The Different Standard Englishes of the World

English is a global language with various standard forms that are influenced by the historical, cultural and linguistic contexts of different countries and regions. This article is intended to provide a few examples of different standard English varieties from around the world.

If you read the article, The Difference Between American English and British English, you will know that British English serves as the standard form of English in the United Kingdom. It includes various regional accents and dialects, such as Received Pronunciation (RP), which is traditionally associated with educated speakers in England. Over the years, different standards have arisen in different English speaking countries, and it is important for one to be aware of the differences according to which English speaking country one might have in mind when using or learning the language.

American English is the standard form of English used in the United States. It has its own distinct vocabulary, spelling conventions and pronunciation patterns, like the rhotic ‘r’ sound.

Other nations with English as their first language, or one of their first languages, include Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore and South Africa. Read on for a taster of what makes each of these countries’ Englishes unique.

Australia

Australian English and UK English have several differences in terms of pronunciation, vocabulary and spelling:

Pronunciation: Australian English has some unique pronunciation features. For instance, the vowel sounds in words like ‘dance’ and ‘bath’ are pronounced as /æ/ rather than /ɑː/ in UK English. Additionally, the /r/ sound is typically pronounced more prominently in Australian English compared to UK RP English. However, keep in mind that UK English cannot be generalised, as many have a tendency to do. The UK is divided into four countries (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) with vastly different accents and each of those countries has numerous regional dialects and accents.

Vocabulary: There are many differences in vocabulary between Australian and UK English. For example,

• Barbie (barbecue): Australians often use this colloquial term for a cookout, whereas in the UK, ‘barbie’ is less common, except by those well-travelled, and ‘barbecue’ tends to be used instead.
• Thongs (flip-flops): In Australia, ‘thongs’ refer to the footwear known as ‘flip-flops’ in the UK, and a ‘thong’ is an item of a different sort.
• Maccas (McDonald’s): Australians frequently use this shortened form of the fast-food chain’s name, while in the UK, it is more commonly called ‘Maccy D’s’, if it is to be given a nickname.

Spelling: There are a few spelling differences between Australian and UK English. For example,

• Colour (UK) = Color (Australia)
• Realise (UK) = Realize (Australia)

Australian English has been influenced by British English due to historical ties, but it also has distinctive features resulting from its own development and regional influences. Australia is currently working on its own National Dictionary Project.

New Zealand

New Zealand English and Australian English share similarities due to their historical and geographical connections, but they also have some distinct differences. The following are examples of key differences between New Zealand English and Australian English.

Accent and Pronunciation: Both New Zealand English and Australian English have unique accents. However, New Zealand English is known for its distinct vowel sounds, such as the pronunciation of the ‘i’ sound in words like ‘fish’ and ‘chips’ as a central vowel, which is different from the Australian English pronunciation. For more details on vowel pronunciation in English, please see the article on the phonetic alphabet. Additionally, New Zealand English tends to have a more even intonation pattern compared to the rising inflection commonly associated with Australian English.

Vocabulary: While there is some overlap in vocabulary between New Zealand English and Australian English due to shared cultural influences, there are also specific regional terms and expressions in each country. For example,

• Jandals = Flip-flops
• Tramping = Hiking

Spelling and Grammar: Both New Zealand English and Australian English generally follow British spelling conventions. However, there are some variations and preferences unique to each country. For example, while both use -ise spellings for words like ‘organise’, ‘advertise’ and ‘realise’, Australians also tend to use -ize. Additionally, New Zealand English has a higher tolerance for the use of double negatives compared to Australian English.

Slang and Idioms: New Zealand English and Australian English have their own slang terms and idiomatic expressions. Some words and phrases may be specific to each country’s culture and context. For example,

• She’ll be right = everything will be fine
• Chocka = full or crowded

These are general differences, and there can be variations within each country from one region to another, and due to cultural influences.

Canada

Canadian English has similarities to both British and American English. Canada and Britain share their sovereign historically and presently, while, geographically, Canada is part of the American continent. Here are some of the key differences.

