Do YOU speak BRITISH or AMERICAN English? 🇬🇧🇺🇸

Summary

This video explores the differences between American and British English, focusing on vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. Hosted by a British speaker and featuring an American guest, Camille, they discuss various terms and their usage in both dialects, offer pronunciation examples, and highlight grammatical nuances. The video also promotes the 'Pronounce' app for practicing English proficiency through live conversations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The primary difference between American and British English is the vocabulary used, with different words referring to the same objects.
• 🍟 In the UK, 'chips' refer to what Americans call 'fries', while 'crisps' are similar to what Americans might call 'chips'.
• 🗑️ 'Rubbish' or 'rubbish bin' are used in British English for the container Americans call 'garbage can'.
• 🏖️ British English uses 'holiday' for vacations, while Americans use 'vacation', and 'holiday' in the US also refers to national holidays like Christmas.
• 🚚 In the UK, 'truck' is known as 'Lorry', which might be confusing for some non-native speakers.
• 🍪 British English distinguishes between 'biscuits' (like digestives) and 'cookies' (with chocolate chips), unlike American English.
• 🔦 'Flashlight' is an American term, while in the UK and other English-speaking countries, it's called a 'torch'.
• 👶 'Pacifier' in American English is referred to as a 'dummy' in British English.
• 👖 'Pants' in British English means underwear, so 'trousers' is used to refer to clothing worn on the legs, unlike the broader use in American English.
• 🛗 'Elevator' is the American term for what is called a 'lift' in British English.
• 📚 Differences in pronunciation between American and British English include the omission of the 'r' sound in certain positions in British English and the pronunciation of the letter 'T'.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to explore the differences between American English and British English in terms of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

Who is the American guest featured in the video?

The American guest featured in the video is Camille, an online English teacher originally from Michigan, currently living in Portugal with her family.

What are some examples of vocabulary differences between American and British English discussed in the video?

Examples of vocabulary differences discussed include 'chips' vs. 'crisps', 'garbage can' vs. 'rubbish bin', 'vacation' vs. 'holiday', 'truck' vs. 'lorry', 'cookie' vs. 'biscuit', 'flashlight' vs. 'torch', 'stroller' vs. 'push chair/pram', 'pacifier' vs. 'dummy', 'pants' vs. 'trousers', and 'elevator' vs. 'lift'.

What is the significance of the word 'chips' in British English compared to American English?

In British English, 'chips' refer to what Americans call 'crisps', which are thin slices of potato that are fried or baked. In American English, 'chips' are thick-cut fried potatoes, also known as 'fries' in British English.

How does the pronunciation of the letter 'R' differ between American and British English?

The pronunciation of the letter 'R' in American English is generally more pronounced, especially when it appears at the end of words or in the middle of words after a vowel. In British English, the 'R' sound is often omitted in these positions.

What is the difference in pronunciation of the letter 'T' between American and British English?

In British English, the letter 'T' is always pronounced as a clear 'T' sound. In American English, the 'T' sound can be softened to a 'D' sound when it appears between two vowels or between a vowel and an 'R'.

How does the word 'holiday' differ in usage between American and British English?

In British English, 'holiday' refers to a vacation or a trip, whereas in American English, 'holiday' is used to refer to national holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving.

What is the difference in the usage of the word 'get' between American and British English?

In British English, 'get' is conjugated as 'get' for the base form, 'got' for the past simple, and 'got' again for the past participle. In American English, the past participle is 'gotten' instead of 'got'.

What is the service 'Pronounce' mentioned in the video, and how does it help English learners?

Pronounce is a service that allows users to record their voice during live calls, providing AI feedback on pronunciation, fluency, and word choice. It offers post-call reports highlighting strengths and areas for improvement, helping learners practice English in genuine everyday scenarios with native speakers of various accents.

How does the video address the difference in grammar between American and British English?

The video highlights the tendency for British English to favor the present perfect tense when discussing past actions with a connection to the present, while American English often uses the past simple tense. It also discusses differences in preposition usage, such as 'at the weekend' in British English versus 'on the weekend' in American English.

What is the main takeaway from the video regarding the use of American and British English?

The main takeaway is that while there are differences between American and British English, the most important aspect is effective communication. Understanding these differences can help avoid confusion and improve clarity in conversations.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 Exploring American and British English Differences

This paragraph introduces the video's focus on the differences between American and British English. The host is joined by an American guest, Camille, who helps illustrate these differences through vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. They discuss common terms like 'chips' and 'fries', 'rubbish' and 'garbage', and 'holiday' and 'vacation', highlighting how these words vary between the two dialects. The segment also introduces a challenge where viewers are asked to identify which English dialect they typically use based on certain words.

