THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BRITISH ENGLISH AND AMERICAN ENGLISH (COVER)

Written By : Rizky Lizardo

English is a global language spoken in various countries, but not all English speakers use the same version of the language. Two of the most prominent varieties are British English and American English. While they share the same roots, there are differences between them.

Origins of British English

British English originates from the language spoken by the Germanic tribes (Angles, Saxons, and Jutes) who invaded Britain around the 5th century. This early form of English, known as Old English, evolved over centuries with influences from:

1. Latin: Due to the Roman occupation.

2. Norse: From Viking invasions.

3. Norman French: After the Norman Conquest of 1066, which added many French words and altered the grammar.

   
   

By the 15th century, the English language had developed into Middle English and later into Early Modern English during the Renaissance, when British colonial expansion began spreading the language worldwide.

Origins of American English

American English traces back to British settlers in North America during the 17th century. The earliest settlers brought Elizabethan English (Early Modern English), which formed the foundation of American English. Over time, American English developed distinct characteristics due to:

1. Geographic separation: Isolation from Britain allowed for unique linguistic changes.

2. Contact with other languages: Native American, Spanish, Dutch, French, and African languages influenced vocabulary and pronunciation.

   
   

Simplification trends: Efforts by figures like Noah Webster (creator of the first American dictionary) standardized spelling to reflect American identity and simplify British conventions.

Grammar

The next differences between British English and American English are the differences of grammar. While the grammar rules in both varieties are mostly the same, some subtle differences exist. One of the main differences is the use of Simple Past and Present Perfect:

1. British English:

British English often uses the present perfect tense for past actions that have a present connection.

Example: I’ve just eaten lunch.

2. American English

American English often uses the Simple Past for past actions that have a present connection.

Example: I just ate lunch.

Vocabulary Differences

One of the most noticeable differences between British and American English lies in their choice of words. Here are some examples:

British English	American English
Flat	Apartment
Lorry	Truck
Lift	Elevator
Holiday	Vacation
Petrol	Gasoline

 

Some words may even have completely different meanings. For instance:

1. In British English Pants refers to underwear.

2. In American English Pants means trousers.

Spelling Variations

British and American English also differ in spelling, often reflecting historical and cultural preferences. Some words in American English Simplified Spelling by dropping certain letters. Here are some common spelling variations:

British English	American English
Colour	Color
Programme	Program

Other differences often involve the use of:

1. British English

a. -our

b. -re

c. -se

2. American English

a. -or

b. -er

c. -ize

Words ending in -our vs. -or:

            - American English: Honor, favor.

            - British English: Honour, favour.

 Words ending in -re vs. -er:

            - American English: Theater, center.

            - British English: Theatre, centre.

Words ending in -se vs. -ize:

            - American English: Organise, realise

            - British English: Organize, Realize

Difference in Legal Settings

The differences between British English and American English can have implications in legal settings, particularly in the interpretation of contracts, legal documents, and courtroom language. These differences are not governed by separate legal systems but rather arise from linguistic variation and regional legal practices. Here are some examples: 

1. Legal Terminology

Certain legal terms differ between British and American English, which can cause confusion if not properly clarified. Such as in British English “Barrister” is a lawyer who represents clients in higher courts and “Solicitor” as legal advisor who handles general legal matters but may not represent clients in court. While in American English “Attorney” or trial lawyer is used broadly for all legal professionals.

 

2. Contract Interpretation

In contractual language, some words have different legal meanings in the two varieties such as "Shall" in British legal English is often considered mandatory, while in American legal English, it is sometimes interpreted as permissive or ambiguous.

 

3. International Legal Contexts

In international law and arbitration, specifying which variety of English will be used is crucial to ensure consistency and clarity. Some organizations, such as the United Nations, use British English as the standard, while others may use American English. 

Conclusion

Although American English has evolved over time and has Differences in the use of Grammar, Vocabulary, and Spelling, with British English Both of them still have the same meaning and stay connected with one another.

While the differences between British and American English in legal settings are not governed by separate legal systems, they can significantly affect interpretation, drafting, and communication. It is common for legal documents to specify which form of English applies to prevent ambiguity.

Both Variations are easy to understand for people who want to learn English in general and there are many ways to learn about English such as watching shows and reading books, also try to role play with friends to further understand the use of British English and American English in General.

 

 

Sources

• McCrum, Robert, et al. The Story of English. 

• Webster, Noah. An American Dictionary of the English Language.

• Trudgill, Peter & Hannah, Jean. International English: A Guide to Varieties of English. Routledge. 

• Oxford Learner's Dictionaries: [oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com](https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com)