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English - The American Way

Herman Melville

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Published in English The American Way: A Fun ESL Guide To Language And Culture In The U S (with Embedded Audio MP3) (English As A Second Language Series)

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English is a global language spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide. However, there are many different dialects and variations of English, each with its unique characteristics. One of the most distinctive dialects is American English, which is spoken in the United States.

American English is a vibrant and dynamic language that has evolved over time to reflect the unique culture and history of the United States. It is a language that is spoken by people from all walks of life, from presidents to farmers. American English is also the language of business, education, and entertainment.

In this article, we will explore the unique characteristics of American English, including its grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and culture. By the end of this article, you will have a solid understanding of how American English is used and spoken in the United States today.

English the American Way: A Fun ESL Guide to Language and Culture in the U.S. (with Embedded Audio & MP3) (English as a Second Language Series)

by Sheila MacKechnie Murtha

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	181253 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	253 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Grammar

American English grammar is generally based on the rules of standard English grammar. However, there are some important differences between American English grammar and British English grammar.

Use of prepositions: Americans tend to use prepositions differently than British people. For example, Americans say "on the weekend" instead of "at the weekend" and "in line" instead of "in the queue."
Use of articles: Americans often use articles differently than British people. For example, Americans say "the hospital" instead of "hospital" and "the police" instead of "police."
Use of pronouns: Americans use pronouns differently than British people. For example, Americans say "you guys" instead of "you all" and "he or she" instead of "he/she."
Use of tenses: Americans use tenses differently than British people. For example, Americans use the present perfect tense more often than British people.

Vocabulary

American English has a vast and diverse vocabulary. Many words that are common in American English are not used in British English, and vice versa.

Nouns: Some common nouns that are used differently in American English and British English include "car" (British: "motor car"),"apartment" (British: "flat"),and "elevator" (British: "lift").
Verbs: Some common verbs that are used differently in American English and British English include "get" (British: "obtain"),"fall" (British: "autumn"),and "mad" (British: "angry").
Adjectives: Some common adjectives that are used differently in American English and British English include "cool" (British: "excellent"),"hot" (British: "spicy"),and "nice" (British: "pleasant").

Pronunciation

American English pronunciation is also distinct from British English pronunciation. Americans tend to speak more quickly and informally than British people. They also use different vowel sounds and stress patterns.

Vowel sounds: Americans pronounce some vowel sounds differently than British people. For example, Americans pronounce the "a" in "cat" as a short "a" sound, while British people pronounce it as a long "a" sound.
Stress patterns: Americans stress different syllables in words than British people. For example, Americans stress the first syllable in the word "computer," while British people stress the second syllable.

Culture

American English is also influenced by the unique culture of the United States. American English is a language that is spoken by people from all walks of life, and it reflects the diversity of American society.

Informal language: Americans tend to use more informal language than British people. They use contractions more often, and they use slang and colloquialisms more freely.
Direct language: Americans tend to be more direct in their speech than British people. They are more likely to say what they mean, even if it is blunt or offensive.
Positive language: Americans tend to use more positive language than British people. They are more likely to use words like "great," "awesome," and "fantastic."

American English is a vibrant and dynamic language that is constantly evolving. It is a language that is spoken by people from all walks of life, and it reflects the diversity of American society. In this article, we have explored the unique characteristics of American English, including its grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and culture. By the end of this article, you should have a solid understanding of how American English is used and spoken in the United States today.

Additional Resources

English the American Way: A Fun ESL Guide to Language and Culture in the U.S. (with Embedded Audio & MP3) (English as a Second Language Series)

by Sheila MacKechnie Murtha

4.5 out of 5