Orthographic Differences II American English Vs British English

Summary

This educational video script discusses the orthographic differences between British and American English, focusing on variations in word spellings. Key distinctions include the omission of 'u' in words like 'behavior' and 'color' in American English, the replacement of 's' with 'z' in words such as 'analyze' and 'realize', and the transformation of 're' to 'er' in words like 'theater'. Additional differences highlight the use of a single 'l' in words like 'canceled' and 'traveled', and the use of 'se' instead of 'c' in words such as 'defense'. The script also notes the substitution of 'oue' with 'og' in suffixes and the change of 't' to 'ed' in past tense verbs like 'dreamt'. The instructor aims to provide clear insights into these linguistic variations to enhance communication skills.

Takeaways

• 🇬🇧 The word 'behavior' is spelled as 'behaviour' in British English with an added 'u'.
• 🇺🇸 In American English, words like 'color' and 'flavor' drop the 'u', becoming 'colour' and 'flavour' in British English.
• 🔤 The 'our' ending in British English words is replaced with 'or' in American English, e.g., 'honor' becomes 'honour'.
• 🔎 The 'ise' ending in British English verbs like 'realize' is changed to 'ize' in American English, e.g., 'organize'.
• 🎭 The 're' ending in British English words like 'theatre' is replaced with 'er' in American English, e.g., 'theater'.
• ✏️ The double 'll' in British English words like 'cancelled' is simplified to a single 'l' in American English, e.g., 'canceled'.
• 🛡️ The 'c' spelling in British English words like 'defense' is replaced with 's' in American English, e.g., 'defence'.
• 📚 The 'ou' ending in British English words like 'dialogue' is replaced with 'og' in American English, e.g., 'analogue'.
• 🌙 The 't' ending in British English words like 'dreamt' is replaced with 'ed' in American English, e.g., 'dreamed'.
• 📝 These orthographic differences are key distinctions between British and American English spelling conventions.

Q & A

What is the first orthographic difference between British English and American English discussed in the script?

The first orthographic difference is that words ending in 'our' in British English are replaced with 'or' in American English, such as 'behaviour' becoming 'behavior'.

Can you provide an example of a word where 're' is replaced with 'er' in American English compared to British English?

Yes, 'theatre' is spelled as 'theater' in American English, which is an example of 're' being replaced with 'er'.

In the script, which word demonstrates the difference where 'ise' is replaced with 'ize' in American English?

The word 'realise' in British English is spelled as 'realize' in American English, showing the 'ise' to 'ize' change.

What is the orthographic difference when it comes to words with a double 'l' in British English?

In American English, a double 'll' in British English words like 'cancelled' is replaced with a single 'l', becoming 'canceled'.

How does the spelling of 'censer' differ between British and American English according to the script?

In British English, it is spelled 'censer' with an 's', while in American English, it is spelled 'censor' with a 'c'.

What is the change in spelling for words ending with 'ogue' in American English as per the script?

Words ending with 'ogue' in British English, such as 'catalogue', have the 'ue' replaced with 'og' in American English, becoming 'catalog'.

According to the script, how is the past tense of 'dream' spelled differently in American English?

In American English, the past tense of 'dream' is spelled as 'dreamt', whereas it is 'dreamed' in British English.

What are some other words where the 'our' ending in British English is replaced with 'or' in American English as mentioned in the script?

Other words include 'colour' becoming 'color', 'flavour' becoming 'flavor', 'honour' becoming 'honor', and 'glamour' remaining the same but pronounced differently.

Can you name some words where 's' is replaced with 'c' in British English compared to American English as highlighted in the script?

Yes, words like 'defense' in American English are 'defence' in British English, 'license' is 'licence', and 'offense' is 'offence'.

What is the general rule for the orthographic difference between British and American English when it comes to the suffix 'ise'?

The general rule is that 'ise' at the end of words in British English is replaced with 'ize' in American English, as seen in words like 'organise' becoming 'organize'.