Abstract

STUDY OF AMERICAN AND BRITISH ENGLISH

WALKE ISHWAR BHAYYA

Volume: 4 Issue: 3 2014

Abstract:

American English, also known as United States English or U.S. English, is a set of dialects of the English language used mostly in the United States. Approximately two thirds of native speakers of English live in the United States. English is the most common language in the United States. Though the U.S. federal government has no official language, English is considered the de facto language of the United States due to its widespread use. English has been given official status by 30 of the 50 state governments. The use of English in the United States was inherited from British colonization. The first wave of English-speaking settlers arrived in North America in the 17th century. During that time, there were also speakers in North America of Spanish, French, Dutch, German, Norwegian, Swedish, Scots, Welsh, Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Finnish, Russian (Alaska) and numerous Native American languages.

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References

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• Kirby, Terry (2007-03-28), 'Are regional dialects dying out, and should wecare if they are?', The Independent, http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/this_britain/article2398845.ece
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• Pearson Longman, Longman Exams Dictionary, grammar guide: It is possible to use would in both clauses in US English but not in British English: US: The blockades wouldn't happen if the police would be firmer with the strikers. Br: The blockades wouldn't happen if the police were firmer with the strikers.
• Partridge, Eric (1947). 'Than, different'. Usage and Abusage. London: Hamish Hamilton. 'The impeccably correct construction is different...from although different to is permissible'
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