Workbook chapter 1
The Role of the English Language in the 21st Century
Text 3
Write down some examples of the use of English in Norwegian. To what extent has English influenced our language? Do you think this is ok? Come up with ideas for and against in pairs. Then discuss in class.
British English and American English are very close, but some
differences have emerged over the centuries. You will find differences in vocabulary,
pronunciation, spelling, grammar and meaning. Let us have a look at some examples
in popular use. Note that they can be found in use on either side of the
British American
colour color
favourite favorite
honour honor
theatre theater
recognise recognize
fibre fiber
chips French fries
autumn fall
single ticket one-way ticket
return ticket round-trip ticket
dustbin garbage can
holiday vacation
cheers, tah thank you
assurance insurance
mind the gap (when e.g. boarding a train) watch your step
aeroplane airplane
chemist’s pharmacy,
drug store
sacked dismissed, fired
old age pensioner(OAP) senior citizen
petrol gas
filling station gas station
bloke, chap boy, fellow
fag cigarette
cheerio good-bye
raver party person
dodgy unreliable
off license liquor store
fortnight two weeks
queue waiting line
trousers pants
wellingtons (wellies) rubber boots
trainers sneakers
posh upper class
twit idiot, jerk
pitch ball field
football soccer
Which ones do you recognize? Do you prefer British English or American English? Tell why!
language for a Youth Magazine. Use the information you find in
your text- and workbook, or try the Internet or the library.
Read about “Writing” in chapter 2, “Practical English”.