a more peaceful planet.
If addressed in the proper manner it can be educational for all countries involved.

Answer 3

I think it is due to a lack of education. Many Americans are not aware of the "Queens English" spelling of many words. I can tell if someone is not from the US by their spelling. I do not feel the need to correct them either.

Answer 4

one of the main problems with British English and American English is the spelling of many common words. American English tends favour phonetic spelling over traditional spelling of these words, like colour, favourite, etc. Unfortunately, many Americans don't realise that there two ways to spell many words and they honestly believe that their way is the correct way, whereas British English speakers do know both ways to spell those same words.
Both spellings are correct, it is just one way of spelling is prefered over the other in different English speaking cultures.

Answer 5

The English and American dictionaries and standard spellings were compiled at around the same time, so neither is wrong or right. Webster decided it was more logical to remove the French influence from spelling colour/color theatre/theater etc. It makes no odds, we both understand each other. What does irk though it the made up words the US is ntoducing, i.e. normalcy, incentivize.

Answer 6

They're just ignorant...I'm an American and I know perfectly well that you, the British, and the Canadians (for instance) spell many words differently than we do! That's lame if people are correcting you for it.

Answer 7

I was always taught that it was very rude to correct another persons grammar or usage unless you are a schoolteacher and only during class.Unfortunately, a lot of us (Americans) think we know everything and that it is our right to straighten out everyone else on any topic. Most of us only want to be helpful, even when we're wrong.

Answer 8

well most of us don't speak more than one language and most of us only know one way of spelling so i guess to us it is considered wrong therefore we correct it...well i don't but you get my point however i think you asked this question already knowing the answer and if it offends you that we do this it should because half of us cant spell our own English the right way!

Answer 9

There's no correct way. We went that way many years ago. I think it was a standardization of the language because we have so many different peoples in our country.

Don't belabor this matter and get defensive about it. Your honor is not at stake.

Answer 10

Perhaps you had a young American who was a bit high on his horse and he wasn't aware there was a difference between BrE and AmE due to his inexperience.