English is the most widely spoken language in the world. It is estimated that one and a half to two billion people across the planet speak English as either their first or second language. International recognition of English has made it a world language. Because English is so widespread, different varieties of the language have emerged in different parts of the world. The three major varieties are American, British, and Australian English. American and Australian English arose from British English, but the three varieties now differ in accent, spelling, and vocabulary, as well as other aspects.
The most obvious distinction between American, British, and Australian English is the accent, or pronunciation. There are quite a few differences that are easy to spot. For example, for words ending in the letter r, American English tends to pronounce a clear r sound, whereas British and Australian English typically drop the r sound. So the word “order” is pronounced or-der in American English and aw-duh in British and Australian English.
In addition to accent, spelling is different between American, British, and Australian English. British and Australian English words are usually spelled the same, but some American English words have one less letter. For example, American English doesn’t have the letter u in words like “colour” and “favourite.” These words are instead spelled “color” and “favorite.” In addition, American English uses a different letter order for some words. Compare “center” in American English and “centre” in British English. Another example is “theater” in American English and “theatre” in British English.
What may be most frustrating for English learners are vocabulary differences between the three varieties. Even native speakers of English get confused sometimes when they are talking to each other. For example, where people in the United States use the word “candy,” the British say “sweets,” and Australians say “lollies,” even though they are all talking about the same thing! And where would you go to fill up your car? Americans go to a gas station, while British and Australian drivers instead go to a petrol station. “Petrol” and “gas” both refer to fuel.
What if you use American English in Britain or Australia, or vice versa? Will people be able to understand you? Most of the time, yes. But you have to be careful not to cause any misunderstanding. For instance, what Australians and British people call “biscuits” are called cookies in the United States. Both are foods, but a biscuit in the United States is a fluffy, savory bread-like food often served with butter and not a sweet treat!
