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There
are vast differences in culture between Americans and their
British Commonwealth counterparts throughout the world.
American
English is spoken in the USA, Canada and many Pacific Rim countries
where America has exerted an influence.
British English is spoken throughout the British
Commonwealth of 54 countries, some of the most notable being the
United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, with Canada
being the exception. Although part of the Commonwealth, Canadians tend
to speak a mixture of American and British English due to that country's proximity to the USA
(although they spell the British way).
In
the dictionary section, you will see how many
words differ completely between the two "languages". This is a
virtual "Yank to Limey speak" dictionary - the words are
listed in alphabetical order by American English word. Or visit the search
page to find a specific word or phrase.
The
driving
section examines the differences in driving practices (including an
explanation of why Commonwealth countries drive on the left) while the drinking
and eating sections
explain the very different etiquettes prevalent between the two
cultures.
In
the section labeled other,
you will find all sorts of miscellaneous differences including
measurements, legal driving and drinking ages as well as lifestyle
differences like choice of bedding and even how toilets differ!
The FAQ
(frequently asked questions) covers those often asked questions about
Commonwealthers and Americans. Questions such as why are American's
called Yanks and the English called Limeys, and where does that "bloody"
word come from the English use in every sentence?
Funny
stuff covers various hilarious situations that can occur because of
the differences in language and culture.
Spelling
covers that vast and confusing differences in the ways of spelling the
exact same word.
Pronunciation
covers the differences in the way Americans and Commonwealthers sound
certain words.
Slang
is a new section that covers different slang words in the USA, Britain,
Australia and South Africa.
Finally,
if you want to know who I am and why I know so much about the difference
between American and English culture, go here.
Any
and all feedback is most welcome. If you have any comments at all about
this website, please make them here,
even if all you want to say is cheers!!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Much
of what I say at this site is a GENERALIZATION, OK? Yes, there are and
will be exceptions to some of the things mentioned, as I can hardly take
every nuance of every part of all these countries into consideration.
PLEASE don't go writing me nasty emails about how I am wrong because you
have been to a restaurant in America where the check is never brought
unless asked for first! That would fall under my above mentioned
EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULE!
This website is a tongue in cheek look at the differences in the culture
and is not meant to be a definitive authority on the subject.
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