Why don't British people know that americans have different grammar and spelling rules than them?

Question

I noticed that a lot of British people will call americans dumb because of how americans write.

Don't people realize that americans have completely different grammar rules???

Americans are taught American english not English in schools. It has nothing to do with stupidity.

For some reason, some americans don't know this too, and will correct people who use English spellings and grammar.

Not using English spellings, does not make one stupid or uneducated.

Answer 1

I'm not going to argue with you at all since English is not my native language.
However, could you please check your writing since there are 6 mistakes?

Answer 2

I think people in the UK are using American English more and more anyway these days, due to Microsoft. Often, the only choice of 'English' we are given on the PC is 'American English' so we see it all the time and maybe it does irritate a little.

I think a bigger problem is that some things actually MEAN different things, and these idiosyncracies of language are more difficult to learn about and therefore seem to cause more offence.

Actually now I think about it, it isn't just spelling and grammar.....I live in the South of England but originate from the North of England (a mere 200 miles or so) and continually receive 'correction' on my pronunciation, as if noone has ever heard of dialect!

I suppose people will always define the 'right' way of spelling, grammar, speech etc. as the way they were taught.

Answer 3

Americans (with a capital A) and British are two peoples separated by a common language- Sam Clemens

I believe both Americans and Brits use the same grammar. The phonology and orthography are a bit different, that's all.

Enjoy the differences!

Answer 4

I think it more often goes the other way.

Most British are well aware that Americans have their own version of English.

However, many Americans seem not to realise that the English invented the language.

The British are happy that the language is so widely spoken, but may get annoyed at the way the Americans deal with it.

Answer 5

Its confusing for europeans who study english as a second language.
Languages have certain grammatical rules and structure. It's fine that americans spell many words their own way (in a simpler way)
But whenever you study english - it's english not american.

Answer 6

I find that annoying, too. What bothers me even more is that a lot of Britons that I've met insist on "correcting" American spelling despite the fact that they -know- that our spelling rules are different, apparently in the mistaken belief that they're the only ones who can spell the language correctly and that everyone else should follow their example. I've seen some Americans point out the so-called mistakes of British spelling as well, but only out of ignorance, not out of a ridiculous sense of linguistic or intellectual superiority.
Don't take this personally if you're from the UK and you've never done what I've just described. Most of the Brits that I've met are very sensible and polite – but some of you need to get over yourselves!

Answer 7

Though it has Germanic roots I like to say "The English invented the language Americans perfected it"

I say that of course in only the nicest possible way

Answer 8

i like the British (unique) spelling greater suitable... on the different hand, the yank spelling is greater handy. I might desire to apply it alot besides... attempt writing 'history-shade' in JavaScript and spot what occurs.... :D

Answer 9

bloody awful, innit? I mean, people should realise that americans and englishs are not the same at all. It like saying Irish and Americans are the same just because they both like patotoes or something like that.
pass the chips and fish will you?

Answer 10

That accusation goes both ways, I've seen Americans fault them for misspelling colour.

Answer 11

different from, NOT different than! And this rule applies both in British English AND American English. Sigh!