English vs. local English – wrong, ignorant or careless?
“When hungry, I eat french fries instead of potato chips or cookies.”
“When peckish, I eat chips instead of crisps or biscuit.”
These 2 English sentences have the same exact meaning but look and sound quite different. (Note: the word ‘quite’. See chart below)
Modern English is a widely spoken global language that is the official tongue in many different countries in the world. Regardless of where it is used, the fundamentals of the language are the same. However, there are some notable differences in spelling, meaning and word choice. Those are the telltale signs of which country English is being used.
Table below shows some of the blatant variations of the English language used in 3 countries on 3 different continents.
| England | Australia | USA | |
| Spelling | Colour
Pyjamas Omlette Axe Acknowledgement Pretence Kilometre Apologise Cancelled Archaeology Plough Sceptic (sceptical) |
Colour
Pyjamas Omlette Axe Acknowledgement Pretence Kilometre Apologise Cancelled Archaeology Plough Sceptical (skeptical) |
Color
Pajamas Omlete Ax Acknowledgment Pretense Kilometer Apologize Canceled Archeology Plow Skeptic (skeptical) |
| Same meaning different words | Angry
Lavatory Drunk Pavement Cooker Car park Aeroplane Biscuit Lift Petrol Note (£) |
Berko
Loo Pissed (slang) Footpath Stove Car park Aeroplane Bickie Lift Petrol Dollar note |
Upset
Toilet Wasted (slang) Sidewalk Stove Parking lot Airplane Cookie Elevator Gas Dollar bill ($) |
| Same sounding word, slightly different spelling and meaning
|
Kerb- edging to a pavement
Curb- to restrict Tyre – rubber covering of a wheel Tire – becoming weary Shorts – short trousers Quite – somewhat |
Kerb – edging to a pavement
Tyre – rubber covering of a wheel Shorts –short trousers Quite – absolutely |
Curb – edging of a sidewalk AND to restrict
Tire – rubber part of a wheel AND becoming weary Shorts – underwear AND short trousers Quite – very |
Fun Fact:
Both British & Australians pronounce the letter ‘Z’ as ‘zed’ — U.S. ‘Z’ is pronounced as ‘zee’. In the early 1970’s when a global phenomenon ‘Sesame Street’ appeared on Australian TV, the letter ‘Z’ was the most obvious language difference. It was also full of ‘mispronunciations’ of words for all Australian & British English speakers.
Based on these linguistic variances & cultural nuances, the communicator stands out as different – if they are from the same country, do they know they made mistakes? If they are from a different country, do they care to correct the spelling?
Out of respect to target markets’ English version & culture, it is advisable to use market specific vocabulary and country specific spelling. Adaptation of an English copy intended for another English speaking country is always recommended.
Branded Translations
