English is spoken as a first language in many countries of the world. There are often differences in pronunciation, grammar, spelling and vocabulary. Today we shall explain a few examples of how words change between north-American English (USA) and the English spoken in the United Kingdom (UK). However, we must remember that thanks to global mobility, Hollywood and the Beatles, these differences are not set in stone and it is common to hear American words spoken in England, and visa versa.UK – angry; USA – mad
UK – mad; USA – crazy
UK – biscuit; USA – cookie
UK – trousers; USA – pants
UK – holiday; USA – vacation
UK – tap; USA – faucet
UK – chemist’s; USA – drugstore
UK – rubbish; USA – garbage
UK – lift; USA - elevator
Just a few weeks ago, I gave my students (4t ESO) a list of American vocabulary, and also some structures. I've got some sentences in both British and American, anc then we can listen to trem on a tape. I'm going to send you this list. There are many more words, obviously, but I think I included the most important ones.
ResponEliminaThanks. We look forward to seeing it.
ResponEliminaAnd don't forget:
ResponEliminaUK - napkin; USA - diaper
UK - bonnet (of a car); USA - hood
UK - boot (of a car): USA - trunk
UK - pram (short for perambulator; USA - baby carriage
UK - lorrie; USA - truck
Thanks, that's great! We'll be doing more posts at a later date, and I'll bear these in mind - knew most, but didn't know the baby carriage one.
ResponEliminaBy the way, just between "virtual friends", I can now correct you on something at last - it'll be LORRY you're thinking of, lorrie being an s-less version of the plural (lorries).
Don't worry, I'll do no more nit-picking - especially as I am likely to be on the losing side!
ResponEliminaWhile we're here, is it true that Americans say "rubber" for "condom" ? If so, I recommend you search for British comedian Jasper Carrot's sketch on buying a rubber/eraser in the USA ...!