05:02

📚 Vocabulary and Pronunciation Challenges

In this paragraph, the video script delves deeper into the vocabulary differences between American and British English, using examples like 'cookie' and 'biscuit', 'flashlight' and 'torch', 'stroller' and 'pram', 'pacifier' and 'dummy', and 'pants' and 'trousers'. The host and Camille also discuss the pronunciation of certain words, emphasizing how the letter 'r' is often dropped in British English in certain positions, and how the letter 't' is pronounced differently in American English. Additionally, the script introduces an app called 'pronounce' that helps users practice their English proficiency through live conversations with native speakers.

10:03

🗣️ Pronunciation and Grammar Distinctions

The final paragraph of the script focuses on pronunciation and grammar differences between American and British English. It covers the pronunciation of the letter 'r' and how it is often dropped in British English, especially in the middle or at the end of words. The script also discusses the pronunciation of the letter 't', which is typically a soft 'd' in American English when between vowels. Stress patterns in words, often influenced by their French origins, are noted, with British English tending to stress the first syllable and American English the second. Grammar differences, such as the use of the present perfect tense in British English versus the past simple tense in American English, are also highlighted. The paragraph concludes with a reminder that understanding these differences can enhance communication in both dialects.

Keywords

💡British English

British English refers to the variety of English language spoken in the United Kingdom. It is one of the many dialects of English and has distinct vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar rules that set it apart from other English dialects, such as American English. In the video, British English is contrasted with American English to highlight the differences in vocabulary, such as calling 'chips' in the UK what is known as 'fries' in the US.

💡American English

American English is the variant of the English language used in the United States. It has its own set of vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammatical structures that differentiate it from other English dialects like British English. The video script discusses the differences between American and British English, particularly in terms of vocabulary choices, such as 'fries' in the US versus 'chips' in the UK.

💡Vocabulary

Vocabulary refers to the set of words known to a person or used in a language. The script emphasizes the differences in vocabulary between American and British English, using examples like 'chips' versus 'fries' and 'cookie' versus 'biscuit' to illustrate the variations in word choice for the same objects or concepts.

💡Pronunciation

Pronunciation is the way in which words are articulated when speaking. The video script discusses the differences in pronunciation between American and British English, particularly focusing on the treatment of the letter 'r' and the letter 't' in various positions within words, which is crucial for understanding the distinct sounds of each dialect.

💡Grammar

Grammar refers to the set of structural rules governing the composition of sentences, phrases, and words in a language. The script touches on grammatical differences between American and British English, such as the use of the present perfect tense versus the past simple tense and the use of prepositions in different contexts.

💡Crisps

In British English, 'crisps' refers to thin slices of potato that have been deep-fried until crisp, often served as a snack. The script uses 'crisps' as an example of a British term for what Americans call 'chips,' highlighting the difference in vocabulary for the same food item.

💡Fries

Fries, in American English, are the equivalent of 'crisps' in British English, referring to the same type of fried potato slices. The script points out this difference to illustrate the variation in food-related vocabulary between the two dialects.

💡Holiday

'Holiday' in British English typically refers to a vacation or a period of leisure, especially when traveling. The script notes that Americans may use 'holiday' to refer to national holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving, whereas in the UK, 'holiday' is more commonly associated with leisure travel.

💡Vacation

In American English, 'vacation' is the term used to describe a period of time spent on holiday or leisure travel. The script mentions that while 'vacation' is less common in the UK, it is the preferred term in the US for describing time off from work for rest or travel.

💡Truck

'Truck' is the American English term for a large, heavy motor vehicle for transporting goods or troops. The script indicates that in British English, this vehicle is referred to as a 'lorry,' showcasing another example of lexical differences between the dialects.

💡Lorry

In British English, a 'lorry' is a large vehicle used for transporting goods or troops, which is known as a 'truck' in American English. The script uses 'lorry' to demonstrate the different vocabulary used for the same vehicle in the two dialects.

💡Push Chair

A 'push chair' is a term that can be used in British English to refer to a device used to transport babies or small children, commonly known as a 'stroller' or 'pram.' The script mentions 'push chair' as an alternative term that reflects the variations in naming everyday objects between the dialects.

💡Pants

In British English, 'pants' refers to underwear, whereas in American English, 'pants' are outer garments worn on the legs, similar to 'trousers' in British English. The script cautions that using 'pants' in the UK could lead to confusion due to this difference in meaning.

💡Trousers

Trousers in British English are the outer garments covering the legs, similar to what Americans call 'pants.' The script points out the importance of using 'trousers' in the UK to avoid confusion with the American English meaning of 'pants' as underwear.

💡Elevator

An 'elevator' is a platform or compartment housed in a shaft for lifting and lowering people or things to different floors or levels in a building. The script notes that while Americans use 'elevator,' British English speakers often say 'lift,' indicating another lexical difference.

