When we are faced with the task of learning languages, we often come across various dialects. For example, in Spanish there is Catalan, and in French, Provencal. This happened with English. Of course, it cannot be argued that American is a dialect of the British version, but still one is considered the ancestor of the second.
History of the American language
English entered the American continent across the ocean. In the 17th century, British peasants began to move to the New Earth in colonies. At that time there were many nationalities, respectively, their language was also different. There are Spaniards, and Swedes, and Germans, and French, and even Russians. The first settlement was the city of Jamestown in 1607. A dozen years later, Puritans settled in their neighborhood, who had excellent linguistic traditions.
Bearers of different dialects began to spread throughout the continent, while many survived to this day. In the 18th century, settlers from Ireland began to influence the colonists. They began to contribute to the formation of the American language. To the southwest are all native Spanish speakers. Germans settled in Pennsylvania.
The continent needed to be rebuilt, and the situation seemed quite complicated. A huge amount of work had to be done: to build houses, raise production, cultivate land, and, in the end, adapt to the new social and economic situation.
In order for everything to be conceived, communication and interaction were necessary, therefore, one common language was needed. English became the binder in this matter. But it is worth noting that even in England itself, this language was heterogeneous. Here differences arose between the dialect of the bourgeoisie, peasants, aristocrats, etc.
It is worth recalling that immigration lasted until the 20th century. Of course, it is still being observed, but then it was a large-scale event. By the way, despite the fact that residents tried to adapt to the same dialect, they kept their names. At birth, the child could bear the German name Rudolph, the Spanish Rodolf, the Italian Paolo, etc.
It seemed that a common basis for communication was ready, but nevertheless the new settlers were surrounded by a completely different world. They needed to get used to other concepts, customs and priorities. People appreciated completely different qualities, so the language began to change rapidly. Unknown plants were called Indian words, animals received Swedish or Dutch roots, food often carried a French character.
Some English words have become more accurate. Culture also made a big impact. Books that Americans read were brought from England. In addition, pro-English groups were created that tried their best to promote that native and real British language. Of course, now any American understands English and vice versa, nevertheless, there are differences, and they are significant.
Differences with british
If you compare American, English , in them you can find more similarities than differences. They are not fundamentally different from each other, like the languages of Germanic groups. Of course, we can distinguish between Spanish and French, German and English.
If we have not studied in depth American, English, at first hearing we cannot distinguish between them. If you have studied English since your childhood, but decided to go to America, it would be better, of course, to get acquainted with some features, so as not to get into a mess.
As the story tells, the peasants brought to America not plain English, but already simplified. Given that a simple language was needed to rebuild the state, this option has become even more straightforward. That is, the main difference is simplicity. Further we will examine in more depth the difference between speech in the United States and Britain.
Spelling Features
Language researchers began to notice that from a spelling point of view, the American language really became easier. At one time, the linguist Noah Webster compiled a dictionary in which he fixed the use of words with –or instead of –our. So words like honor began to appear.
The next change was the replacement of –re with –er. That is, the meter was already becoming meter, the same thing happened with theater and center. There have been many such changes. The words have undergone spelling changes, and therefore those who only study languages may think that a typo is allowed in these variants.
The next interesting fact was the phenomenon of a synecdoch. The Americans began to call something integer after one of the constituents. For example, they call any bug "bug", any kind of spruce they call "pine."
Lexical Features
As it became clear, the lexical difference arose due to the fact that many elements of the new life did not have a name in the English language, and they had to give a name. The second factor was the natural influence of other dialects, which, with their masters, arrived on the mainland. Especially here the influence of the Spaniards was felt.
Nowadays, there are a lot of American words that are often used by residents, and yet never occur in the English version. Translation from American does not always correspond to British. The most obvious example is the difference between first floor and ground floor. But, for example, for the British, the first floor is the second floor, while in America the second floor is the second floor. Unaware of such a nuance, one who has studied the British version since childhood can fall into disarray when he arrives in America.
There are a lot of such examples. It is much easier for native speakers of the Russian language to learn the American language, since, as already mentioned, it is simpler and simpler. In addition, the translation from American is more logically perceived.
Well, of course, slang influenced the American version of the English language. Many words were adopted by dictionaries and have already taken their “shelf” in the speech component. It is worth saying that in the 20th century there was a merger of English literature and American slang, which once again proved the powerful influence of Americans on the formation of the language.
Grammar Features
Another proof that studying American is very simple is the grammatical difference from the British. The British love to complicate things, because it is not in vain that they have such a huge number of times. But in America they like to talk, using only the Simple group. Meeting Perfect here is very difficult. Apparently, as for the Russians, the Americans do not understand the advisability of using this group of times.
Despite this oversight, it is worth noting that in many ways Americans can be more meticulous than the British. For example, this applies to verbal nouns, the use of shall / will. Adverbs with the ending –ly (slowly) - Americans do not use them at all, replacing them with slow. By the way. Americans even managed to avoid irregular verbs, many of them are absolutely correct and do not require additional forms.
Phonetic features
The pronunciation here, of course, is different. Returning to history, it should be mentioned that peasants and common people moved here. They already had a warped pronunciation, and over time it completely became different from the British.
Firstly, different emphasis in words. Secondly, the pronunciation of some words is completely different. Thirdly, even sounds are pronounced differently, here we can give an example with the sound [r] swallowing by the British, the Americans do not.
Another difference is intonation. For the British, this is the main tool in building sentences. But in America, there are only two options: flat and downward. It is worth noting that, as in the case of vocabulary, Spanish language has a great influence on phonetics.
Lessons from Pimsler
Pimsler's English is targeted at people with different abilities. Someone can learn languages freely, but for others it is difficult. Conversation lessons with Pimsler take no more than half an hour. The linguist believes that such a time, no more, our brain can function in full and with increased efficiency.
Pimsler's English is divided into three levels, which are like steps of difficulty. The first for beginners, the second and third are designed for those who are already familiar with the base.
What to learn?
If you have just begun to learn languages, the question arose as to which language to study: British or American, first determine the purpose. If you are going to travel to the USA, accordingly, American should be a priority for you. If in London, then take on English.
If you have not set yourself the goal of visiting countries, but just want to learn the language from scratch, then you should not go into such details. The main thing is to learn the basics. Also, it does not hurt you to replenish your vocabulary to express thoughts.
In principle, there is no difference which one to study: British and American. As practice shows, still learning more complex English is much more useful. After all, you will certainly be understood in America, but once in Britain, problems with the American may arise. English is wider and more developed. Having studied it, you will be able to read classics with much greater pleasure (Jack London, Shakespeare, etc.) In any case, Russian-speakers are doomed to be “strangers,” even with perfect knowledge of English and American. Of course, only if they have not lived for more than 10 years in the United States or England.