Types
- Home
- Types
Types of the English language
English is the most spoken language in the world. I’m sure you know that. But did you know that there are several types of English. Yes. There are seven major types of English across the globe
American English
American English is the most widely spoken language in the United States. However, it has become the most influential variety of English around the world. Let’s see some of its most prominent features. The North American English variety is spoken mainly in the United States and in Canada. Since so many movies and television shows are produced here, many around the world know the “American accent” well. But in reality, there are several regional varieties and accents of North American English. Some United States accents include the lack of hard T sounds in words like “butter” and “water,” and it sounds like “budder” and “wadder.” The American accent is also known for its full pronunciation of /r/ sounds, in words like “water” and “river.”
British English
UK English refers to the dialect of English that is spoken and written in the United Kingdom. UK English is the preferred variant in most European countries as well as in English-speaking countries in Africa and South Asia (i.e. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh). However, regional accents and dialects differ greatly even within the United Kingdom – for example, an Irish person sounds quite different from someone from the North of England. For many of us, when we think of UK English we think of ‘the Queen’s English’. The Queen’s accent is known as ‘Received Pronunciation’ and is actually only used by 2% of the population.
Difference between American English and British English
The British actually introduced the language to the Americas when they reached these lands by sea between the 16th and 17th centuries. At that time, spelling had not yet been standardised. It took the writing of the first dictionaries to set in stone how these words appeared. In the UK, the dictionary was compiled by London-based scholars. Meanwhile, in the United States, the lexicographer was a man named Noah Webster. Allegedly, he changed how the words were spelled to make the American version different from the British as a way of showing cultural independence from its mother country. In terms of speech, the differences between American and British English actually took place after the first settlers arrived in America. These groups of people spoke using what was called rhotic speech, where the ‘r’ sounds of words are pronounced. Meanwhile, the higher classes in the UK wanted to distinguish the way they spoke from the common masses by softening their pronunciation of the ‘r’ sounds. The differences are mainly in the spellings, vocabulary and Grammer.
Australian English
Australian English is the kind of English spoken in Argentina. No, that’s not true. I’m just being silly. In the 18th century, people from Britain and Ireland moved to this huge island, bringing with them different dialects and accents. Australian English is the result of this mix of different varieties. It is becoming one of the more popular versions of English as people from nearby countries like China and South Korea move to Australia to study it. One of the fastest ways to sound Australian is to use long vowel sounds. Australians like to abbreviate everything. Let’s look at some words you’re likely to come across in Australia and nowhere else: Bogan (an unsophisticated person), Mozzie (mosquito), Whinge (whine), Servo (gas station)
New Zealand English
Also known as the Kiwi accent, New Zealand English is one of the more neutral versions of English out there. While distinctly different from British English, many ESL students who are used to Received Pronunciation don’t have a problem with the Kiwi accent. Just like its neighbour Australia, Kiwi English is filled with a lot of slang phrases that you probably won’t find in many English speaking countries outside of Oceania. Let’s look at some words you’re likely to come across in New Zealand and nowhere else: Jandals (flip flops), Chilly bin (a cooler used to keep your drinks cold), Sweet as (an expression meaning no problem; alright), Hardout – very hot today!”)
Irish English
As its name indicates, Irish English is spoken by the people of the Republic of Ireland and the British region of Northern Ireland. One of the most recognizable features of Irish English is that the “th” sound (like in thousand) is pronounced with a “t” or a “d.” Let’s look at some words you’re likely to come across in Ireland and nowhere else: Shebeen (bar/pub), Craic literally means crack, Gob – mouth Eejit – idiot.
Scottish English
Scottish English is spoken in Scotland, which is part of the United Kingdom, but something of a world onto itself. Scottish English is notorious because it’s often very hard to understand for non-Scottish people. Many Scottish speakers like to throw in Scots words, which are unique only to Scotland. That’s why even some native speakers can have trouble with a thick Scottish accent. Let’s look at some words you’re likely to come across in Scotland and nowhere else: Braw – great; awesome; fantastic, Tidy – a positive description similar to beautiful; stunning; lovely, Balloon – someone annoying or dim-witted, Bucket – trash can.
South African English
There are at least 35 languages spoken in South Africa. Eleven of these are recognised by the South African constitution as official. One of these is English. The South African English accent is often confused with Australian or New Zealand English. They’re indeed similar. For example, “bed” might sound like “bid” because the vowel /I/ is not as “wide” as it is in other varieties like British English. Also, unlike in British English, South Africans pronounce their consonants clearly and glottal stops are not so common. South African English has its unique vocabulary, like “veld” (field), “just now” (meaning “in a little while”), and “robot,” a word South Africans use to refer to traffic lights – not to talk about machines that can wash dishes for you.
Indian English
The English language was first introduced in India by the British during the colonial period. It then became the language of higher education. Today, English is still a key language in this huge country. Indian English borrows many words from local languages such as “biryani” (a type of Indian dish), “kurta” (a type of shirt), “curry” and “karma.” Indian English speakers also like to invent new words. Some examples include: To prepone – the opposite of “postpone”, A lunch home – a small restaurant, A speed breaker – a speed bump, To pass out – “to graduate,” not “to faint”, Till date – meaning “up to present day”. Indian English has unique grammar features too! Here are 3 of these.
- Reduplication
To emphasise the scale or size of something, Indian English speakers double the adjective. For example:
- big-big problems
- tall-tall guy
- little-little house
- Itself/only
Indians often use “itself” and “only” to emphasise time and place. For example:
- “I’m in London only”
- “Can we meet today itself?”
- Yes/no questions
In Indian English, it’s common to hear yes/no questions starting with a subject rather than an auxiliary verb. Like this:
- “You will come?”
- “She likes you?”
- “They are here?”