British and American English
Let’s guess.
There are _____ differences between American and British varieties of English.
no B. a few C. lots of
Americans ____ understand what the British are saying.
sometimes B. usually C. never
American spelling is _____ British spelling.
A. the same as B. simpler than C. harder than
Let’s check.
There are _____ differences between American and British varieties of English.
no B. a few C. lots of
Americans ____ understand what the British are saying.
sometimes B. usually C. never
American spelling is _____ British spelling.
A. the same as B. simpler than C. harder than
British English and American English are different.
Vocabulary
Grammar
Spelling
Pronunciation
Words that not used on the other side of the Atlantic
motorway
car
petrol
freeway
automobile
gas
{7DF18680-E054-41AD-8BC1-D1AEF772440D}British English
American English
Chinese
underground
subway
地铁
taxi
cab
出租车
torch
flashlight
手电筒
queue up
stand in line
排队
Words used with a different meaning
British: chips
American: French fries
British: crisps
American: chips
grammar
—Have you got a ticket for the football match that will be held at the weekend?
—Yes, I have got one from one of my friends.
— Do you have a ticket for the soccer game that will be held on the weekend?
—Yes, I got one from one of my friends.
spelling
Color
Colour
Program
Programme
Center
centre
neighbor
neighbour
favorite
favourite
pronunciation
British English
or
American English?
pronunciation
British English
or
American English?
英语和美语的发音最具代表性的区别是对er的发音的不同。英语中,长音的er听起来是一个很夸张的介于“俄”和“啊”的声音。而美语中,er听起来是“儿”音
Pronunciation
澳洲口音:英国口音大部分很像,不过澳洲人发[ei]音为[ai]。即使他们最常用的词儿mate,都说成[mait](像might)。?
埃及口音:埃及口音的英语听起来和埃及口音的阿拉伯语很像。另外,用弹音发r也被使用。?
印度口音:和英国口音比较相似,不过现在的印度人开始倾慕美国口音了。?
香港口音:香港口音听起来和粤语差不多,发音非常的重,同时带了英国口音的味道。很多人发不出th音,说不出three就说free.?
Work with your partner. Suppose one is an American and the other is a British. You are talking about your birthday party that is to be held this weekend.
(time, means of transport, gift…)
Tell us something about the party that you went to on the weekend.
(time, means of transport…)
Many factors have influenced American pronunciation.
After all there is probably as much variation of pronunciation within the two countries as between them.
Which one is better?
British English?
American English?
What will happen to British English?
Disappear?
Co-exist ?
What will happen to English in the future?
The same?
Many varieties?
What can we do?
Don’t worry.
Get involved in English learning.
Learn our own language well.
Summary
British English and American English are different.
They are influencing each other.
There will be varieties of English in the future.
Don’t worry.
User of English will be able to understand each other.
Assignment
Try to find out the difference in pronunciation between British English and American English by visiting websites or watching English movies.
Try to find some examples of Chinese English.
Thanks!