Abstract

As we all know, English is one of the most widely used languages in the world. As an international language, many countries use English today as their second language and government official language. With the development of the language, English has divided into British English and American English. Between them, there are lots of differences in vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation, which may cause difficulties to English learning and communication. Because of the coexistence of these two kinds of English, it is significant for learners to understand the differences between them. This dissertation analyzes the history factors that caused the differences and illustrates the specific differences in vocabulary between British English and American English. Moreover，it discusses the significances of learning these vocabulary differences in English vocabulary teaching and foreign trade work. Hoping this dissertation can help English learners and users to reduce pragmatic mistakes during communication and working. 

Keywords: British English; American English; differences in

vocabulary

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

1.1 Background introduction1

1.2 Research question.2

2. Causes of the differences Between British English and 

American English.2 

2.1The conservatism of American English .2

2.2 The independent development of American English3

2.3 The absorption of foreign words.5

3. Differences in Vocabulary between British English

and American English6

3.1 The same words with the different meanings7 

 3.2 The different words with the same meaning.8

 3.3 Specific words.9

 3.4 Differences in idiomatic phrases10 

 3.5 Differences in spelling.10

 3.5.1 -gramme and -gram.11

 3.5.2 -qu(e) and -ck11

 3.5.3 -ogue and –og11

 3.5.4 -our and –or.12

 3.5.5 -ence and -ense .12

 3.5.6 -xion and -ction.12

 3.5.7 -ell- and -el-.13

3.5.8 -re and -er13

3.5.9 -ae and -e/-a 14

4. The Significances of Learning the Vocabulary Differences  

  Between British English and American English14

4.1 The significance in English vocabulary teaching .14

4.2 The significance in foreign trade work16

5.Conclusion.17

References 19