💡Lift

'Lift' in British English is the term for a device that transports people or goods between floors in a building, which is known as an 'elevator' in American English. The script uses 'lift' to illustrate the difference in terminology for the same object in the two dialects.

Highlights

Introduction to the differences between American and British English in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

Vocabulary differences highlighted with examples like 'chips' in British English and 'fries' in American English.

The challenge to identify common objects with American and British English terms.

Explanation of the term 'crisps' being used in the UK instead of 'chips'.

British use of 'rubbish' versus American 'garbage', including the influence of US media on British understanding.

Differences in the term 'holiday' versus 'vacation' and their respective uses in the US and UK.

The distinction between 'truck' and 'lorry' and pronunciation challenges for non-native speakers.

British English preference for 'biscuit' over 'cookie', with a description of the differences.

Pronunciation differences, starting with the letter 'R' and its variations.

The unique British dropping of the 'R' sound in certain positions within words.

American English pronunciation of 'T' as a soft 'D' between vowels or followed by 'R'.

British and American pronunciation differences in words ending with 'T'.

Stress patterns in words of French origin, with different stress in British and American English.

Grammar differences, such as the use of present perfect tense in British English versus past simple in American English.

Confusion with preposition usage, like 'at the weekend' in British English versus 'on the weekend' in American English.

Explanation of the unique American English verb conjugation for 'get' with 'gotten'.

Pronounce app introduction for English proficiency feedback during live calls.

Encouragement to practice English with native speakers of various accents using the Pronounce app.

Final thoughts on the importance of communication over strict adherence to one form of English.

