The school curriculum includes the study of traditional British English. However, for travel and professional activities, this is not always enough, since there is also American English with its own characteristics. Our article will be devoted to them.
The history of the formation of American English
Indigenous peoples of North America - Indian peoples who were carriers of several varieties of autochthonous languages. In addition, several enclaves of Romance-speaking peoples (mainly Spaniards and French) have formed on the continent. From the 17th to the 18th centuries there was a massive campaign of British colonization and resettlement of migratory groups, which were joined by minor groups of Germanic peoples.
Of course, given that the bulk of the population was still British, English quickly became the main language on the continent. Nevertheless, the languages of other peoples had a great enough influence on him, thanks to which the AmericanEnglish has acquired some characteristics.
Influence of other languages on the American lexicon
The life of the colonists in the United States had a huge impact on American English. So, truly British words were rethought and received a fundamentally new meaning, and vice versa - English archaisms, which have long been out of use, are still actively used in the USA (for example, fall - autumn). It is worth noting that some Americanisms are also gradually entering into British usage.
Due to the multinationality of the state, American English has acquired certain lexical features:
- Spanisms are common in the southwestern United States. So, for example, such well-known words as rancho, tacos, guacamole and others came to the Americans precisely from the Spaniards and Hispanized Indians.
- Gallicisms (derived from French and other related languages) are basically clericalisms. Their distinguishing feature is the suffixes -ee and -er. Examples are words such as employee, employer.
- The presence of Germanisms is a consequence of the influence of the German language (albeit insignificant). These are basically converted words (dumb -dumn).
American and English pronunciation differences
It is worth noting that residents of the United States and Foggy Albion often cannot understand each other. This is due to the fact that different phonetic features characterize American and British English. Their differences are as follows:
- pronouncing the diphthong "ou", Americansmore rounded lips than the British, due to which the sound is drawn out;
- in the US the "e" is pronounced with the mouth wide open;
- in the American version of the pronunciation of the sound "ju:" its first part practically drops out, and therefore the speech becomes softer;
- in the USA, in most cases, instead of the sound "a", the wider "æ" is pronounced;
- Americans pronounce vowels like "on the nose";
- If in the British version the sound "r" is omitted in oral speech, then in the USA it is pronounced, due to which the language seems more rude.
American accent
British and American English differ significantly in accent. If an inhabitant of Foggy Albion hears a speech from a resident of the United States, then most likely he will not understand a word. And vice versa - measured British speech may seem completely incoherent to an American. It has to do with the nuances of pronunciation. So, the American accent is characterized by the following features:
- The intonation carries a serious semantic load. Sometimes the meaning of a sentence changes depending on which word is stressed. Sentences always highlight the most important words.
- The American language is characterized by the reduction of vowels in those places where intonation is reduced. If the word is at the end of the sentence, then it is pronounced in full, regardless of whether it is stressed or not.
- Special attention should be paid to the pronunciation of double vowels. Thereinif after a long sound there is a voiced consonant, it is distinguished intonation.
It is worth noting that the peculiarities of American pronunciation do not have to be learned by heart. Having been in the environment of native speakers, you will quickly begin to understand speech and learn to speak the same way as the inhabitants of the United States. If you are not planning a trip, then watch American films and shows in the original more often.
Myths about American English
For many people who have started learning English, it comes as a surprise that there is not only a classic British, but also an American version of the language. The second, by the way, is associated with many misconceptions and myths, namely:
- Many people think the American language is wrong. But if we talk about the British, then they may be more likely to resent the peculiarities of pronunciation in Scotland than in the USA.
- There is an opinion that the American language arose as a result of the distortion of the British. In fact, in the United States, exactly the classical language in which Shakespeare wrote is used (unless, of course, pronunciation is taken into account). But in England, many words and rules have become archaic and out of use.
- If you think American pronunciation is too complicated, you are wrong. A feature of the accent can be considered that the ligaments are much less tense than the British. This is due to the fact that until a certain point, white-skinned children were brought up by illiterate black women who had a special way of speaking (just, as if in a singsong voice). Here she was adoptedAmericans.
- Wrong to assume that the US has simplified grammar. In fact, it is the same as in the UK. But many people get acquainted with the American version through songs, series and television shows, where the rules are often neglected.
- It is a mistake to assume that there are any significant differences between American and British English. Of course, there are certain peculiarities in both spelling and pronunciation, but this does not mean at all that the inhabitants of London and, for example, New Yorkers will not be able to understand each other.
Which option to teach?
If you decide to come to grips with the English language, then the first thing to do is to decide which option you will study. American English is most often needed by those who decide to travel to the United States. It is also often taught for business purposes. The best way to learn American is with a native speaker. If you are new to this business, then start with the classic British version. Having mastered it, you will quickly understand the specifics and features of the language spoken in America.
American Pimsler English
In school and student years, everyone studied English or another foreign language. Many even try to do this on their own from books and audio recordings, but rarely enough it brings success. This does not mean at all that you do not have abilities, you just need to be able to find the right approach. So, it is best to learn American English using the Pimsleur method.
Thisthe patented technique is a kind of memory training. You are offered text and sound materials, which contain dialogues on the most necessary topics for everyday and business communication. You don't have to memorize boring rules. You just need to listen carefully and repeat. You will quickly master the speech structures, pronunciation, and intonation of the American language. In total, the project consists of 90 lessons with a total duration of 15 hours, but having already mastered the first 30, you will be able to freely communicate with Americans at an elementary level.
Conclusions
Classic British English is most often included in the school and university curriculum. Nevertheless, there is also its American version, which is no less widespread throughout the world. It differs both in terms of pronunciation and in some lexical and grammatical features.
Of course, if you do not plan to move to the US for permanent residence, it is better to start with the British option. If you want to master American English, then it is best to resort to the method of Dr. Pimsleur.
