Which spelling is correct, "recognise" or "recognize"? What is the difference between "color" and "colour"? Have you ever wondered why there are different versions of a word? Essentially, the differences arise due to the differences in convention between British and American spelling.
Today, I will be listing down some differences between British and American spelling. It is useful for learners of the English language to know the differences. On 6 September 2011, Mr Lee Kuan Yew said at the official opening of the English Language Institute of English (Elis) that there is a need to teach pupils to recognise American English. The growing dominance of the American media means that Singaporeans are increasingly exposed to American English, both in the spoken and written forms.
Currently, pupils are not penalised for using American English in schools and in national examinations, so long as they are consistent.
Some differences between British and American spelling:
(1) -our vs -or
British American
colour color
favourite favorite
honour honor
(2) -re vs -er
British American
centre center
metre meter
theatre theater
(3) -l vs -ll
British American
enrolment enrollment
fulfil fulfill
skilful skillful
(4) -ogue vs -og
British American
catalogue catalog
dialogue dialog
(5) - ck or -k vs -que
British American
cheque check
(6) -ce vs -se
British American
defence defense
licence license
(7) - se vs -ze
British American
analyse analyze
criticise criticize
memorise memorize
organise organize
(8) - e vs - oe or -ae
British American
encyclopaedia encyclopedia
maneuver manoeuvre
I will be posting an entry on some differences between American and British vocabulary at a later date.
~ By Serena's Greenhouse
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