Transcripts

daughter daughter

what try this one water water oh no no

no no no um bottle bottle oh God okay no

never mind um let's try something

different shall we let's try a full

sentence she bought her daughter a

bottle of water she bought her daughter

a bottle of

water hey do you speak British English

or American English not sure well don't

worry because in this video we're going

to dive into the differences between

them looking at grammar vocabulary and

pronunciation and in order to help me

with this video I've got a special

American guest please introduce yourself

hi my name is Camille I was born in

Michigan in the the United States but

I'm currently in Portugal I am married I

have three beautiful children and I'm an

online English teacher cheers camil so

firstly the main difference between

American and British English is the

vocabulary that we use as you may have

noticed we often use different words to

refer to the same thing here's a perfect

example what would you call

these oh really well in British English

we would call them chips maybe you've

heard of our national dish fish and

chips don't eat it I wouldn't recommend

that you eat it but it's our national

dish so you have to respect it okay so

fish and chips and in the USA they would

call these fries see very different

indeed now to make this interesting

we're going to turn this into a little

challenge to find out which words you

normally use American or British so each

time there will be an image on the

screen and you will have a few seconds

to shout out what you would normally

call it in English after Camille will

tell us what she would normally call it

in her form of English and of course I

will then tell you what it is in British

English anyway are you ready camil I am

ready let's

go chips so in the UK we would cool

these crisps it's a little bit hard to

pronounce crisps got a lot of crisping

crisps so I think that's why a lot of

people prefer to say chips they take the

US version because the British version

is a little bit hard to say now the

tricky thing is that if you're in the UK

and you ask someone if you use the

American version of this word you say

chips they will give you hot potato

chips like we saw in the other example

or fries in the US so for us chips are

hot potatoes and crisps are the ones

that you find in a

packet

garbage or garbage can I kind of like

rubbish for this one it would be rubbish

or rubbish bin rubbish rubbish bin now

if you were to use the word garbage or

garbage can I think 99% of people would

understand you um because there's so

many TV series and films from the US

that we watch on Netflix there's so much

influence with media from the US that

most British people understand what

garbage is so there wouldn't be any

confusion so don't worry you can use

both vacation you know that since I'm in

Europe and around so many people I

started saying holiday as well under the

influence that's how bad it's sound like

I'm drinking holiday holiday I'm going

on holiday so for us a holiday is

basically somewhere you travel to like

when you go to the beach you go on

holiday right I'm going on holiday to

Spain or I'm going on a holiday to the

mountains the Alps in France I think the

only confusion might be for people in

the US is that they use the word holiday

to refer to national holidays like

Christmas Easter Thanksgiving which we

don't have in the UK right don't forget

that we don't have Thanksgiving okay

that's a Us holiday so that would be the

only confusion for them some people

might say vacation in the UK but it's

quite rare normally we say I'm going on

holiday

truck there's a truck going by right now

yes

Lori Lori Lori is the name of a girl in

American English I don't know about

British English but we use it so this

one might be a little bit tricky for

some people from certain countries to

say I remember a lot of my students from

Japan had some difficulty with the L and

the r sound so if you're from some

countries in Asia it might be a little

bit easier to use the American version

of this this word use truck but in the

UK we say

Lori

cookie biscuit this is a biscuit yeah

when I hear biscuit I think of like dog

biscuits don't give me any of those we

do have cookies I think for us cookies

are the biscuits with chocolate chips so

they look a bit similar but they have

the chocolate chips in them whereas

biscuits for us normally are like

digestives or um they just don't have

that same look as a cookie so we have

cookies in the UK but we consider them

to be different things so biscuits and

cookies are different up if you check

out the photos here you can hopefully

see the difference between

them

flashlight torch I've never heard anyone

in the UK say flashlight so definitely

use torch if you're in Wales Scotland

England Northern Ireland maybe even in

Australia as well I think they just say

torch Canada and the US I think they use

flashlight so torch this is a

torch stroller push chair or pram yeah

pram feels like really sophisticated I

suppose pram is a little bit

oldfashioned nowadays most people say

push chair really but you could use

both

pacifier

dummy dummy is not a very nice thing to

call somebody means they're stupid so

that one's a pretty funny one I know I

know I suppose in the US if you say

you're a dummy it means you're an idiot

or you're stupid but we don't really use

that in the UK we don't say you're a

dummy it sounds a bit weird sounds a

very American so we would just say

you're an idiot so you can use dummy for

the object that you put in a baby's

mouth to make them stop

crying pants trousers again you have to

be really careful with this one in the

UK because in British English pants are

underwear so if you're talking about

pants like oh your pants are so nice I

like your pants it sounds weird it

sounds like you're talking about that

underwear so in the UK we say trousers

or maybe jeans but normally trousers so

be careful don't say pants unless you

want to refer to

underwear elevator lift we do say like

can you give me a lift meaning can you

bring me somewhere but yeah we say

elevator for the thing that goes up and

down yeah that's true also in the UK you

can say to someone can you give me a

lift meaning can you take me somewhere

can you give me a ride but we also use

it for the thing that goes up and helps

you to get to a floor that's very high

up I don't know like the 13th floor or

the 100 Floor whatever it could be so we

say I'm going to get the

lift of course there are many many more

examples of words that are different in

British English and American English but

we need to move on and look at

pronunciation but just before we do that

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free now let's jump into the differences

between British and American

pronunciation the letter R is quite a

good place to start when the letter R is

at the beginning or in the middle of a

word there's little to no difference

between the way that Brits and Americans

say it listen to myself and Camille say

these four words rain rain brain brain

berry berry spring spring but when do

you britz drop the r well if the r is in

the middle position in a one syllable

word and after a vowel we tend to omit

the r sound we also don't tend to

pronounce the r word if it's at the end

of a word yeah in American English we

don't do that we pronounce the r in

these cases Barn teacher let's have a

listen again Camille will say them first

and then I will say them after learn

learn father father work work germ germ

turn turn Harbor Harbor let's now have a

look at the letter T in standard British

English the letter T is always

pronounced as T this could be at the

beginning of a word like television in

the middle of a word like aain or at the

end of a word like cut however here in

the US we usually change the T to a soft

D when it's between two vowels

Saturday or between a vowel and an R

like party listen carefully to these

other examples with a soft d in American

English and a standard T in British

English better better water water matter

matter pretty pretty city city hotter

hotter and finally the letter T is

sometimes dropped by Americans when it

comes after the letter N for example in

British English we would say Center

interview inter internet in American

English Center interview internet now

let's talk about stress yes even the

stress in words can be different between

American English and British English

there is a tendency for lone words often

from French to be stressed on the first

syllable by Brits whereas Americans put

the stress on the second syllable for

example adult adult ballet ballet

brochure brochure garage garage vaccine

vaccine buffet buffet detail detail and

finally grammar time in British English

the present perfect tense is often

favored when talking about actions or

events in the past but have a connection

with the present in contrast American

English tends to use the past simple

tense more frequently for such

situations for example in the US we

would normally say I ate way too much

food and in the UK we would say I have

eaten way too much food American English

I went to the store British English I

have been to the shop now another slight

difference with grammar that confuses a

lot of students is the usage of

prepositions if we talk about the

weekend in the UK we would say I'm going

to a party at the weekend that's

interesting because in American English

we would say I'm going to a party on the

weekend for example we would say I work

Monday to Friday how would you say in

the US camil I work Monday through

Friday oh yeah one final thing the verb

get in the UK we conjugate this verb as

get for the base form got for the past

simple and got again for the past

participle and in the US we would

conjugate it as get got gotten okay so

that's everything for this video I hope

you have a better understanding about

the differences between American English

and British English and remember whether

you use British English or American

English most people will still

understand you it's all about

communicating and expressing yourself if

you want to continue practicing your

English check out this video click this

video click it go don't forget to smash

the like button and I'll see you next

time