Introduction

Dear student,

Welcome to Variations of English 101, a reader in which you will find the main differences between two variations of English: British English and American English.

Although both are called variations of English and are generally mutually intelligible, differences between the two can still cause confusion or even embarrassment – especially when mixing them up in your own language use. To quote Oscar Wilde, the United Kingdom has “everything in common with America nowadays, except, of course, the language” (The Canterville Ghost, 1888).

While doing the exercises in the corresponding reader, you will learn differences in vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation between the two variations, and you will learn how to use the English language in a consistent manner. This reader concludes with a final assignment in which you have to put your new knowledge to the test.

This Wikiwijs page functions as your dictionairy and guidebook, both during the exercises in the corresponding reader, and during the school years thereafter.

In conclusion, these are the learning goals related to the variations of English:

1. You are aware of the differences between British English and American English;
2. You can differentiate between British English and American English;
3. You can consistently use British English (i.e. without mixing up British English and American English).

Good Luck!

The English Department