375 million people speak English as their second language all over the world.

750 million people speak English as a foreign language.

80% of websites are in English

English is the official language in a lot of countries.

Australian English began to diverge from British English soon after the foundation of the Colony of New South Wales in 1788

A working knowledge of English has become a requirement in a number of fields, occupations and professions such as medicine and computing

more than a billion people speak English to at least a basic level  It is one of six official languages of the United Nations English today is probably the third largest language by number of

native speakers, after Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.  the perception of the usefulness of foreign languages among

Europeans is 67% in favour of English ahead of 17% for German and 16% for French (as of 2012)

A version of the language almost universally agreed upon by educated English-speakers around the world is called formal written English. 

Special English is a simplified version of English used by the Voice of America. It uses a vocabulary of only 1500 words.

The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd edition, includes over 600,000 definitions

The Differences Between American, British, and Australian English

By Amy Nutt

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.

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.

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.

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.” 

Cultural Differences/Stereotypes:

1)      Americans are outwardly very friendly, they will talk to strangers in a

store, laugh with someone at a bar, and help their neighbours in a pinch. That

said, many ex-pats have reported difficulty in making ‘really close friends’ like

they had back in the UK. The friendliness is only on the surface, so many report.

2)       Many Americans are very family-oriented (at least those with families).

Family life is an endless parade of school musicals, extracurricular sports,

birthday parties and the like. Many new ex-pats report exhaustion trying to keep

up with all the things to do with the kids when they come to the states.

3)      The majority of Americans have never been abroad.

4)      Americans will joke about English people’s teeth, for what it is worth

5)      Whereas in the United States, we are direct in how we agree or disagree,

while the English are more apt to use modifiers like “perhaps” or “possibly” and

tend to be a bit more reserved in expressing excitement or enthusiasm.

6)      Americans are much more open about money, the cost of goods and

services, and their financial status. In the UK, which values a more modest and

understated form of success, salary and monetary issues should not be discussed

7)      Prolonged eye contact is a sign of focus in America, but in England can

make people feel uncomfortable.

Have got or Have?

Do you have a car? (American)

Have you got a car? (British)

He hasn’t got any friends. (American)

He doesn’t have any friends. (British)

She has a beautiful new home. (American)

She’s got a beautiful new home. (British)

While both forms are correct (and accepted in both British and

American English), have got (have you got, he hasn’t got, etc.) is

generally the preferred form in British English while most speakers of

American English employ the have (do you have, he doesn’t have etc.)

The Verb Get

The past participle of the verb get is gotten in American English.

Example He’s gotten much better at playing tennis. British English –

He’s got much better at playing tennis.

Prepositions

There are also a few differences in preposition use including the

following:

American English – on the weekend

British English – at the weekend

American English – on a team

British English – in a team

American English – please write me soon

British English – please write to me soon