Vocabulary: Canadian English incorporates vocabulary from both British and American English. Some examples include,

• Toque (British: beanie, American: knit cap)
• Poutine (a Canadian dish consisting of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy)
• Double-double (a coffee order with two creams and two sugars)
• Runners (British: trainers, American: sneakers)

Spelling: Canadian English generally follows British spelling conventions, although American spellings are also accepted. Because Canada was a part of the British Empire, it decided to retain the UK spelling system rather than to adopt the amended spellings of the United States. Canada is now an independent state within the British Commonwealth. Some examples of their usual spellings reflect the British spelling system:

• Canadian = Centre (American = Center)
• Canadian = Colour (American = Color)
• Canadian = Defence (American = Defense)
• Canadian = Cheque (American = Check)
• Canadian = Catalogue (American = Catalog)

Pronunciation: Canadian English pronunciation is closer to General American English compared to British English. However, there are a few distinct features:

• Canadian raising: The diphthongs /aɪ/ (as in ‘price’) and /aʊ/ (as in ‘house’) are often pronounced with a higher starting point, particularly before voiceless consonants like /p/, /t/, /k/, and /s/. For example, ‘house’ may sound more like ‘hoose’.
• ‘About’ and ‘out’ pronunciations: Some Canadians pronounce these words with a sound similar to the ‘ow’ of English Received Pronunciation (as in ‘how’) rather than the American ‘ow’.

Cultural references: Canadian English may contain terms and cultural references specific to Canada, such as ‘loonie’ (a nickname for the Canadian one-dollar coin), ‘hoser’ (a term for a foolish or unsophisticated person).

As with American and British English, Canadian English varies across different regions within Canada, and there may be further linguistic distinctions within the country.

India

Indian English is a variety of English spoken in India, which has developed its own unique characteristics due to historical and cultural influences over the years. Here are the key features of Indian English.

Vocabulary: Indian English incorporates vocabulary from various Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Bengali and others. It also includes words and expressions specific to Indian culture and context. Some examples include,

• Chai = Tea
• Auto-rickshaw = A three-wheeled vehicle used for transportation
• Namaste = A greeting with folded hands

Pronunciation: Indian English has distinct pronunciation features influenced by its native languages. Some notable differences include:

• Retroflex sounds: Retroflex consonants, where the tip of the tongue curls back, are commonly used in Indian English. For example, the ‘t’ and ‘d’ sounds may have a retroflex quality.
• Vowel sounds: Indian English may have variations in vowel sounds compared to other varieties of English. For example, the vowel in ‘cat’ may sound more like ‘ket’ or ‘kyat’.

Grammar and Syntax: Indian English may exhibit some differences in grammar and syntax compared to other varieties of English. These differences can be influenced by the structures of Indian languages. Some examples include,

• Use of ‘prepone’: used to mean ‘to reschedule to an earlier time’, whereas in other varieties of English, ‘bring forward’ or ‘move up’ are more commonly used.
• Different word order: Indian English may use different word order patterns, influenced by the structure of native Indian languages. For instance, ‘What is your good name?’ instead of ‘What is your name?’

Idiomatic Expressions: Indian English has its own set of idiomatic expressions and phrases that may not be commonly used or understood in other varieties of English. These expressions reflect Indian cultural contexts and linguistic influences. Some examples include,

• Timepass = Engaging in activities to pass the time
• Jugaad = Finding creative solutions to problems
• Out of station = Out of town or Away from home

Indian English can vary across different regions and among different linguistic communities in India. There can be variations in vocabulary, pronunciation and idiomatic expressions depending on the specific region and linguistic background of the speaker.

Singapore

English in Singapore, often referred to as ‘Singlish’, has its own unique characteristics influenced by the various languages spoken in the country, including English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay and Tamil. Here are some of the key differences between the English in Singapore and British English.

