Journal Entry

a) What are the most important differences between British English and American English?

Even if it is the same language, British and American English are not the same. We can count 4 main differences. First, each of the both forms have particularities according to grammar.

- For example, the verb "get" has not the same form when it is used as a past participle. American say "gotten" and British say "got".

- Another example is the use of preposition. Indeed American say "stay home" whereas British say "stay at home".

- A funny example is the answer to a phone call. British say "Hello, is that Yasmina?" whereas American say "Hello, is this Yasmina?"

Differences can also appear through vocabulary.

• apartment (US) / flat (British)
• cab (US) / taxi (British)
• elevator (US) / lift (British)
• gas (US) / petrol (British)
• rest room (US) / public toilet (British)

Spelling is also different in these both language. American write "center" whereas British write "centre". Another example with the way to write the end of word is that British write "dialogue" and American write "dialog".

The last main difference is easier to recognize with sound; however I will try to describ it.

• The pronunciation of vowels between British and American are different. American nasalize them, but British do not.
• The letter "r" is always pronunciated in American English, but only before vowel in British English.

b) What is standard English?

This is simple. Standard English means the form of language used for professionals or academic use.

c) What is a dialect?

The difference with a language and a dialect is that the second one is not officially recognize, and also the area where it is used is restricted.

d) What are the characteristics of formal English as opposed to informal or spoken English?

Formal English is clear, correct and universal. Contraction like "don't", slang or swears are not using in formal English. For an academic of professional purpose, we have to use formal English.

e) Do languages change over time?

Yes, obviously. New context of life brings new vocabulary. Young people add new vocabulary whereas old people try to hang on their own use of language. This vocabulary is , afterwards accepted. Others languages' influences bring also some changes which will also be accepted.