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What I found interesting is the difference between American English and British English is written from the beginning. Noah Webster allegedly changed the British lexicon on purpose as he was part of the new generation of Americans who wanted to break away from British influence. As such, this is the reason why our words are spelled differently from the UK. Terms of speech, however, is based on class in both the UK and the United States. Higher classes have access to higher education and are the trendsetters for the rest of society. 'RP' or 'Received Pronunciation' also known as 'Queen's English.' Considered the pinnacle language for England, it represented elitism, power, and royalty. The RP language was the only language broadcasted by the BBC, which was enforced and permeated the stereotype of the British language most outsiders still believe to this day. I believe by believing these stereotypes and sort of abiding by them, people miss the subtle nuances between British and American English. Americans, also had the same history of the upper class having more 'posh' accents and ability to use words with better pronunciation, although, this of course with a different accent and lexicon. See 'Transatlantic Accent' and you will see what I mean about their having some bumps in the road to getting the American accent we know today. The biggest difference between British and American English is the accent, of course, but the vocabulary. Spelling and Pronunciation are a part of the differences, but spelling is very minor as the only visible changes are adding an 'e' or a 'u' to the end or middle of a word. Pronunciation, and learning to differentiate can be a bit more difficult, as both countries have vast lands and different regions, all with their own accents. Subtle differences are pronunciation, spelling, and formal speech between British and American English. Vocabulary is where most people have difficulty when trying to navigate both worlds. Add new slang every year and you have a recipe for disaster! While it may seem a little daunting, what I find that helps with the difference in words for the same object is using your other senses. Pointing at the object in question, or gesturing, for me is one of the fastest ways of catching onto what object that word goes to. It can help make people understand, regardless of what language they are speaking or what accent. I try to not be too daunted by how different, or alike, British and American English is. We did stem from the same country after all. And although modern-day Brits are in the same country, even they have evolved from the stereotype that was perpetuated by the country. The BBC has since stopped broadcasting just the 'Queens English' for more diverse accents from across England. Americans have spread out across the country and diversified with many accents of their own while still maintaining English roots with grammar, speech, spelling, and even using the same words for the same things! It's always fun to have that diversity while maintaining your own identity and the country's identity as a representative. It's important to remember all these parts of speech while you navigate media and information from both countries. Sources:https://www.britishcouncilfoundation.id/en/english/articles/british-and-american-english