Vocabulary: Singapore English incorporates vocabulary from various languages spoken in Singapore. It includes loanwords, phrases and expressions from Malay, Mandarin Chinese, Tamil and other languages. Some examples include,

• Makan = ‘To eat’ in Malay
• Shiok = ‘Great’, ‘Enjoyable’ or ‘Delicious’ in Malay
• Kiasu = ‘A fear of missing out’ or ‘Being overly competitive’ in Hokkien dialect
• Ang moh = A term used to refer to Caucasians

Pronunciation: Singapore English has distinct pronunciation features influenced by the various languages spoken in Singapore. Some notable differences include,

• Consonant sounds: Certain consonant sounds may be pronounced differently, such as the ‘th’ sound, which may be pronounced as /d/ or /t/ in certain contexts.
• Tone and intonation: Singapore English often features tonal variations and specific intonation patterns influenced by Chinese and Malay languages.

Grammar and Syntax: Singapore English may exhibit some differences in grammar and syntax compared to British English. These differences can be influenced by the structure of other languages spoken in Singapore. For example,

• Omission of the verb ‘to be’: In Singapore English, the verb ‘to be’ is often omitted in certain contexts, such as saying “You late” instead of “You are late”.
• Use of reduplication: Singapore English uses reduplication for emphasis or to indicate repetition, such as ‘can-can’ instead of ‘can’ or ‘cannot’.
• Singlish features: Singlish refers to the colloquial and informal form of English spoken in Singapore. It includes unique sentence structures, particle usage and syntax.

While Singlish is widely spoken in informal settings, standard English is also used in formal contexts, such as education, business and government. The use of Singlish is more prevalent in casual conversations among friends and family.

South Africa

South African English has been influenced by British English, but is also affected by the Dutch historical linguistic influences on the country. Not only English, but Afrikaans is spoken there as one of the primary languages. Therefore, South African English has its own unique characteristics. The following are some of the key differences.

Vocabulary: South African English incorporates vocabulary from British English, but it also includes words and expressions influenced by various South African languages and cultural contexts. For example,

• Robot = Traffic light
• Bakkie = Small truck
• Lekker = ‘Nice’ or ‘Good’ in Afrikaans, but widely used in South African English

Pronunciation: South African English has distinct pronunciation features. Some notable differences include,

• The /r/ sound: South Africans often pronounce the /r/ sound with a guttural or rolled ‘r’, which is similar to the pronunciation in Afrikaans.
• Vowel sounds: South African English has unique vowel sounds influenced by Afrikaans. For example, the vowel in ‘trap’ is pronounced more like ‘treep’.

Spelling: As with Canadian English, South African English generally follows British spelling conventions due to its past connections with the former British Empire. The following spellings, changed in the US, observe British spelling,

• South African = Centre
• South African = Analyse
• South African = Sulphur

Idiomatic Expressions: South African English has its own set of idiomatic expressions and slang. These expressions may not be commonly used or understood in other varieties of English. For example,

• Howzit? = A casual greeting, similar to “How are you?”
• Eish! = An expression of surprise, disbelief, or resignation
• Just now = An expression that means ‘in the near future’ or ‘soon’

South African English can vary across different regions and among different language communities in the country, such as English spoken by speakers of Afrikaans or Zulu.

Conclusion

These are just a few examples of world Englishes, and there are many more variations of English spoken worldwide including Caribbean English, Nigerian English and the Englishes that are spoken in remote regions such as Malta, Bermuda and many others. Each variety has its own linguistic characteristics and reflects the cultural and historical contexts of the region in which it is spoken.

None of the differences described here are set in stone. Languages evolve continually and not every nation with English as one of its first languages has a published official dictionary to guide their spelling. Politics change over the years and countries fall in and out of favour with each other; these changes and the desire for self-expression also affect decisions different countries make about their spelling systems. However, some countries, such as the United States and Great Britain, have established a dictionary of spelling norms to represent an official standard English; this avoids confusion in governments, schools and work places.

Because the world is a very small place these days, and many of us communicate with inhabitants of other countries around the globe, either socially or for our work, words and expressions that originated in one country are frequently adopted by natives of another. Thus, it is not unlikely that you may hear a Brit using an expression that originated in New Zealand, or other possible combinations!

If you have any comments, please do add them below.

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