English is spoken and learned all over the world. It can be used as a first language, a second language or a foreign language. However, English is not the same everywhere. There are differences in spelling, vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar among the different varieties of English.
In Portugal we are exposed to different varieties of English, especially to British English and American English. TV programmes are all in their original audio form; consequently we have access to people’s real voices. It’s no wonder that Portuguese people have a natural aptitude for learning languages, at least, that’s what we hear....
Young people love listening to music and watching foreign films and series/serials. They learn much vocabulary by doing that. Most films and series are American ones, so American English has a strong influence on them. But there are those who prefer the English pronunciation, they find it so charming and chic ... Spelling is another problem for students because the books we use in the English classes have texts written in American English and in British English.
This year, they have been corresponding with American epals, so they are improving and learning new American English words.
My advices are :
• Use English a lot and don’t get too obsessed with these differences...
• Expose yourself to the English language (the maximum you can) by listening, reading, speaking....
• and HAVE FUN
Now take this quiz - British English and American English
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